Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress, author, and activist renowned for her remarkable talent and inspiring advocacy work. Born on March 1, 1983, in Mexico City, Lupita grew up in Kenya after her family returned there when she was a child. She first captured global attention with her breakthrough role in 12 Years a Slave (2013), which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first African actress to win the honor. Lupita has since become a prominent figure in Hollywood, starring in films like Black Panther (2018), Us (2019), and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015).
Beyond her acting, Lupita is a passionate advocate for various social causes, including wildlife conservation and women’s health. Fluent in Swahili, Spanish, and Luo, she uses her platform to support global initiatives, particularly those focused on empowering marginalized communities. In addition to her activism, Lupita is also an author, with her critically acclaimed children’s book Sulwe addressing important themes like colorism and self-esteem. With her combination of talent, compassion, and advocacy, Lupita Nyong’o has become a role model for many around the world.
Who is Lupita Nyong?
Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress, filmmaker, and author who has gained international recognition for her exceptional performances in both film and theater. Born on March 1, 1983, in Mexico City, Mexico, she grew up in Kenya after her family moved back to their home country when she was a child. Lupita is fluent in several languages, including Swahili, Spanish, and Luo, reflecting her multicultural upbringing.
She made a major breakthrough in Hollywood with her portrayal of Patsey in 12 Years a Slave (2013), a role that earned her widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She became the first African actress to win this prestigious honor. Nyong’o has since starred in high-profile films such as Black Panther (2018), where she played Nakia, and Us (2019), a psychological horror film directed by Jordan Peele.
Beyond acting, Lupita is also a passionate advocate for social causes, particularly in areas of wildlife conservation, women’s health, and mental health awareness. She is a prominent voice for the protection of elephants in Kenya, and her advocacy for maternal health and empowerment for women in rural communities reflects her commitment to making a difference.
Lupita Nyong’o net worth
Lupita Nyong’o, a Kenyan actress and accomplished director Lupita Nyong’o net worth of approximately $10 million. She is widely celebrated for her powerful performances in films such as 12 Years a Slave (2013), Black Panther (2018), and Us (2019). Lupita made history by winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 12 Years a Slave, marking a milestone as the first Kenyan actress to win an Oscar. Beyond her acting achievements, she has also amassed significant earnings through several lucrative endorsement partnerships. Notably, she has been a Lancôme brand ambassador since 2014, representing the company’s skincare and makeup lines. Additionally, she became the face of Tiffany & Co.’s “Legendary Style” campaign in 2016 and has collaborated with other prestigious fashion brands like Miu Miu. Lupita has also used her platform for advocacy, working with organizations like WildAid to promote elephant conservation in Kenya, cementing her role as a global style icon and advocate.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 1, 1983, in Mexico City, Lupita Amondi Nyong’o’s roots are in Kenya. Her family relocated from Kenya in 1980 due to political unrest, with her father, Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, serving as a professor at El Colegio de Mexico. Lupita grew up in a multicultural environment, holding dual citizenship, Kenyan and Mexican. After returning to Kenya when she was less than a year old, Lupita completed her early education at St. Mary’s School in Nairobi, where she graduated in 2001 with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Seeking to broaden her horizons, Lupita continued her education at Hampshire College in the United States, where she pursued film and theater studies. During her studies, she began working behind the scenes on films, gaining valuable experience in production roles on projects like The Constant Gardener (2005), The Namesake (2006), and Where God Left His Shoes (2007). Her passion for filmmaking led her to star in her first short film, East River (2008), and later, she directed the documentary In My Genes (2009), which garnered recognition at the Five College Film Festival.
Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Lupita Amondi Nyong’o |
| Date of Birth | March 1, 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Nationality | Kenyan-Mexican |
| Languages Spoken | Swahili, Spanish, Luo |
| Occupation | Actress, Author, Advocate |
| Years Active | 2005–present |
| Notable Films | 12 Years a Slave (2013), Black Panther (2018), Us (2019), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) |
| Academy Award | Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years a Slave (2013) |
| Other Nominations | Golden Globe, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Saturn Award for Black Panther (2018) |
| Author | Sulwe (2019) |
Hollywood Breakthrough and Career
After completing her education at the Yale School of Drama, Lupita quickly transitioned into a standout role in 12 Years a Slave (2013). Directed by Steve McQueen, Lupita’s portrayal of Patsey, a slave facing immense hardship, earned her widespread acclaim. The performance not only earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress but also multiple other nominations, including a Golden Globe and BAFTA. Lupita’s win made her the first African actress to receive the award and one of the few black actresses in history to do so.
Following her success in 12 Years a Slave, Lupita’s career flourished with notable roles in a range of genres. She appeared in the action-packed Non-Stop (2014) and joined the cast of the iconic Star Wars saga as Maz Kanata in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), a role achieved through motion capture technology. Her theatrical pursuits were also met with success, with her role in the play Eclipsed (2015) breaking records at The Public Theater and later making history on Broadway as the first all-black female cast and crew production.
Lupita’s versatility continued to shine in 2016, with performances in the live-action/CGI The Jungle Book, where she voiced Raksha the wolf, and in Queen of Katwe, which tells the true story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi. She also reprised her role as Maz Kanata in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) and other projects in the Star Wars universe.
Her iconic role as Nakia in Black Panther (2018) further solidified her place in Hollywood. To prepare for the role, Lupita took extensive combat training and learned to speak Xhosa. Black Panther became a global phenomenon, with Lupita’s performance earning her multiple nominations, including a Saturn Award for Best Actress.
Additional Endeavors
Lupita is not only known for her work in film but also as a published author. Her book Sulwe (2019), a children’s book addressing issues of colorism and self-esteem, was well-received and won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Children. Beyond her creative projects, she remains an advocate for a range of causes, working with organizations like WildAid, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Mother Health International.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Lupita Nyong’o is not only an accomplished actress and author but also a passionate advocate for various social causes. Fluent in Swahili, Spanish, and Luo, her multilingual abilities reflect her deep connection to her diverse cultural heritage. Growing up in Kenya and Mexico, she developed a global perspective that has shaped her approach to both her professional life and her charitable efforts.
Throughout her career, Lupita has used her platform to raise awareness about critical global issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities and wildlife conservation. She is an outspoken advocate for the protection of elephants and other endangered species in Kenya, collaborating with organizations like WildAid. Through this partnership, she works to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking, aiming to protect Kenya’s rich natural heritage for future generations. Lupita’s dedication to the cause has led her to participate in numerous campaigns, including spreading awareness about the devastating impact of ivory trade on elephants.
In addition to her work with WildAid, Lupita is actively involved in initiatives aimed at empowering women and children, particularly in her home country of Kenya. She has collaborated with organizations such as Mother Health International, which focuses on improving maternal health care and providing education to women in rural Kenya. Lupita’s commitment to this cause is rooted in her belief that access to proper healthcare is essential for the well-being of families and communities, and she has been a strong advocate for policies that prioritize maternal health.
Lupita Nyong Social Media Presence
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers (as of 2025) | Content/Focus |
| @lupitanyongo | 10.7 million+ | Personal updates, advocacy work, behind-the-scenes from film sets, fashion, and empowerment messages | |
| @Lupita_Nyongo | 2.5 million+ | Thoughts on social issues, support for causes, occasional film-related posts | |
| Lupita Nyong’o | 1.5 million+ | Updates about her work, advocacy, and global issues, with some personal posts | |
| TikTok | @lupitanyongo | 3 million+ | Fun, light-hearted content, advocacy, and moments from her personal life and career |
Lupita Nyong’o’s social media presence is widely known for blending personal insight, professional highlights, and advocacy work. She uses her platforms to raise awareness about important causes, share her experiences, and connect with fans.
FAQs
Q: What is Lupita Nyong’o net worth?
A: Lupita Nyong’o net worth of $10 million, accumulated through her successful acting career, endorsement deals, and advocacy work.
Q: What are some of Lupita Nyong’o most famous movies?
A: Lupita is best known for her roles in 12 Years a Slave (2013), Black Panther (2018), Us (2019), and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015).
Q: What awards has Lupita Nyong’o won?
A: She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 12 Years a Slave (2013), making her the first African actress to win the award.
Q: What is Lupita Nyong’o’s first book?
A: Lupita’s first book is Sulwe, a children’s book about self-acceptance, colorism, and embracing one’s unique beauty.
Q: What causes does Lupita Nyong’o support?
A: Lupita is a vocal advocate for wildlife conservation, women’s health, mental health, and empowering marginalized communities. She works with organizations like WildAid and Mother Health International.
Conclusion
Lupita Nyong’o is a globally recognized actress, activist, and author whose career continues to inspire and influence people around the world. Known for her groundbreaking performances and passionate advocacy, she has used her platform to bring attention to important social issues, particularly wildlife conservation, mental health, and gender equality. Whether on-screen or off, Lupita remains a powerful role model, inspiring audiences to embrace their identity and make a positive impact in the world.
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