Lupita Nyong’o is known for her role in ’12 Years a Slave’, but with the latest movie ‘Black Panther’, she is sure to gain a higher net worth.

A Shining Star: Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o made history when she appeared in hit film ’12 Years a Slave’, and for her talents she was awarded an Academy Award. Lupita Nyong’o would later go on to star in the ‘Star Wars’ movies including ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’, ‘Star Wars Forces of Destiny’. Most recently, Lupita Nyong’o became the cast member of historic film ‘Black Panther’. For a girl that no one really knew about and whose appearance on the Hollywood scene was a surprise to most; Lupita Nyong’o has set many new records in the acting industry, creating for her resume a net worth that takes most stars years to attain.

Behind the Scenes: Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o was born Lupita Amondi Nyong’o in Mexico City on March 1, 1983. Lupita Nyong’o was born in Mexico due to her father’s work which was a lecturer in political science at El Colegio de Mexico in Mexico City. Less then a year after her birth Lupita Nyong’o and her family returned to Kenya because of her father’s new position as professor at the University of Nairobi. Lupita Nyong’o was raised in Kenya with her two parents Dorothy Ogada Buyu and Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o until she returned to Mexico at a later point in her life. Lupita Nyong’o identifies with being Kenyan-Mexican and holds dual citizenship to each country. Lupita Nyong’o is of Luo descent on both sides of her family. Lupita Nyong’o would return to Mexico at the age of 16 to learn Spanish as instructed by her parents. Lupita Nyong’o began performing as a member of Phoenix Players, a Nairobi based repertory company of which her first acting role being Juliet in ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Lupita Nyong’o would later come to the states and graduate college to pursue a professional career in acting.

Hit Movies & Roles

Her career began as a member of the production crew on many movies back in 2005; Lupita Nyong’o would star in a short film called ‘East River’ in 2008. In 2009, Lupita Nyong’o would write, direct, and produce her first project called ‘In My Genes’; a documentary about the mistreatment of Kenyans who suffered from albinism. Lupita Nyong’o won an MTV African Music Awards that year for directing the music video ‘The Little Things You Do’ by artist Wahu. After making the decision to attend Yale University, Lupita Nyong’o was a part of many stage productions and won the Herschel Williams Prize for “acting students with outstanding ability”. After graduating college, Lupita Nyong’o would go on a make Hollywood history to forever be known as a legend.

12 Years a Slave

In 2013, hit film ’12 Years a Slave’ became Lupita Nyong’o first Hollywood movie. Lupita Nyong’o played the role of a slave girl who worked alongside the main character Northup. As her first main screen film, Lupita Nyong’o was praised by critics. She went on to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her talents.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Lupita Nyong’o appeared in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ as space pirate Maz Kanata. Lupita Nyong’o role in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ gained her great recognition and two award nominations.

Queen of Katwe

Lupita Nyong’o continued gaining important roles throughout the rise of her career including the role of Nakku Harriet in ‘Queen of Katwe’. The film ‘Queen of Katwe’ was a biopic basedon the life of a young Ugandan chess prodigy. ‘Queen of Katwe’ was received warmly by critics.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Lupita Nyong’o would returned to the ‘Star Wars’ trilogy in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ in 2017. The film ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ continued to storyline of her character Maz Kanata and displayed her array of talents.

Black Panther

‘Black Panther’ had to have been the most anticipated movie of 2018. Lupita Nyong’o played the role of Nakia, the love interest of the character of T’Challa whose the Black Panther in the movie. Lupita Nyong’o shared her new abilities learned for the movie includign judo, jujitsu, silat, and Filipino martial arts. ‘Black Panther’ debut in February 2018 and over a three-day weekend earned over $200M.

Star Wars Forces of Destiny

‘Star Wars Forces of Destiny’ is a 2D animation that Lupita Nyong’o shares her voice to the character of Maz Kanata. The 2D animation ‘Star Wars Forces of Destiny’ premiered on July 3, 2017 and is a Youtube channel show.

Lupita Nyong’o: Life, Net Worth, & More

Through her hard work and determination, Lupita Nyong’o has afforded herself a lavish lifestyle. Lupita Nyong’o lives in Brooklyn, New York and holds a net worth of $5M.

Lupita Nyong’o Fun Facts

I. Lupita Nyong’o is a graduate of Yale University majoring in Drama with a master’s degree.
II. Lupita Nyong’o has five siblings.
III. Lupita Nyong’o is a Mexican-Kenyan.
IV. Lupita Nyong’o gained her first position in Hollywood as a production assistant.
V. Lupita Nyong’o debut in her first film in 2009.
VI. Lupita Nyong’o became the “The Most Beautiful Woman” and “Woman of the Year” in 2014.
VII. Lupita Nyong’o grew up in Kenya in the middle class suburbs.
VIII. Lupita Nyong’o won her first Oscar from “Twelve Years a Slave”.
IX. Lupita Nyong’o returned to Kenya in 1983.
X. Lupita Nyong’o became the first Mexican-Kenyan to win an Academy Award.

What’s Next for Lupita Nyong’o

With the little time she’s been in Hollywood, Lupita Nyong’o has set herself aside from other actors. Her movies have been nothing but legendary. With her new project Little Monsters in post production, the future of Lupita Nyong’o is painted with much success. It seems there is little that this little Kenyan girl can’t accomplish.