Early Life and Education of Lupita Nyong'o: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Lupita Nyong'o. From birth to education, explore key events.

Lupita Nyong'o is a highly acclaimed actress recognized for her exceptional talent and versatility. She has earned prestigious awards such as an Academy Award, a Daytime Emmy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Furthermore, she has been nominated for two British Academy Film Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award, highlighting her significant contributions and impact across film, television, and theatre. Her work has received widespread critical acclaim and she is considered one of the most talented performers of her generation.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1980: Family Left Kenya

In 1980, Lupita Nyong'o's family left Kenya due to political repression and unrest.

March 1983: Birth in Mexico City

In March 1983, Lupita Amondi Nyong'o was born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents.

March 1983: Lupita Nyong'o Born

In March 1983, Lupita Amondi Nyong'o was born.

2001: Received IB Diploma

In 2001, Lupita Nyong'o received an IB Diploma from St. Mary's School in Nairobi.

2011: Won Herschel Williams Prize

During the 2011-12 academic year, Lupita Nyong'o won the Herschel Williams Prize for acting students with outstanding ability while at Yale.

2013: Father Elected to Kenyan Senate

In 2013, Lupita Nyong'o's father was elected to represent Kisumu County in the Kenyan Senate.

February 2014: Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon Speech

On February 27, 2014, at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon in Beverly Hills, Lupita Nyong'o delivered a speech on the beauty of Black women and opened up about her insecurities as a teenager.

October 2017: Op-ed in The New York Times about Harvey Weinstein

In October 2017, amidst the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the MeToo movement, Lupita Nyong'o wrote an op-ed for The New York Times detailing the sexual harassment she experienced from Harvey Weinstein in 2011. She also discussed her commitment to working with female and male feminist directors.

2017: Father Became Governor

By 2017, Lupita Nyong'o's father became the Governor of Kisumu County.

2019: Writing Debut with Sulwe

In 2019, Lupita Nyong'o made her writing debut with the book Sulwe, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Sulwe tells the story of a five-year-old Kenyan girl and became a New York Times Best-Seller.

Sulwe

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July 2024: Father Serves as Governor

As of July 2024, Lupita Nyong'o's father serves as the Governor of Kisumu County, Kenya.

August 2024: Became a U.S. citizen

In August 2024, Lupita Nyong'o announced that she had recently become a U.S. citizen and planned on voting for Kamala Harris in her first U.S. presidential election.

2024: Exposure therapy for cat phobia for movie role

In 2024, Lupita Nyong'o underwent exposure therapy to overcome her lifelong fear of cats for her role in the film A Quiet Place: Day One. She adopted her own pet cat, named Yoyo after enjoying working with cats.

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