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, including an Academy Award and a Daytime Emmy Award. She also has received nominations for a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award, highlighting her impactful presence across film and theater.
1967: Original Jungle Book
In 1967, was the animated original release of Jungle Book. In 2016 Nyong'o had a role in the adaptation.
1980: Family Left Kenya
In 1980, Lupita Nyong'o's family left Kenya due to political repression and unrest. Her uncle disappeared after being thrown off a ferry.
March 1983: Born in Mexico City
In March 1983, Lupita Amondi Nyong'o was born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents.
March 1983: Lupita Nyong'o Born
On March 1983, Lupita Amondi Nyong'o was born. She would grow up to become an actress and receive many accolades, including an Academy Award and a Daytime Emmy Award.
2001: Received IB Diploma
In 2001, Lupita Nyong'o received an IB Diploma from St. Mary's School in Nairobi.
2009: Understudied Eclipsed
In 2009, Lupita Nyong'o understudied the play 'Eclipsed' at Yale.
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 School of Drama.
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 Speech
On 27 February 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 teenage insecurities.
2014: Named Most Beautiful Woman
In 2014, Lupita Nyong'o was named the most beautiful woman by People.
October 2017: Op-Ed on Harvey Weinstein
In October 2017, Lupita Nyong'o wrote an op-ed for The New York Times divulging that Harvey Weinstein had sexually harassed her in 2011. She expressed her commitment to work with female directors and male feminist directors.
2017: Father Became Governor
By 2017, Lupita Nyong'o's father became the Governor of Kisumu County.
2020: The Africa Center Board of Trustees
In 2020, Lupita Nyong'o was announced as a member of the board of trustees for The Africa Center.
June 2023: Move to Los Angeles
In June 2023, Lupita Nyong'o moved to Los Angeles from Brooklyn after the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023: Solidarity with Gaza
During the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, Lupita Nyong'o expressed solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip, signing a letter urging for a ceasefire.
July 2024: Father as Governor of Kisumu County
As of July 2024, Lupita Nyong'o's father serves as the Governor of Kisumu County, Kenya.
August 2024: Becomes U.S. Citizen
In August 2024, Lupita Nyong'o announced she had become a U.S. citizen and planned to vote for Kamala Harris in her first U.S. presidential election.
2024: A Quiet Place: Day One
In 2024, Nyong'o underwent exposure therapy to overcome her fear of cats for the film "A Quiet Place: Day One", and later adopted a cat named Yoyo.
