Lupita Amondi Nyong’o was born March 1, 1983 in Mexico City, Mexico to Kenyan parents Dorothy and Peter Anyang Nyong’o. She was first raised in Kenya but at age 16 she was sent back to Mexico for seven months to learn Spanish. She read film studies at Hampshire College, Massachusetts and after working as a production assistant on several films she graduated from Yale’s School of Drama acting program.
She began her Hollywood career in 2008 where she debuted in the short film “East River.” She then returned to Kenya to star in the television series Shuga in 2009. Soon after graduation she landed her first feature film role as Patsy in Steve McQueen’s drama “12 Years a Slave” which landed her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
She became the first Kenyan and first Mexican actress to win an Academy Award. She has since been featured in films such as” Queen of Katwe” and the “Jungle Book”. She has since set up foundations advocating globally for elephants with the International conservation organization WildAid as well as promote women’s issues.
She is significantly involved in the organization Mother Health international which provides relief to women and children in Uganda. Due to the many accomplishments that Lupita has she is a great role model for today’s generation.