LUPITA NYONGO'S 

Lupita Nyong'o, born on March 1, 1983, in Mexico City, Mexico, is a renowned Kenyan-Mexican actress and filmmaker. Her father, Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, a prominent Kenyan politician, was in political exile at the time of her birth. The family returned to Kenya when she was less than a year old, and she was raised in an artistic household in Nairobi.

Nyong'o's early education took place in Kenya, and she later moved to the United States to attend Hampshire College, where she earned a degree in film and theatre studies. Her interest in acting led her to pursue a master's degree in acting at the Yale School of Drama. While at Yale, she performed in several stage productions and received the Herschel Williams Prize for "acting students with outstanding ability."

Her breakthrough role came shortly after her graduation from Yale in 2012. Nyong'o was cast as Patsey in Steve McQueen's historical drama "12 Years a Slave" (2013), based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Her portrayal of Patsey, a slave who endures immense suffering, was critically acclaimed. Nyong'o's performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Kenyan and Mexican actress to win an Oscar. She also received numerous other awards and nominations, establishing her as a rising star in Hollywood.

Following her Oscar win, Nyong'o took on a variety of roles that showcased her versatility as an actress. She appeared in the action thriller "Non-Stop" (2014) alongside Liam Neeson and starred in the blockbuster "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, beginning with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015), where she played the motion-captured character Maz Kanata. In 2016, she voiced Raksha in the live-action/CGI adaptation of "The Jungle Book" and starred in Mira Nair's "Queen of Katwe," portraying the mother of a Ugandan chess prodigy.

Nyong'o's career continued to flourish with her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's "Black Panther" (2018), where she played Nakia, a War Dog and love interest of the titular character. The film was a cultural phenomenon and a massive box office success, further solidifying her status as a leading actress. In 2019, she demonstrated her range by starring in Jordan Peele's critically acclaimed horror film "Us," where she played dual roles as Adelaide Wilson and her doppelgänger, Red. Her performance was praised for its depth and intensity.

In addition to her acting career, Nyong'o is also a published author. She wrote a children's book titled "Sulwe" (2019), which addresses issues of colorism and self-esteem. The book was well-received and highlighted her commitment to using her platform to address social issues.

Nyong'o is known for her advocacy work, particularly in promoting diversity and representation in Hollywood. She has been a vocal supporter of women's rights and was involved in the Time's Up movement, which aims to combat sexual harassment and inequality in the entertainment industry. Her influence extends beyond acting, as she is also celebrated for her fashion sense and has been a fixture on red carpets around the world.

Lupita Nyong'o's journey from Nairobi to Hollywood exemplifies her talent, resilience, and dedication to her craft. She continues to be a powerful voice and inspiration in the entertainment industry, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of actors and filmmakers.

REFERENCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupita_Nyong%27o