Lupita Nyong’o is on a path of self-acceptance. In the first episode of her new podcast, “Mind Your Own,” the talented actress opened up about embracing every part of her identity. In the episode, Nyong’o, 41, revealed her complicated relationship with her accent and how she had to confront it to create the podcast.
The talented actress had to cover it up early as an actress because she knew there was no market for it. However, Nyong’o says things have changed, and so has she.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Complicated Relationship With Her Accent
The Kenya-raised Mexico native who has lived in the U.S. for two decades embraced her African accent during her time at Massachusetts’ Hampshire College. However, that changed upon her arrival at the Yale School of Drama to pursue acting.
Right off the bat, Nyong’o said she promised to “learn how to sound American in a way that would guarantee me a career in acting.” It was for a good reason. Back then, she realized the accent would not serve her well in Hollywood, where there were barely any well-known actors with a Kenyan accent.
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To pull it off, Lupita Nyong’o dedicated herself to multiple voice lessons every week. It paid off because one day, a casting director expressed surprise at learning she was from Kenya.
According to Nyong’o, “She said, ‘Oh my goodness, you don’t have an accent.’ And I was at once so elated and also so crushed. I had ridden myself of myself, kind of.”
Lupita Nyong’o’s Turning Point
The Oscar winner successfully obfuscated her Kenyan accent as a young actress in Hollywood, but after she made a name for herself, she decided to set things straight. Before starting the press tour for “12 Years a Slave,” the feature film debut she landed just after her Yale graduation, Nyong’o said she called her publicists.
She recalled, “I said, ‘I’ve decided that from tomorrow I am going to return to my original accent. I want to send a message that being an African is enough.’ They had never heard me speak in a Kenyan accent.”
Her mother supported her decision. “That gave me solace,” Nyong’o said. “I guess this accent is called Lupita! I don’t know who could claim it but me.” The talented movie star has since leveraged her distinct voice in multiple projects, including narrating documentaries, playing Maz Kanata in the “Star Wars” franchise, and the titular role in “The Wild Robot” (in theaters Sept. 27).
Is Lupita Nyong’o Married?
No, Lupita Nyong’o is not currently married. However, she is reportedly in a relationship with actor Joshua Jackson.
The pair confirmed they were dating in December 2023 after they sparked romance rumors in October 2023 and have been seen together at various events since then.
Before moving on with Jackson, the “A Quiet Place: Day One” actress was with ESPN host Selema Masekela, while Jackson married Jodie Turner-Smith.
Turner-Smith and Jackson share a daughter, Juno Rose Diana Jackson, born in April 2020. The doting mother has endorsed his relationship with Nyong’o and hopes their happiness will make co-parenting with Jackson easier.
Have Lupita Nyong’o and Joshua Jackson Split?
No, Lupita Nyong’o and Joshua Jackson are still together. Since their relationship was confirmed, the pair have been serenading their fans with heartwarming pictures and PDAs, leaving no doubt about how things are progressing.
Jackson cares very much about her and has been going out of his way to prove it. For example, on Nyong’o’s birthday, March 1, Jackson went above and beyond to make her feel special.
According to a source, he had “a large balloon display and a stunning bouquet set up in their hotel suite.” One eyewitness also confirmed that the pair looked “madly in love. Like they just couldn’t get enough of one another.”
What Is Lupita Nyong’o Net Worth?
Lupita Nyong’o reportedly has a net worth of $10 million as of July 2024. Most of her wealth comes from her lucrative career as an actress and endorsements from brands like Lancôme, Tiffany & Co., and Miu Miu.
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Does Lupita Nyong’o Have Kids?
No, Lupita Nyong’o has no children as of September 2024. There have been pregnancy rumors in the past, but the actress has not denied nor confirmed them, and most of them have faded.
If her relationship with Jackson progresses to marriage, she could become a stepmom to his child with Turner-Smith.
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