The Journey of Lupita Nyong'o: Embracing Change and Identity
Lupita Nyong'o, the acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances and distinctive voice, recently opened up about a deeply personal aspect of her journey—her struggle with losing her Kenyan accent. This topic was discussed in a candid episode of the "What Now" podcast hosted by Trevor Noah, where Nyong'o shared her experiences and the emotional weight of transforming her accent as she pursued acting.
Nyong'o explained that the first significant step she took towards altering her accent was enrolling in drama school. For the actress, the desire to excel in her craft extended beyond mere acting instinct; she wanted to fully understand her capabilities and limitations as an artist. She candidly acknowledged that mastering accents was not one of her strengths. “The first permission I gave myself to change my accent or allow my accent to transform was going to drama school,” she reflected.
Born in Mexico City, but spending a significant part of her childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, Nyong'o began her professional acting journey at just 14 years old. Her dedication to her craft led her to the prestigious Yale School of Drama, where she graduated from the Master's acting program in 2012. Despite the training, Nyong'o highlighted the challenge of sounding different than her authentic self. “I didn’t know how to sound any other way than myself,” she revealed, pointing out the emotional turmoil her accent transformation caused.
The process of suppressing her Kenyan accent weighed heavily on Nyong'o. She described her internal conflict, noting that taking the skills she learned in the classroom onto a movie set felt like a betrayal not only to herself but also to her roots. For Nyong'o, her accent was not just a way of speaking; it was an emblem of her identity, her heritage, and her personal history.
Known for her breakout role in the critically acclaimed film "12 Years a Slave," Nyong'o has since expanded her prolific career by joining several major franchises, including "Star Wars," Marvel's "Black Panther," and "A Quiet Place." She currently lends her voice to the titular character in the animated series "The Wild Robot," showcasing her versatility as an actress while navigating her complex relationship with her identity.
Lupita Nyong'o's journey reflects the struggles many artists face regarding authenticity and self-expression. Her candid discussion about her accent serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional journey involved in embracing one’s true self, especially in the pursuit of a career in the arts. As she continues to rise in prominence, Nyong'o not only captivating audiences with her performances but also inspiring others to embrace their own identities, both on and off the stage.
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The Journey of Lupita Nyong'o: Embracing Change and Identity
Lupita Nyong'o, the acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances and distinctive voice, recently opened up about a deeply personal aspect of her journey—her struggle with losing her Kenyan accent. This topic was discussed in a candid episode of the "What Now" podcast hosted by Trevor Noah, where Nyong'o shared her experiences and the emotional weight of transforming her accent as she pursued acting.
Drama School: A Turning Point
Part 2/6:
Nyong'o explained that the first significant step she took towards altering her accent was enrolling in drama school. For the actress, the desire to excel in her craft extended beyond mere acting instinct; she wanted to fully understand her capabilities and limitations as an artist. She candidly acknowledged that mastering accents was not one of her strengths. “The first permission I gave myself to change my accent or allow my accent to transform was going to drama school,” she reflected.
Part 3/6:
Born in Mexico City, but spending a significant part of her childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, Nyong'o began her professional acting journey at just 14 years old. Her dedication to her craft led her to the prestigious Yale School of Drama, where she graduated from the Master's acting program in 2012. Despite the training, Nyong'o highlighted the challenge of sounding different than her authentic self. “I didn’t know how to sound any other way than myself,” she revealed, pointing out the emotional turmoil her accent transformation caused.
The Pain of Suppression
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The process of suppressing her Kenyan accent weighed heavily on Nyong'o. She described her internal conflict, noting that taking the skills she learned in the classroom onto a movie set felt like a betrayal not only to herself but also to her roots. For Nyong'o, her accent was not just a way of speaking; it was an emblem of her identity, her heritage, and her personal history.
Part 5/6:
Known for her breakout role in the critically acclaimed film "12 Years a Slave," Nyong'o has since expanded her prolific career by joining several major franchises, including "Star Wars," Marvel's "Black Panther," and "A Quiet Place." She currently lends her voice to the titular character in the animated series "The Wild Robot," showcasing her versatility as an actress while navigating her complex relationship with her identity.
Conclusion
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Lupita Nyong'o's journey reflects the struggles many artists face regarding authenticity and self-expression. Her candid discussion about her accent serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional journey involved in embracing one’s true self, especially in the pursuit of a career in the arts. As she continues to rise in prominence, Nyong'o not only captivating audiences with her performances but also inspiring others to embrace their own identities, both on and off the stage.