Lupita Nyong’o is known worldwide for her powerful performances and magnetic screen presence.
She recently opened up about a significant yet challenging decision she made to succeed in Hollywood.
Letting go of her Kenyan accent. During an interview on the “What Now? With Trevor Noah” podcast.
The Oscar-winning actress shared how adopting an American accent felt like a betrayal to her sense of self.
Nyong’o was born in Mexico but grew up in Kenya, a place she still considers home. She moved to the U.S. to attend the prestigious Yale School of Drama.
Where she honed her craft to expand her potential as an actor.
“The first permission I gave myself to change or allow my accent to transform was going to drama school,” she explained.
For Nyong’o, Yale was essential in learning the techniques she would need in her career.
Yet it also meant learning an American accent.
A challenge she did not anticipate would be so deeply personal.
Learning to speak in a way that wasn’t Kenyan was more than just a technical shift; it was emotional.
“The process of deciding, ‘OK, I’m going to start working on my American accent…
and I’m not going to allow myself to sound Kenyan,’ felt like a betrayal,” Nyong’o shared.
The process of adapting her voice was a struggle, leaving her in tears many nights.
As she felt she was distancing herself from a core part of her identity.
Nyong’o’s breakout role came with Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave.
A performance that won her an Academy Award and launched her into Hollywood’s spotlight.
Her remarkable journey continued with roles in global franchises like Star Wars and Black Panther.
Where her talent shone through in ways that transcended accents and borders.
Most recently, her voice captivated audiences in The Wild Robot animated feature.
Through her voice, she navigated the complex journey of staying true to her roots.
While also adapting to thrive on the global stage.
