Oscar-winning Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o has revealed that she almost left the United States shortly after filming the award-winning movie “12 Years a Slave” because her student visa was about to expire.
Speaking during an interview on Trevor Noah’s “What Now?” podcast, Lupita opened up about the difficult moment she faced early in her acting career, when she was uncertain about her future in the US and worried about losing her chance to build a career in Hollywood.
Lupita Nyong’o Faced Visa Expiry After University
Lupita explained that after graduating from university, she was living in the United States on a one-year work permit, and her legal stay was approaching its end. She admitted that the situation left her under pressure to accept acting roles quickly, even if they did not align with the type of career she wanted.
According to Lupita, she was once offered a role that would have portrayed her as a stereotypical Nigerian maid, a character she felt was limiting and damaging to her image as a serious actress.
She Almost Accepted a Stereotypical Maid Role to Stay in the US
Lupita Nyong’o revealed that she briefly considered accepting the maid role because it could have helped her extend her stay in America. However, she later realized that taking such a role would not only stereotype her but could also negatively affect her long-term career goals.
The actress said she decided to turn it down because she believed it would set her back and trap her in roles that did not reflect her true talent.
Her Mother Encouraged Her to Return Home to Kenya
Lupita also shared that during that uncertain period, her mother gave her advice that helped her make the right decision.
Her mother reportedly reminded her that she had a home in Kenya, and that she did not need to struggle desperately for acceptance in the United States.
This encouragement gave Lupita confidence to stay true to her values rather than accepting roles that would undermine her potential.
Winning an Oscar Changed Everything
Not long after, Lupita’s breakthrough role in “12 Years a Slave” changed her life completely. Her performance in the film earned her global recognition, and she later went on to win the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Supporting Actress.
According to Kenyan online news website Tuko, Lupita stated that her Oscar win later helped her secure a US green card, making it easier for her to continue living and working in the United States legally.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Story Inspires Many
Lupita Nyong’o’s revelation has inspired many fans across Africa and the world, with many praising her for refusing to settle for stereotypes and choosing dignity over desperation.
Her story is being seen as a powerful lesson about patience, self-worth, and trusting the process, especially for young Africans chasing dreams abroad.
Lupita’s rise to Hollywood stardom continues to prove that staying true to your identity and purpose can open doors beyond imagination.
