Lupita Nyong’o gained widespread recognition with her breakout role in the Hollywood film 12 Years A Slave, which premiered in 2013.
Now, the Oscar-winning actor reveals why she declines roles in slave-themed movies, citing a significant reason.
Nyong’o earned her first Academy Award for her debut Hollywood role in 12 Years A Slave.
In an interview discussing the movie and her award, the Kenyan actor reflected: “It really did set the pace for everything I’ve done since.”
During her conversation with Inside Africa, the 42-year-old expressed that after her leading role in the film, she anticipated offers for other lead roles. However, she found herself being typecast, receiving offers for additional slave roles despite winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Regrettably, this is a familiar experience for many Black actors, who often face being typecast into roles centered around racial trauma.
“After I’d won that Academy award, you’d would think oh I’m going to get lead roles here and there.
“’Oh, Lupita we’d like you to play another movie where you’re a slave but this time you’re on a slave ship…’ Those are the kind of offers I was getting in the months after winning my Academy Award.”
Black actors have consistently raised concerns about being pigeonholed into roles that reinforce negative stereotypes. In a 2021 interview with GQ, actor Will Smith stated: “I’ve always avoided making films about slavery.” He added: “I didn’t want to show Black people in that light. I wanted to be a superhero.”
Emancipation is the first and only movie he has participated in about slavery, made in 2022 during his extensive career.
Nyong’o explained that the situation led to speculation about whether her career might be waning after the film.
“I had to deafen myself to all those pontificators because at the end of the day I’m not a theory. I’m an actual person.”
She elaborated on her decision to reject slave roles, stating: “I like to be a joyful warrior for changing the paradigms of what it means to be African. And if that means I work one job less a year to ensure I’m not perpetuating the stereotypes that are expected of people from my continent then let me do that.”
Now an accomplished actor, Nyong’o has portrayed a variety of characters in numerous films, including Marvel’s Black Panther and Star Wars The Force Awakens, among other genres.
Born in Mexico but raised in Kenya, where her heritage lies, Nyong’o holds US, Mexican, and Kenyan citizenship, reflecting the diverse experiences that have shaped her life.