Awkwafina
1988–present
Being a funny actress, rapper, and voice actor in movies and TV shows
Early Life
Awkwafina was born on June 2, 1988, in New York City, in a neighborhood called Queens. Her real name is Nora Lum, and she grew up with her dad and grandparents. As a kid, she loved music, jokes, and making people laugh.
Nora learned to play the trumpet in school and enjoyed writing poems and songs. She went to a special high school for music and art called Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. This helped her feel brave about being creative and trying new things.
Finding Her Voice
When she was a teenager, Nora started writing funny rap songs. She chose the stage name **Awkwafina** because it sounded silly and memorable. Her music videos were playful and full of jokes, and people online began to notice her.
She shared her work on the internet, which helped her reach many fans. This showed that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be yourself.
Acting and Big Breaks
Awkwafina began acting in movies and TV shows, and soon she became known for her humor and big personality. She appeared in popular films like *Crazy Rich Asians* and *Ocean’s 8*.
In 2019, she starred in a movie called *The Farewell*. Her performance was thoughtful and kind, and it showed a different side of her talent. In 2020, she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, making history.
Voice Acting and More Fun
Awkwafina also loves voice acting. She has voiced characters in animated movies like *Raya and the Last Dragon* and *Kung Fu Panda 4*. Voice acting lets her use her voice to bring cartoons to life.
She also created and starred in her own TV show, where she shares stories inspired by her life. This proves she is not afraid to try many creative paths.
Legacy and Inspiration
Awkwafina is known for being confident and kind to herself. She reminds kids that it’s okay to be different and to laugh at your mistakes. By being brave and working hard, she turned her dreams into reality.
Her story shows that creativity can open many doors. Whether through music, acting, or comedy, Awkwafina encourages everyone to be proud of who they are.
🎉 Fun Facts
Her stage name Awkwafina comes from a brand of bottled water.
She learned to play the trumpet when she was a kid.
She was the first Asian American woman to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a movie musical or comedy.
She loves voice acting because she can be silly without being on camera.