Awkwafina, born Nora Lum, is a multi-talented American actress, comedian, rapper, and writer, known for her unapologetic humor, groundbreaking roles, and distinctive voice—both literally and artistically. Rising to prominence through viral rap videos like “My Vag,” Awkwafina carved a unique space for Asian-American women in mainstream comedy and hip-hop. She further cemented her place in Hollywood with standout performances in major films like Crazy Rich Asians (2018), Ocean’s 8 (2018), and The Farewell (2019), the latter of which won her a Golden Globe, making her the first woman of Asian descent to win in a lead actress film category.
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Awkwafina is celebrated for balancing humor with depth, portraying characters who challenge stereotypes while staying authentic to their cultural roots. She studied journalism and women’s studies at the University at Albany, SUNY, and later attended the Beijing Language and Culture University. Her career trajectory—from YouTube to box office hits—demonstrates her versatility and fearless creativity. With her own TV show Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens and roles in films like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, she continues to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of artists from underrepresented backgrounds.
Let’s take a closer look into the life of this cultural trailblazer.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Nora Lum |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | Awkwafina |
| Profession/Occupation | Actress, Rapper, Comedian, Writer |
| Birthplace | Stony Brook, Long Island, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 35 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1988 |
| Hometown | Forest Hills, Queens, New York |
| Caste/Religion | Chinese-Korean descent / Not publicly religious |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Gemini |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 155 cm (5’1”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 55 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Wally Lum (Chinese-American) |
| Mother’s name | Tia (Korean-American, deceased) |
| Brother’s name | N/A |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | Not publicly known |
|---|---|
| Dating | Not publicly known |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | LaGuardia High School of Music & Performing Arts |
|---|---|
| College/ University | University at Albany, SUNY; Beijing Language and Culture University |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Journalism and Women’s Studies |
Controversies
Awkwafina faced controversy regarding her use of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) in her earlier comedic work and rap persona. Critics questioned cultural appropriation, prompting her to address the issue in 2022, stating she was open to listening and learning, though she avoided giving a definitive apology, which sparked further debate.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Dumplings, Fried Chicken, Spicy Ramen |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | Amélie |
| Favorite Actor | Robin Williams |
| Favorite Actress | Lucy Liu |
| Favorite Color | Red |
| Favorite Designer | Not publicly mentioned |
| Favorite Destination | Tokyo, Japan |
| Favorite Cafe | Not publicly mentioned |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Urban Outfitters, Thrifted fashion |
| Favorite Book | Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri |
| Favorite Athlete | Serena Williams |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Varies per project |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $8 million USD (as of 2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not publicly available |
| Phone Number | Not publicly available |
| House Address | Los Angeles, California |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Awkwafina – Wikipedia |
|---|---|
| @awkwafina | |
| N/A | |
| @awkwafina |
Personal quote:
“I just want to show people that it’s okay to be yourself. You don’t have to be anyone else but you.”
Early Life and Career:
Nora Lum, better known as Awkwafina, was born to a Chinese-American father and a Korean-American mother. Raised in Forest Hills, Queens, she faced personal tragedy early on—losing her mother at the age of four and being raised by her father and grandmother. Her multicultural upbringing, infused with humor and resilience, helped shape her dynamic personality and creative vision.
Awkwafina started rapping at 13, adopting her stage name by 16. After college, she worked various jobs, from a publicity assistant to a music intern. Her satirical rap “My Vag” in 2012 became a viral hit, catapulting her into the spotlight. She made her film debut in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016), but her breakout roles came in 2018 with Ocean’s 8 and the cultural phenomenon Crazy Rich Asians.
Her performance in The Farewell (2019) was a major shift, proving her dramatic range and earning her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award. Since then, she’s been a Marvel superhero (Shang-Chi), a voice actor (Raya and the Last Dragon), and the creator/star of her own sitcom, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens.
Current life/Events:
Awkwafina remains an influential voice in Hollywood. She continues to juggle acting, writing, and music, with recent roles in Migration and Kung Fu Panda 4. She is also expanding into producing, using her platform to uplift diverse narratives. As of 2025, she’s rumored to be working on a new album, returning to her musical roots.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Awkwafina
- Her stage name “Awkwafina” was meant to represent her awkward yet funny personality.
- She lost her mom at the age of four and was raised primarily by her grandmother.
- She was fired from her PR job after her viral rap video “My Vag” gained attention.
- She’s classically trained on the trumpet and played in school bands.
- She is the first Asian-American actress to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical).
- Awkwafina was listed in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 (Hollywood & Entertainment) in 2019.
- She advocates for Asian-American representation in entertainment and politics.
- She’s a pescatarian and often promotes plant-based meals on her social media.
- Awkwafina’s comedic inspiration includes Margaret Cho and Tina Fey.
- She voiced Sisu the dragon in Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon (2021).
