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.

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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.

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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).

Cillian Murphy, born on May 25, 1976, in Douglas, County Cork, Ireland, is a renowned Irish actor celebrated for his versatile performances across stage and screen. He gained international acclaim for his portrayal of Thomas Shelby in the BBC series Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) and further solidified his status with roles in Christopher Nolan’s films, including Inception (2010), Dunkirk (2017), and Oppenheimer (2023), the latter earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Raised in a family of educators, Murphy initially pursued a career in law at University College Cork but shifted to acting after discovering his passion for performance. He began his acting career with the stage production Disco Pigs in 1996, which later adapted into a film in 2001. Murphy’s early film work includes notable performances in 28 Days Later (2002) and The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006).

Despite his fame, Murphy maintains a private lifestyle, residing in Dublin with his wife, visual artist Yvonne McGuinness, and their two sons. He is known for his reluctance towards the celebrity spotlight, preferring to focus on his craft and family life.

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Cillian Murphy maintains a low-profile personal life and has not been involved in significant public controversies.

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Personal Quote

“If you behave like a celebrity, then people will treat you like a celebrity, and if you don’t, they won’t.”

Early Life and Career

Cillian Murphy was born in Douglas, County Cork, Ireland, and raised in a family of educators. He initially pursued a career in law at University College Cork but shifted to acting after discovering his passion for performance. He began his acting career with the stage production Disco Pigs in 1996, which later adapted into a film in 2001. Murphy’s early film work includes notable performances in 28 Days Later (2002) and The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006). His collaboration with director Christopher Nolan began with Batman Begins (2005), leading to roles in Inception (2010), Dunkirk (2017), and Oppenheimer (2023). Murphy’s portrayal of Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) was widely acclaimed and became a defining role in his career. His transformation into J. Robert Oppenheimer in Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023) not only showcased his exceptional depth as an actor but also earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, marking a significant milestone in his cinematic journey.

Current Life/Events:

As of 2025, Cillian Murphy is enjoying an apex in his acting career. Fresh off the massive critical and commercial success of Oppenheimer, he continues to be in demand for top-tier roles across Hollywood and international cinema. Despite this, Murphy remains committed to his roots, often returning to Dublin and maintaining a relatively low profile.

He is also involved in producing and remains passionate about theatre. Fans eagerly await any updates on potential new projects, whether on screen or stage. True to form, Murphy continues to select roles that challenge him artistically rather than chase fame, cementing his status as one of the most respected actors of his generation.

Facts:

• Cillian Murphy was originally the lead singer and guitarist in a rock band called The Sons of Mr. Green Genes before turning to acting.
• He refuses to have a personal social media presence, valuing his privacy.
• Despite being a smoker in many roles, he gave up smoking in real life.
• He’s been a vegetarian for most of his life but returned to eating meat to prepare for Peaky Blinders.
• Murphy doesn’t watch his own performances.
• He’s a fan of literature and music and often cites reading as one of his favorite pastimes.
• He and his wife Yvonne have been married since 2004—a rare long-standing relationship in showbiz.
• His sharp cheekbones and intense eyes have often been cited as his defining physical traits, enhancing his enigmatic on-screen presence.

Saoirse Ronan is an acclaimed Irish-American actress celebrated for her compelling performances in both independent films and major Hollywood productions. Born on April 12, 1994, in The Bronx, New York City, to Irish parents Paul and Monica Ronan, she moved back to Ireland at the age of three. Her early exposure to acting came through her father’s profession, leading her to debut in the Irish medical drama The Clinic at just nine years old. Ronan’s breakthrough role came in 2007 with Atonement, earning her an Academy Award nomination at the age of 13.

Over the years, Ronan has delivered standout performances in films such as Brooklyn (2015), Lady Bird (2017), and Little Women (2019), garnering multiple award nominations and a Golden Globe win. Known for her versatility and depth, she continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

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In 2024, Ronan’s comments on women’s safety during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show sparked widespread discussion. She expressed surprise at the intense reaction, noting the unexpected virality of her remarks.

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Personal Quote:

“I like that people don’t know my business. I just fundamentally believe that they don’t need to. I’m an actor.”

Early Life and Career:

Saoirse Ronan’s acting journey began in Ireland, where she appeared in television series like The Clinic and Proof. Her international breakthrough came with Atonement (2007), leading to roles in The Lovely Bones (2009), Hanna (2011), and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). Her performances in Brooklyn (2015), Lady Bird (2017), and Little Women (2019) solidified her status as a leading actress, earning her multiple award nominations and a Golden Globe win.

Current Life/Events:

In 2024, Ronan starred in The Outrun, portraying a woman recovering from alcoholism on a remote Scottish island. The role resonated personally, as she has witnessed loved ones struggle with addiction. That same year, she married actor Jack Lowden in a private ceremony in Edinburgh.

Here are some interesting and lesser-known facts about Saoirse Ronan:

• Saoirse’s first name is pronounced “Sur-sha,” which rhymes with “inertia.” Despite frequent mispronunciations, she often jokes about it in interviews.
• She became the seventh youngest nominee in Oscar history for her role in Atonement at just 13 years old.
• Though born in New York, she moved to Ireland as a toddler and strongly identifies as Irish.
• Her father, Paul Ronan, is also an actor and appeared in films and TV shows, which inspired her early interest in acting.
• She is known for turning down roles in blockbuster franchises, preferring more nuanced, character-driven films.
• Saoirse learned a Scottish accent for The Outrun and spent time in the Orkney Islands to better understand the setting and her character’s struggles.
• She was once considered for the role of Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but later admitted she blew her audition.
• Saoirse is a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in the film industry.
• She doesn’t use social media, believing it’s healthier to keep her private life out of the spotlight.
• She’s appeared in several music videos, including Ed Sheeran’s “Galway Girl,” where she even tattooed her name (intentionally misspelled) on his arm as part of the video.
• Her dream role is to play Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, which she’s openly talked about in interviews.
• Despite living a glamorous Hollywood life, she enjoys baking, spending time with family, and listening to true crime podcasts during downtime.

Jessica Yu-Li Henwick is a British actress, writer, and director who has made significant strides in both mainstream and independent cinema. Born on August 30, 1992, in Surrey, England, she is recognized for her dynamic roles in major franchises such as Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Iron Fist, and The Matrix Resurrections. Henwick’s directorial debut, Bus Girl, was nominated for a BAFTA award, showcasing her multifaceted talent in the film industry.

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Jessica Henwick has maintained a relatively controversy-free public image.

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Personal Quote

“I always knew that I was meant to tell stories in some form; it’s in my blood.”

Early Life and Career

Jessica Henwick was born to a Singaporean-Chinese mother and an English father in Surrey, England. Growing up, she spent much of her time exploring local forests with her brothers, fostering a deep appreciation for nature. Henwick began her acting journey with training at Redroofs Theatre School and the National Youth Theatre. Her breakthrough came in 2010 when she was cast as Bo in the CBBC series Spirit Warriors, making her the first East Asian actress to play the lead role in a British television series.

She gained international recognition with her role as Nymeria Sand in HBO’s Game of Thrones (2015–2017). Henwick also appeared as X-wing pilot Jessika Pava in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). Her portrayal of Colleen Wing in Marvel’s Iron Fist (2017–2018) further solidified her status in the industry. In 2021, she starred as Bugs in The Matrix Resurrections.

Current Life/Events

In recent years, Henwick has expanded her repertoire to include writing and directing. Her short film Bus Girl was nominated for a BAFTA award in 2023. She also starred in Netflix’s The Gray Man and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in 2022. In 2023, she appeared in The Royal Hotel, receiving critical acclaim for her performance.

Here are some interesting and lesser-known facts about Jessica Henwick:

• Jessica Henwick was the first East Asian actress to play the lead role in a British television series, starring as Bo in Spirit Warriors.
• Her father, Mark Henwick, is a published author known for the Bite Back urban fantasy series.
• She is of mixed heritage—her mother is Singaporean-Chinese and her father is British.
• Jessica trained in martial arts for her roles and performed most of her own stunts in shows like Iron Fist.
• She was initially invited to audition for the role of Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which eventually went to Daisy Ridley, but she still appeared in the film as X-wing pilot Jessika Pava.
• Her directorial debut Bus Girl was nominated for a BAFTA award in 2023.
• Besides acting, she is an accomplished writer and has developed her own film and television projects.
• Jessica often chooses to wear sustainable fashion on the red carpet and supports environmentally conscious brands.
• She turned down a role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in favor of another creative project.
• She was one of the finalists for the lead role in Disney’s live-action Mulan.
• Jessica is a strong advocate for Asian representation in Hollywood and frequently speaks about the importance of diversity in media.

Dev Patel is a British actor and filmmaker renowned for his compelling performances and dedication to diverse storytelling. Born on April 23, 1990, in Harrow, London, to Gujarati Indian parents from Nairobi, Kenya, Patel was raised in the Hindu faith. His early interest in acting was nurtured through school plays, leading to his breakout role as Anwar Kharral in the teen drama series Skins (2007). He gained international acclaim with his portrayal of Jamal Malik in Slumdog Millionaire (2008), earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor.

Patel’s career continued to flourish with notable roles in films such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), Chappie (2015), and Lion (2016), the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA win for Best Supporting Actor. In 2024, he made his directorial debut with Monkey Man, an action thriller inspired by Indian mythology, showcasing his versatility and dedication to bringing underrepresented stories to the forefront.

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Controversies

In August 2022, Dev Patel intervened in a knife fight in Adelaide, Australia, attempting to de-escalate the situation.

Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes

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Personal Quote

“I’m just this guy from Rayners Lane—how the hell did this happen?”

Early Life and Career

Dev Patel’s passion for acting was evident from a young age, with his first role as Sir Andrew Aguecheek in a school production of Twelfth Night. His performance in a self-written piece about the Beslan school siege earned him top marks in GCSE Drama. Patel’s mother played a pivotal role in his career by taking him to an audition for Skins, leading to his casting as Anwar Kharral. His portrayal of Jamal Malik in Slumdog Millionaire catapulted him to international fame, opening doors to diverse roles in both film and television.

Current Life/Events

In 2024, Patel released his directorial debut, Monkey Man, an action thriller inspired by Indian mythology. The film, which he also co-wrote and starred in, faced numerous challenges during production but was ultimately released with the support of Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and Universal. The movie portrays Patel as an underground fighter seeking revenge against corrupt leaders, blending intense action with cultural themes.

Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Dev Patel

• Dev Patel had no formal acting training before landing his breakout role in Slumdog Millionaire.
• His mother, Anita Patel, was the one who took him to the audition for Skins, which launched his career.
• Patel performed Taekwondo competitively and holds a black belt; he even competed internationally.
• He was born in Harrow, London, to Indian parents who were both born in Nairobi, Kenya.
• He is a devout Hindu and often speaks about how his heritage influences his work and values.
• Patel turned down stereotypical roles early in his career, determined to avoid being typecast.
• He is known for choosing projects that focus on underrepresented voices and cultures.
• His performance in Lion earned him nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA—he won the latter.
• Dev’s directorial debut Monkey Man was inspired by Hanuman, a Hindu deity, and the socio-political environment of modern India.
• He trained extensively in martial arts and physical conditioning for Monkey Man, doing many of his own stunts.
• He is extremely private and has minimal social media presence, preferring to keep his personal life away from the spotlight.
• Patel is known for his humility and often credits his family and upbringing for keeping him grounded despite his fame.