Lupita Nyong’o on Heartbreak, Healing, and Her Love for Yoyo

Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has opened up about her recent personal turmoil and how it has reshaped her perspective on love and companionship. Currently in New York to promote her latest film, Nyong’o shared insights in a recent interview via Zoom, where an unexpected companion stole the spotlight—her cat-shaped cushion, “Yoyo.”

Yoyo, as it turns out, holds a special place in Nyong’o’s heart, named after her real-life pet, a tomcat she adopted following a difficult breakup. “My love for my cat is singular,” declared Nyong’o, affectionately cradling the cushion. “If I’m ever so lucky to be in a romantic relationship again, it’ll be because of him.” Before finding solace in her feline friend, Nyong’o went through a heart-wrenching separation from journalist and sports commentator Selema Masekela, a relationship she publicly dissociated herself from last year via a heartfelt Instagram post.

The actress, whose fear of cats was previously well documented, found herself compelled to confront this fear for her role in the summer prequel, A Quiet Place: Day One. The therapeutic process, she describes with levity, changed her outlook entirely. Her newfound affection for cats, particularly Yoyo, came as a surprise even to her family. “My sisters are so disturbed every time I send them a picture of Yoyo,” Nyong’o laughed, recounting their bewilderment.

Nyong’o’s journey has been one of considerable personal change. Following her breakup, she relocated from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, marking a considerable shift in her lifestyle and surroundings. As she put it, “A lot of the things that have defined my life have faded away or changed.” Part of this change involved redesigning her new home to better reflect her sense of belonging and comfort.

In a broader context, Nyong’o reflects on her cultural identity. Born in Mexico City and raised in Kenya, Nyong’o’s multinational background informs much of her worldview. She describes Kenya as her “foundation, my ethnic background, and my soul,” while also holding citizenship in Mexico and identifying as Mexican. Her move to the United States for higher education introduced her to new cultural influences, further enriching her identity.

Professionally, Nyong’o’s career trajectory was influenced by her early experiences, notably an interaction with actor Ralph Fiennes on the set of The Constant Gardener. His advice led her to a career in acting, one that would eventually see her become the first Black African woman to win an Oscar. In the years since, she has remained a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for roles in major films like 12 Years a Slave, Black Panther, and the Star Wars franchise.

Nyong’o’s creative endeavors extend beyond film. She authored the children’s book Sulwe, a narrative that addresses themes of colorism and self-acceptance. The book, inspired by her personal struggles with identity and acceptance, aims to provide a reflective mirror for young readers, much like what supermodel Alek Wek did for her during her formative years.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Nyong’o is leveraging her platform to foster understanding of African cultural identities through her new podcast, Mind Your Own. The series explores everyday African stories, revealing diverse perspectives that aim to expand global appreciation of African cultures.

The versatile actress continues to navigate both career opportunities and personal life transitions with cautious optimism. She muses on the unpredictability of her journey ahead, yet remains confident, saying, “I’m trusting in this moment. It’s interesting to sit in the questions and not know what the answers will be.”