Dorothy Nyong’o, fondly called Mama Kisumu, is the First Lady of Kisumu County. However, she is most famous as the mother of Kenyan-Mexican multiple-award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o. Lupita rose to fame for her captivating debut performance in Steve McQueen’s 2013 historical drama “12 Years a Slave.”
Her role in the film earned her several nominations and awards. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and became the fifteenth actress to win an Oscar for a film debut. Since her debut, Lupita has appeared in other high-grossing movies, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe film “Black Panther.”
Following her success in Hollywood, fans of the talented actress are eager to know more about her roots. Although Dorothy Nyong’o is famous as the mother of Lupita Nyong’o, there is more to her than just being the mother of a famous actress.
Here’s all you need to know about the woman who birthed the stunning actress.
Dorothy Nyong’o Biography
Dorothy Nyong’o was born Dorothy Buyu to her parents in Maseno Hospital, Kenya, on December 22, 1957. She grew up with her parents, Laban Buyu and Rosemell Buyu. While her father, Laban, is a retired high school teacher, her late mother, Rosemell, was a nurse. Dorothy was the second child and eldest girl of eight children.
Like most kids born then, Dorothy started school when she was five. She attended the Ngiya Primary School, which was allegedly close to the home of the late Sarah Obama. When she was six, her father moved to London for further studies at the University of London. Similarly, her mother followed a year later to study midwifery.
Consequently, Dorothy and her older brother, Peter, moved to Kisumu Town with their father’s brother, Erick Buyu, and his wife. They attended Kisumu Union Primary School. However, they moved to Nairobi when their father returned from his studies. While their father became a teacher at Jamhuri High School, Dorothy went on to complete her primary education at City Primary School.
Although her father had returned, her mother didn’t return until a year later. Dorothy’s leadership and organizational skills came in handy during those formative years. After she graduated from primary school, Dorothy Nyong’o enrolled at the Pangani Girls High School in Nairobi.
Afterward, she proceeded to the University of Nairobi and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in French and Political Science in August 1979. In addition, she enrolled at the University of Nairobi’s School of Journalism, where she graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communications in August 1980.
Following her postgraduate studies, the stunning actress’ mother also enrolled at the United States International University, where she graduated with an Executive Master of Science in Organizational Development in 2009.
Dorothy Nyong’o Career
While she might not have appeared in a superhero film like her daughter, Dorothy Nyong’o is a real-life superhero. She is known for her impeccable work in both cancer awareness and philanthropy. Dorothy has over thirty years of experience in public relations.
She also worked as a program officer at the International Planned Parenthood Federation for ten years. Eventually, she became a Reproductive Health and Communications consultant and has worked in the field for over two decades.
Dorothy Nyong’o is the Managing Trustee of Africa Cancer Foundation (ACF), a charitable trust headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. ACF was founded on July 12, 2011, and works toward a cancer-free Africa.
Over the years, Dorothy has steered ACF from a pioneering institution to a maturing one recognized as a leading institution for cancer awareness, information, and screening. Consequently, her relentless work in the war against cancer in Africa earned her the Harvard Global Catalyst Cancer Advocacy Award in 2019.
When Did Lupita Nyong’o’s Mom Tie the Knot?
Dorothy met Peter Anyang Nyong’o, who became her husband and Governor of Kisumu County, while she was a student at the University of Nairobi. The pair hit it off and subsequently started dating. Dorothy Nyong’o tied the knot with Peter on December 22, 1979. Coincidentally, their wedding day also happens to be her birthday.
How Many Children Does Dorothy Nyong’o Have?
After over four decades of marriage, Dorothy Nyong’o has four biological children, Zawadi, Lupita, Wam, and Junior, with her husband. They also have an adopted daughter, Fiona, from her husband’s late sister, Judith. In addition, the couple has a granddaughter, Sekai, from their daughter, Wam, and her husband, Dadi.
However, her second child, Lupita Nyong’o, is the most famous of Dorothy Nyong’o’s children. As earlier stated, she is an accomplished award-winning actress best known for her roles in films such as “Black Panther” and “12 Years a Slave.”
Although not in the entertainment scene, Dorothy Nyong’o supports her daughter’s career and often accompanies her to red-carpet events and award shows, like Jayson Tatum’s Parents.