Awkwafina Height, Weight, Age, Wiki, Biography, Net Worth & Key Facts (2025)
Awkwafina is an acclaimed American actress, rapper, comedian, and writer known for her dynamic presence in Hollywood and her breakthrough roles in films like Crazy Rich Asians and The Farewell. Born and raised in New York City, she has become a trailblazer for Asian-American representation in the entertainment industry, earning praise for her distinctive comedic style and musical talent. Awkwafina’s journey from viral rapper to Golden Globe-winning actor has made her a prominent figure in contemporary pop culture.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Nora Lum |
|---|---|
| Profession / Occupation | Actress, Rapper, Comedian, Writer |
| Birth Date | June 2, 1988 |
| Age | 36 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Stony Brook, Long Island, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | Breakout roles in Crazy Rich Asians and The Farewell |
| Known For | Acting, Comedy, Rap Music |
| Ethnicity | Chinese-Korean |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 1 in (155 cm), 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | University at Albany, SUNY (Journalism & Women’s Studies) |
| Religion | Non-religious |
| Marital Status/Spouse | Unmarried |
| Relationship | Private |
| Children | None |
| Relatives | Wally Lum (father), Tia Lum (grandmother) |
| Hobbies | Music, Writing, Comedy, Traveling |
| Employer/Organization | Self-employed, Various Film Studios |
| Years Active | 2012–present |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $10 million (2025) |
Early Life & Education
Awkwafina, born Nora Lum on June 2, 1988, in Stony Brook, Long Island, New York, is of Chinese and Korean descent. Raised primarily by her father and paternal grandmother after her mother’s early passing, Awkwafina grew up in Forest Hills, Queens. She attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where she developed an early interest in music and performance. Later, she pursued higher education at the University at Albany, SUNY, majoring in journalism and women’s studies. Her multicultural upbringing and exposure to New York’s diverse arts scene played a significant role in shaping her creative aspirations.
Career Journey
Beginnings in Music and Comedy
Awkwafina’s career began in music, adopting her stage name at the age of 16. She gained viral fame in 2012 with her comedic rap song “My Vag,” which showcased her sharp wit and irreverent humor. This online success led to her debut album, Yellow Ranger (2014), and appearances on MTV and YouTube comedy series.
Breakthrough in Acting
Her transition to acting started with supporting roles in films like Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016) and Ocean’s 8 (2018). However, Awkwafina’s breakout role came as Peik Lin in Crazy Rich Asians (2018), where her comedic timing and charisma were widely praised. This performance propelled her into the Hollywood spotlight.
Critical Acclaim and Major Achievements
In 2019, Awkwafina starred in The Farewell, earning the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. She became the first woman of Asian descent to win a Golden Globe in a lead actress film category. Awkwafina continued her ascent with roles in Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). She also created and starred in her own Comedy Central series, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, which has received critical acclaim and multiple season renewals.
Recent Projects and Current Status
By 2025, Awkwafina remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, balancing film, television, and music projects. She continues to advocate for greater diversity in Hollywood and is recognized for her unique voice and cultural impact.
Personal Life
Awkwafina is known for keeping her personal life private. She has not publicly disclosed details about her romantic relationships and remains unmarried as of 2025. She is close to her father and grandmother, often crediting them for their influence and support. Awkwafina enjoys writing, traveling, and supporting community initiatives, particularly those focused on Asian-American representation and youth empowerment. Despite her fame, she maintains a down-to-earth persona and values her privacy.
Awards & Achievements
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (The Farewell, 2020)
- Satellite Award for Best Actress
- Screen Actors Guild Award Nominee
- Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Actress
- Time 100 Next List Honoree (2019)
- Multiple Critics’ Choice and MTV Movie & TV Award nominations
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (155 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Measurements | 34-27-35 in (approx.) |
| Shoe Size | 6 US |
Quotes
- “I want to show people that it’s okay to be different, to be yourself.”
- “Comedy is a way to process the world, to heal and to connect.”
- “I never thought I’d be here, but I’m grateful for every moment.”
Controversies
Awkwafina has faced some criticism regarding her use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in her early rap and comedy career, with debates about cultural appropriation. She addressed these concerns in interviews, expressing respect for the culture and a commitment to learning and growing. Overall, she has managed to maintain a positive public image and continues to engage in conversations about representation and inclusivity.
Favorites
- Favorite Food: Ramen, Dim Sum
- Favorite Music Artists: Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill
- Favorite Movie: Spirited Away
- Favorite Color: Yellow
- Favorite Book: Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
- Favorite Travel Destination: Tokyo, Japan
Salary & Net Worth
As of 2025, Awkwafina’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million, according to industry sources. Her income is derived from acting roles in major films, television series, music releases, brand endorsements, and public appearances. For leading film roles, her reported salary ranges from $500,000 to $2 million per project, depending on the production scale and her involvement. With ongoing projects and continued success in Hollywood, her net worth is expected to grow further.
Interesting Facts
- Awkwafina’s stage name was inspired by her humorous personality and a play on the word “Aquafina.”
- She is the first Asian-American woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
- She is an accomplished trumpet player, having learned the instrument in high school.
- Awkwafina published a semi-autobiographical guidebook, Awkwafina’s NYC, in 2015.
- She has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and Asian-American representation in media.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @awkwafina (2.1M+ followers)
- Twitter/X: @awkwafina (600K+ followers)
- Facebook: Awkwafina
- YouTube: Awkwafina Official
- LinkedIn: Nora Lum (Awkwafina)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Awkwafina’s real name? Awkwafina’s real name is Nora Lum.
- How tall is Awkwafina? She is 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) tall.
- What is Awkwafina best known for? She is best known for her roles in Crazy Rich Asians and The Farewell, as well as her unique comedic and musical talents.
- Is Awkwafina married? No, as of 2025, she is unmarried and keeps her relationship status private.
- What is Awkwafina’s net worth? Her estimated net worth is around $10 million as of 2025.
- Does Awkwafina have any children? No, she does not have any children.
Conclusion
Awkwafina’s journey from viral rapper to Hollywood trailblazer is a testament to her talent, resilience, and cultural impact. Her work continues to inspire audiences worldwide, breaking barriers for Asian-American artists and bringing fresh perspectives to the entertainment industry. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with others who might be interested in Awkwafina’s remarkable story.
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