Person · Actor

Awkwafina

A self-deprecating comedian navigates the chaos of fame and family while balancing her rising Hollywood career with the messy, hilarious truths of being herself.

Born

June 2, 1988

From

Stony Brook, Brookhaven, New York, USA

Also:
Actress
Writer
Producer

Credits on file

Decades active

Awards

In short · Acting since 1988, 5 decades active, 59 credits, 1 Golden Globe Award win.

Known for

Ranked by community engagement + sustained interest across this person's credits in our database.

Now & next

Jul 10
In the news
Descendants: Wicked Wonderland Returns Red and Chloe for New Adventure
“Disney's 'Descendants: Wicked Wonderland' continues the story of Red and Chloe after the events of 'The Rise of Red.' The film follows the duo as they face unexpected consequences from their mission to change the past, leading to a new threat in Wonderland. The movie premieres on Disney Channel on July 16, 2026, with a streaming release on Disney+ the following day. Returning cast members include Kylie Cantrall as Red and Malia Baker as Chloe, alongside new additions such as Awkwafina as Chessy the Cat and Liamani Segura as Pink. The plot centers on Red and Chloe assembling a team to confront the dangerous new villain, Maddox Hatter, and save the Queen of Hearts.”
2020
Award win
Golden Globe Awards — Golden Globe — Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Biography

Nora Lum (born June 2, 1988), known professionally as Awkwafina (/ˌɔːkwəˈfiːnə/), is an American actress, comedian, and rapper. She gained widespread attention in 2012 with the viral success of her rap song "My Vag" on YouTube. In 2014, she released her debut album, *Yellow Ranger*, and appeared on the MTV comedy series *Girl Code* (2014–2015). She transitioned to film with supporting roles in the comedies *Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising* (2016), *Ocean's 8* (2018), *Crazy Rich Asians* (2018), and *Jumanji: The Next Level* (2019). She received a Golden Globe Award for her leading role as a grieving young woman in *The Farewell* (2019).

Since 2020, Awkwafina has served as co-creator, writer, and executive producer of the Comedy Central series *Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens*, in which she also portrays a fictionalized version of herself. In 2021, she played Katy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*. She has also provided voice work in animated films including *Storks* (2016), *The Angry Birds Movie 2* (2019), *Raya and the Last Dragon* (2021), *The Bad Guys* (2022), *The Little Mermaid*, *Migration* (both 2023), *Kung Fu Panda 4*, and *IF* (both 2024). For starring in and producing the TV movie *Quiz Lady* (2023), she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie.

Filmography · 41 of 41

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