Ocean’s 8 stars some of Hollywood’s biggest names: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway. And a relative unknown named Awkwafina.
Who is she and where did she come from? They’re questions she’s heard many times.
“I get tons of comments that are just like, ‘Who are you?'” the 30-year-old explained to USA Today. “I think it’s because people were shocked, appalled, confused, and angry that my name is Awkwafina and they didn’t immediately know who I was in this line-up of superstars.”
Here are some fun facts about the breakout star from the cinema caper (Read FANDOM’s review here).
Her Real Name
While her stage name sounds like the bottled water brand Aquafina, she had a relatively normal upbringing.
Born Nora Lum to a Chinese American father and Korean immigrant mother, Awkwafina was raised in Queens and attended the infamous LaGuardia High School (aka the Fame high school).
Naturally shy and self-deprecating, Lum created her persona. “Awkwafina just doesn’t care, so I need to harness a little of both when I do movies or write a song,” she explained.
With her passion for the performing arts, she started a career in music before moving to work behind and in front of the camera.
Where You Know Her From
Although she began rapping as a teen, Awkwafina broke out in 2012 with a parody rap that’s too vulgar for us to embed but you can check out here. Since being uploaded, the song has garnered nearly 2.5 million views.
In 2014, she was cast on MTV’s Girl Code. Her small screen roles continued with parts on Hulu’s Future Man.
She lent her voice talents to Storks (and the upcoming Angry Birds 2), but Ocean’s — where she plays a fast-talking pickpocket — is her highest profile project to date.
Don’t Confuse Her With…
There’s a character on BoJock Horseman named Sextina Aquafina (a variant of Christina Aguilera and Awkwafina).
Like Awkwafina, Sextina is also a controversial musical artist with explicit lyrics.
“They call me the fish from BoJack Horseman,” Awkwafina jokes. “We’re not related.”
Where You’ll See (and Hear) Her Next
In addition to Ocean’s 8, Awkwafina will appear in Crazy Rich Asians as Constance Wu’s character’s best friend Goh Peik Lin.
She’ll appear quite different, wearing a short blonde bob. But her sense of humor comes through, delivering lines like, “Dayum Rachel, he’s like the Asian Bachelor!”
Her record “In Fina We Trust” also drops the same day as Ocean’s release, proving she’s a smart self-promoter as well.
Ocean’s 8 is out in theaters now. Crazy Rich Asians opens on August 15, 2018.
