An undeniable force in the comedy space, Awkwafina is an award-winning actress, comedian, rapper, and producer who has become a major voice in the entertainment industry. Of Chinese and Korean heritage, she rose from viral YouTube fame into acting stardom, cementing herself in history as the first Asian American woman to win a Golden Globe in a comedy or musical for “The Farewell.”

With her unique blend of humor, charm and vision, she has earned herself a million dollar net worth.

Awkwafina Before Fame

Born Nora Lum on June 2, 1988, in Stony Brook, New York, Awkwafina was raised by her father and grandparents after her mother’s passing at age four. She attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, where she trained in classical jazz and played the trumpet. She always had an explorative mind and wasn’t afraid to try new things. At 15 years old, she coined “Awkwafina” as a high school alter ego that contrasted her naturally introverted self.

After high school, Awkwafina went on to study journalism and women’s studies at SUNY Albany, graduating in 2011. She also spent two years honing her Mandarin in Beijing to reconnect with her heritage. These helped fortify the foundation of the booming career that was soon to come.

How Did Awkwafina Become Famous?

Similar to Issa Rae, Awkwafina got her start on YouTube. Her skyrocket to fame came in 2012 with the viral YouTube hit “My Vag,” a raunchy comedy rap exploded online. Though it led to her firing from a publishing job, it introduced her to her digital audience and changed the course of her life. Success followed with her comedy album “Yellow Ranger” in 2014, featuring tracks like “NYC Bitche$,” and appearances on MTV’s “Girl Code,” one of the most popular shows at the time. This all solidified her comedic and rap persona.

Acting

Awkwafina ascended her career when she transitioned to film in 2016 with “Neighbors 2” and “Storks.” Her roles in “Ocean’s 8” and “Crazy Rich Asians” were also a major factor in introducing her to mainstream film audiences. By 2019, she earned a Golden Globe for her emotionally compelling role in “The Farewell,” making history as the first Asian American woman to win in a comedy or musical category.

As a limitless creative, Awkwafina also voices characters, like Sisu in “Raya and the Last Dragon,” and stars in MCU’s “Shang‑Chi” and “The Bad Guys.” On the smaller screen, she created, stars in, and executive produces “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens,” which is now running its third season on Comedy Central.

Music

Though she’s now widely recognized for her acting accolades, Awkwafina’s career began with comedic rap. Highlights include her 2012 project “My Vag,” followed by her 2014 album “Yellow Ranger.” In 2018, her EP “In Fina We Trust” won the Libera Award for Best Hip‑Hop/Rap. She’s also performed at festival stages, collaborated with acts like Margaret Cho, and DJ’d in NYC clubs, proving her range extends far beyond comedy.

Business Endeavors

Diversifying her portfolio, Awkwafina executive produces and earns writing credits on “Nora from Queens” alongside Teresa Hsiao. She’s also earned some pretty hefty checks through brand partnerships that include Gap, Google, Nintendo and GM. As far as real estate goes, Awkwafina also owns a $2.28 million West Hollywood townhouse, alongside a $3.5 million Bel-Air home.

What Is Awkwafina’s Net  Worth?

With a career that covers so many angles, it only makes sense that Awkwafina’s net worth be estimated at $8 million. This massive number is driven by film salaries, TV deals, music income, endorsements, and real estate. Awkwafina is a cultural force, shattering glass ceilings for Asian women. She does it all as a rapper, Hollywood star, showrunner, and comedic innovator. With $8 million in earnings as she builds her creative empire, Awkwafina proves it’s always worth it to push the boundaries and rewrite the rules. 

Is Awkwafina LGBTQ?

Though she’s commonly assumed to be queer, Awkwafina identifies as straight. She has never publicly identified as LGBTQ+, though her supportive of queer representation makes her an undeniable ally. There’s no evidence she identifies otherwise, as she maintains discretion around her romantic relationships.

Is Awkwafina in a Relationship?

Awkwafina prefers to move in silence. In a recent interview, she did share some insight into her love life, revealing she was in a long-term relationship. However, she’s done what she can to keeps her partner’s identity private. She’s also expressed that while she’s certainly happy, she does not plan on starting a traditional family soon.

Why Does She Call Herself Awkwafina?

Perhaps one of the most unique stage names in the business, Awkwafina’s name originated in high school. It came from combining the word “awkward” with the water brand, Aquafina. She thought it was funny to name herself after a product, like bottled water. Meant as a playful alter-ego, it simply stuck. It was important to switch up the spelling. When she was putting out her early music videos, someone advised her to change the spelling so she wouldn’t get sued by the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Awkwafina Korean or Chinese? Both. Awkwafina is the only child of Wally Lum, a Chinese American, and Tia Lum, a Korean American.

Is Simu Liu related to Awkwafina? No, Simu Liu and Awkwafina are not actually related. The two simply played siblings in the Marvel movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”

Can Awkwafina actually speak Chinese? Yes, Awkwafina is fluent in Mandarin.