Amandla Stenberg is a multifaceted talent who has made significant strides in the entertainment industry from a young age. Best known for her role as Rue in “The Hunger Games,” Stenberg has since established herself as a prominent actress, model, and social activist.
With a career that spans critically acclaimed films, influential television roles, and impactful advocacy work, she continues to inspire and lead by example. This blog post delves into various aspects of Amandla’s life, including her early years, family background, relationships, career achievements, social media presence, hobbies, and some intriguing facts about her journey.
Who is Amandla Stenberg
Birth Date: October 23, 1998
- Birth Place: Los Angeles, California
- Parents: Karen Brailsford (African-American, spiritual counselor) and Tom Stenberg (Danish, writer)
- Heritage: Multiracial (African-American and Danish descent)
Career Highlights
- Modeling: Started her career at age four with catalog modeling for Disney and appeared in commercials for brands like Kmart and McDonald’s.
- Film Debut: Played a young Cataleya in “Colombiana” (2011).
- Breakout Role: Rue in “The Hunger Games” (2012), which brought her significant recognition.
- Notable Films:
- “Everything, Everything” (2017)
- “The Hate U Give” (2018)
- “Dear Evan Hansen” (2021)
- Voiced Margo Kess/Spider-Byte in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023)
- Television:
- Macey Irving in “Sleepy Hollow” (2013-2014)
- Halle Foster in “Mr. Robinson” (2015)
- Upcoming role in “The Acolyte” (2024)
Awards and Recognitions
- Awards:
- Teen Choice Award for “The Hunger Games”
- NAACP Image Award
- BET YoungStars Award
- African American Film Critics Association Award
- Hollywood Film Award for Breakthrough Actress
- Recognition: Included in Time’s list of Most Influential Teens in 2015 and 2016
Advocacy and Personal Life
- Social Activism: Known for her outspoken advocacy on issues of race, gender, and sexuality.
- Sexual Orientation: Openly identifies as non-binary and pansexual, having previously come out as bisexual and gay.
- Public Presence: Active on social media, influencing discussions around social justice and representation.
Personal Interests
- Music: Released music with the folk-rock duo Honeywater.
- Comics: Co-wrote “Niobe: She is Life,” the first widely distributed comic featuring a black female protagonist created by a black woman.
Amandla Stenberg’s career spans a variety of roles in both mainstream and independent projects, and she continues to be a prominent figure in advocating for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Amandla Stenberg was born on October 23, 1998, in Los Angeles, California. From a young age, she exhibited a talent for the arts, beginning her career in modeling at just four years old with catalog shoots for Disney and commercials for brands like Kmart and McDonald’s. Her early exposure to the entertainment industry laid a strong foundation for her future in acting and modeling.
Stenberg attended Wildwood School in Los Angeles, and while she initially considered enrolling at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts to study filmmaking, she ultimately chose to focus on her burgeoning acting career​​.
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Parents and Siblings
Amandla Stenberg is the daughter of Karen Brailsford and Tom Stenberg. Her mother, Karen, is an African-American spiritual counselor and writer, while her father, Tom, is of Danish descent and also a writer. This diverse cultural background has greatly influenced Stenberg’s perspective and activism. She has two older half-sisters from her father’s previous relationship.
Her family’s support and diverse heritage have been significant influences in her life and career, contributing to her strong sense of identity and advocacy for social justice​.
Husband and Boyfriend
Amandla Stenberg identifies as non-binary and has been open about her sexuality, identifying at different times as bisexual, pansexual, and gay. She has had a few public relationships, notably with actor Jaden Smith in 2014-2015 and singer King Princess (Mikaela Mullaney Straus) from early 2018 to late 2018.
Despite these high-profile relationships, Stenberg prefers to keep her personal life private and has not publicly disclosed any current romantic relationships​.
Age, Weight, Height, and Physical Appearance
As of 2024, Amandla Stenberg is 25 years old. She stands at a height of 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) and weighs approximately 123 pounds (56 kg). Stenberg has a distinctive and captivating appearance, characterized by her dark brown eyes and dark brown hair.
Her physical attributes, combined with her unique sense of style and strong presence, have made her a prominent figure in both the acting and fashion industries. Her commitment to authenticity and representation in her roles and public appearances further enhances her appeal.
Career
Amandla Stenberg began her career at a young age, gaining widespread recognition with her role as Rue in “The Hunger Games” (2012), a performance that earned her several awards and nominations, including a Teen Choice Award. Following this breakout role, she continued to build an impressive filmography with roles in movies like “Everything, Everything” (2017), “The Hate U Give” (2018), and “Dear Evan Hansen” (2021).
Stenberg also voiced characters in successful animated films, including Bia in “Rio 2” and Margo Kess/Spider-Byte in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023). On television, she is known for her roles in “Sleepy Hollow” and “Mr. Robinson,” and is set to star in the upcoming series “The Acolyte.” In addition to acting, Stenberg co-wrote the comic book “Niobe: She is Life,” showcasing her versatility and commitment to diverse storytelling
Net worth of Amandla Stenberg
As of 2024, Amandla Stenberg’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $4 million. This range reflects different sources’ evaluations, considering her various acting roles and endorsements​..
Stenberg gained early recognition for her role as Rue in “The Hunger Games” (2012) and has since built a diverse career in film, television, and voice acting. Notable films include “Everything, Everything” (2017), “The Hate U Give” (2018), and “Dear Evan Hansen” (2021). She also voiced Margo Kess/Spider-Byte in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023)​​.
Apart from acting, Stenberg has been involved in modeling, notably for Calvin Klein’s Pride collection, and serves as a brand ambassador for Fenty Beauty. Her influence extends to social media, where she has a substantial following, contributing to her overall net worth​​.
Social Media Presence
Amandla Stenberg is highly active on social media, using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with her fans and advocate for social justice issues. Her social media presence is marked by a mix of personal insights, professional updates, and advocacy for causes such as racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health awareness.
Stenberg’s authentic and engaging online persona has garnered a substantial following, making her a significant influencer, particularly among younger audiences. She often uses her platforms to highlight marginalized voices and promote inclusivity in the entertainment industry and beyond.​
Hobbies
- Music: Amandla enjoys playing the violin and guitar, often integrating her musical talents into her acting projects​.
- Writing: She has a passion for writing and co-authored the comic book “Niobe: She is Life,” which showcases her storytelling abilities​​.
- Reading: Amandla is an avid reader and frequently shares her favorite books and literary influences on her social media platforms​​.
- Creative Expression: She continuously explores new artistic pursuits, demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and creative exploration​​.
Interesting Facts About Amandla Stenberg
- Name Meaning: Amandla’s name means “power” in Zulu, reflecting her strong presence and influence.
- Influential Teen: She was named one of Time magazine’s Most Influential Teens in both 2015 and 2016 for her impact as an activist and actor​.
- Cultural Discussions: Stenberg made a viral video discussing cultural appropriation and representation in media, gaining significant attention while still in high school​.
- Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”: She appeared in Beyoncé’s visual album “Lemonade,” solidifying her status as a cultural icon​.
- Modeling: She has modeled for major campaigns, including Calvin Klein’s Pride collection, and is a brand ambassador for Fenty Beauty​.
