The acclaimed Kenyan-Mexican actress also recalls how she approached the 'All Too Well' hitmaker to let the song be used in her 2019 film titled 'Little Monsters'.
- Jun 28, 2024
AceShowbiz - Lupita Nyong'o, the acclaimed Kenyan-Mexican actress, revealed a deeply personal connection to Taylor Swift's hit song "Shake It Off", which played a crucial role in overcoming her self-doubt and depression. Her heartfelt story underscores the profound impact of music on mental health and determination.
During a recent appearance on First We Feast's popular show, "Hot Ones", Nyong'o shared an inspiring anecdote about her struggle with self-doubt while filming "Star Wars" in London. The 41-year-old Academy Award winner opened up about how the experience left her feeling down and almost depressed. It was during this challenging period that her best friend introduced her to Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off". As she recounted, "My best friend came to London and Taylor had just released 'Shake It Off', and he played it for me to like get me into better spirits and we just jumped on my bed and we just danced and danced, and it lifted my spirits."
This emotionally charged moment was more than just a fleeting burst of joy; it became a source of solace and motivation for Nyong'o. The song's significance in her life extended further when she was working on the script for her 2019 film, "Little Monsters", a horror-comedy that required a unique touch. Nyong'o felt that "Shake It Off" was the perfect musical choice for a pivotal scene in the movie. However, the initial attempts by the producers to secure the rights to Swift's song fell through.
Determined not to give up, Nyong'o took matters into her own hands. "When they came, and they told me, 'Aw, no we can't get the rights,' I decided, 'OK. I'm going to go, I'm going to make a pitch, I'm going to let Taylor know what this song means to me,' " Nyong'o explained. In a bold move, she directly reached out to the pop superstar, sharing the personal story of how "Shake It Off" helped her during her difficult times. "I told her that story about how it lifted me from an almost depression, and the next thing I knew, it was cleared," she revealed.
