Lidya Jewett is an Ethiopian-American actress known for her roles in Hollywood films and TV shows. From starring in the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures to acting in popular series like Good Girls, Lidya has made her mark as a young talent in the movie industry. Her story is inspiring, from her beginnings in an orphanage in Ethiopia to becoming a rising star in Hollywood.
Let’s dive into her life, career, and key facts that make her a standout figure in entertainment.
Here’s a helpful table summarizing key data about Lidya Jewett:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth and Adoption | Born on January 19, 2007, in Ethiopia; adopted at age 4 by an American family in Florida. |
| Early Career | Started modeling at age 6, and transitioned to acting with See Dad Run in 2015. |
| Breakout Role | Played young Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures (2016), selected from over 3,000 candidates. |
| Major Filmography | Hidden Figures, Black Panther (deleted scene), Wonder, The Darkest Minds, Good Girls. |
| Philanthropy | Volunteers for FEMA and supports Ugandan education initiatives for underprivileged children. |
| Education | Attends Dwight Global Online School, focusing on STEM alongside her acting career. |
| Interests | Enjoys math, science, reading (Harry Potter), and languages; active on TikTok with 61K+ followers. |
| Long-term Goals | Aspires to work behind the scenes in writing, directing, and producing. |
| Recent Projects | Starred in The Exorcist: Believer (2023) and voice roles like Vivo (2021). |
Early Life and Background
Lidya Jewett was born on January 19, 2007, in Ethiopia. She spent her early childhood in an orphanage in the Gambella region before being adopted by Dale and Kim Jewett, an American family from Palm City, Florida, when she was just four years old. The adoption gave Lidya a new life filled with love and opportunities. She quickly adapted to her new surroundings, learning English within a few months.
Lidya’s passion for learning started early. She loved reading and excelled in subjects like math and science. Today, she attends Dwight Global Online School, balancing her academic pursuits with her acting career. Lidya’s commitment to education, especially in STEM fields, shows her dedication to personal growth beyond acting.
Breakthrough in Acting
Lidya’s journey into the entertainment industry began with modeling at the age of six. She appeared in print advertisements and commercials in Miami and Orlando, which eventually led her to acting. In 2015, she made her television debut in Nickelodeon‘s See Dad Run. That same year, she also landed a role in WITS Academy, portraying Gracie Walker. These early roles helped her build confidence and gain recognition as a child actress.
Her breakthrough came in 2016 when she played young Katherine Johnson in the movie Hidden Figures. This role was significant not only because it was part of an Oscar-nominated film, but also because she was selected from over 3,000 candidates. The movie highlighted the contributions of African-American women to NASA during the space race, and Lidya’s portrayal of young Katherine showcased her talent to a broad audience.
Major Roles and Career Highlights
Following her success in Hidden Figures, Lidya went on to appear in several notable films. In 2017, she played Lina Annan in Wonder, a film about a boy with facial differences that touched the hearts of many. In 2018, she was cast in The Darkest Minds, a sci-fi thriller about teenagers with special abilities. Although her scene in Black Panther was ultimately deleted, being part of a Marvel Cinematic Universe film was still a major milestone in her career.
Lidya also found success on television, particularly with her role as Sara Hill in the series Good Girls. Sara is a young girl battling kidney disease, and Lidya’s portrayal adds depth and emotion to the show. She appeared in over 50 episodes, solidifying her presence as a talented young actress in the world of television. More recently, she starred in The Exorcist: Believer (2023) and played Yasmin in Netflix‘s Nightbooks (2021), showcasing her versatility across different genres.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Beyond acting, Lidya has a wide range of interests. She loves reading, especially books from the Harry Potter series, and enjoys exploring science fiction and mystery genres. Lidya is also passionate about math and science, subjects she feels naturally drawn to. Her love for learning extends to languages, as she enjoys picking up new ones whenever she can.
Lidya is also active on social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her life with her 61,000+ followers. Her posts often include her favorite books, behind-the-scenes moments from her projects, and fun moments with her family. Her social media presence has helped her connect with fans and establish herself as a role model for young people.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Lidya is not just a talented actress; she is also dedicated to giving back to the community. She volunteers for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), helping pack relief meals for those in need. Additionally, she supports educational initiatives in Uganda, sponsoring a young girl to help provide her with the opportunity for a better education. Lidya’s commitment to philanthropy shows that she understands the importance of using her platform to make a positive impact on the world.
She has also expressed interest in becoming a motivational speaker for young people who want to pursue careers in acting or STEM. Her story—from an orphanage in Ethiopia to a successful career in Hollywood—serves as an inspiration to many.
Fun Facts About Lidya Jewett
Lidya has some fun and unique traits that make her even more relatable to her fans. For instance, she has a phobia of frogs, a quirky fact that she has shared in interviews. Her favorite books include the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. She also loves listening to music, with artists like BTS and Alec Benjamin among her favorites.
Another interesting aspect of Lidya’s personality is her love for singing and playing the piano. She even performed at the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Holiday event, showcasing her musical talent. Despite her busy schedule, Lidya finds time for her hobbies, which also include photography and learning new skills.
Conclusion
Lidya Jewett’s journey from a young girl in an Ethiopian orphanage to a rising star in Hollywood is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to her craft, her commitment to education, and her passion for giving back to the community all contribute to her being a well-rounded and influential figure. As she continues to take on new roles in films and television, her future looks incredibly promising.
With her aspirations to eventually work behind the scenes as a writer, director, or producer, it’s clear that Lidya’s journey in Hollywood is just beginning. We can expect to see even more from this talented teen actress, both in front of and behind the camera. Her story is one of personal growth, resilience, and the power of following one’s dreams, and she is sure to continue inspiring audiences around the world.
