Lupita Nyong’o, renowned Academy Award winner, has revealed how her role in “A Quiet Place: Day One” helped her conquer a lifelong fear of cats. In a recent interview with “CBS Mornings,” Nyong’o admitted to being terrified of felines before starring in the horror film.
“For most of my life, I had a fear of cats,” Nyong’o shared. “I would avoid being in the same room with them and even shed tears. They always seemed so suspicious to me, like little lions ready to pounce.”
Nyong’o recounted how she initially urged director Michael Sarnoski to consider casting an alternative animal, such as an armadillo, instead of a cat. However, her role required her to confront her fear head-on. She underwent exposure therapy, where cats were introduced into her environment, gradually helping her to acclimate.
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In a surprising turn, Nyong’o embraced her newfound appreciation for cats, adopting an orange tabby named Yoyo shortly after a publicized breakup. Reflecting on the adoption, Nyong’o expressed how Yoyo became a source of comfort and healing during a difficult time in her life.
“I used to wonder about people who filled their phones with pet photos, and now I understand,” Nyong’o remarked. “Yoyo didn’t just save me; he opened my heart in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”
During the filming of “A Quiet Place: Day One,” Nyong’o developed a fondness for her on-screen feline companions, Nico and Schnitzel, describing them as “sweet and adorable.” She noted how portraying a character who cared deeply for her cat on screen paralleled her real-life journey with Yoyo.
As “A Quiet Place: Day One” continues to captivate audiences in theaters, Nyong’o’s personal transformation and newfound appreciation for cats underscore the profound impact of her role beyond the screen.
