Laura Kariuki Biography: Ethnicity, Movies, Age, Awards, Boyfriend, Parents

Laura Kariuki, is an American actress best known for her roles as JJ/Lightning in the CW superhero series Black Lightning, Kim Williams in the ABC comedy-drama reboot The Wonder Years, Maggie in the Netflix film Along for the Ride, and appearances in American Horror Stories, A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet, and One Last Sin.

She brings fresh energy to coming-of-age stories and dramatic ensembles, transitioning from theater roots to prominent television and film projects that highlight her range in family-oriented and genre narratives.

Profile

• Full Name: Laura Kariuki
• Stage Name: Laura Kariuki
• Born: 21 June 1998
• Age: 27 years old
• Birthplace: Lenexa, Kansas, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Irene Kariuki, and Jairo Kariuki
• Siblings: 3
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Laura Kariuki was born on June 21, 1998, in Lenexa, Kansas, United States. She grew up with her parents Irene Kariuki and Jairo Kariuki. Kariuki has two younger sisters and one younger brother.

She discovered acting early through community theater classes starting in third grade and earned a BFA in Acting from Oklahoma City University in 2020.

She holds Kenyan-American ethnicity and keeps her religious beliefs private.

Career

Laura Kariuki launched her career in theater while studying, performing in productions like The Trojan Women, The Bluest Eye, The Submission, and Picnic.

She taught at the Oklahoma Children’s Theater and participated in international programs like the World Theatre Education Alliance in China.

Kariuki gained initial recognition through the 2020 ABC Discovers Showcase, which led to her screen debut. She made her television breakthrough in 2021 replacing China Anne McClain as JJ/Lightning in the final season of Black Lightning on The CW.

Her on-screen presence in action and family dynamics earned positive notice. Kariuki balanced theater training with quick transitions to professional auditions.

Kariuki solidified her rise with the lead role of Kim Williams in the ABC reboot The Wonder Years from 2021 to 2023, portraying a teenager in a Black family during the 1960s.

She expanded to film with Maggie in the 2022 Netflix adaptation Along for the Ride, opposite Emma Pasarow and Belmont Cameli.

Kariuki explored anthology formats in American Horror Stories and took on supporting parts in biographical dramas.

Her collaborations with major networks and streamers showcased versatility in comedy, drama, and coming-of-age tales. She built a portfolio blending youthful roles with emotional depth.

Laura Kariuki earns acclaim for authentic performances in ensemble casts across television and film. She contributed to high-profile projects like the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown in 2024.

Kariuki embraces diverse characters in family and superhero genres. Her theater background informs nuanced screen work.

She influences young actors transitioning from stage to mainstream media.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @laura.kariuki
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Laura Kariuki keeps her personal life private with no spouse or children. She previously dated singer Alec Espinosa from 2018, with reports of an engagement in 2021, but the relationship ended as she removed related posts from social media.

Kariuki maintains close family ties, often highlighting her parents and siblings in past shares.

She enjoys a focused lifestyle centered on career growth, theater passions, and occasional travel while prioritizing privacy in relationships.

Filmography

• Black Lightning (2018–2021)
• American Horror Stories (2021)
• The Wonder Years (2021–2023)
• Along for the Ride (2022)
• A Complete Unknown (2024)
• One Last Sin (2025)

Net Worth

Laura Kariuki has an estimated net worth of $1 million. Her income flows mainly from acting roles in television series and films across networks like The CW, ABC, and Netflix.

Supporting revenue includes theater work and early modeling engagements.