Nyesha and Nick Newton | Thandiwe Newton | Source: Instagram/thandiwenewton | Getty Images
Actress Thandiwe Newton grew up in a biracial household. Despite their different cultures, her parents' relationship is a testament to their love and commitment.
Nyesha and Nick Newton came from different worlds—she came from African royalty while he hails from a white heritage. She later moved to her husband's homeland, where they worked and shared precious moments.
Against all odds, the couple defied societal expectations, and their renowned daughter, Thandiwe Newton, stands witness to the enduring love story.
Thandiwe Newton, her parents Nick and Nyasha Newton, attend a drinks reception prior to the premiere of "The Pursuit of Happyness" at the Washington Hotel on January 8, 2007, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Thandiwe Newton's Parents Have Different Backgrounds
Nyesha's background is anything but ordinary; she has royal lineage— she is a Zimbabwean princess, the granddaughter of a Shona chief. Their love story blossomed in Lusaka, Zambia, where they met, fell in love, and tied the knot.
The couple eventually went to England, where the actress was born. They welcomed two more children–a girl and a boy–when they returned to Lusaka, but sadly Thandiwe said her sister "didn't make it."
Thandiwe and her brother continued to reside in Zambia for a few years, but the entire family had to leave due to political unrest. They now ultimately live in London.
She worked as a midwife in London and became a district nurse and health visitor in Cornwall. She rode her bike there to visit every home, caring for newborns and vulnerable elderly individuals.
A Glimpse Into Thandiwe's Parents' Relationship
Nyesha and Nick's enduring marriage has stood firm despite adversities, leaving their daughter Thandiwe deeply emotional. In 2021, she celebrated her parents' 49th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt message. A part of it read:
"They've both been through so much, separately and together. They've shared their lives and their cultures - they've fought oppression; political and cultural."
Thandiwe Newton, her husband Oliver Parker (left), Nick and Nyasha Newton attend the Charity Premiere of "The Pursuit of Happyness" at the Washington Hotel in 2007 in London. | Source: Getty Images
She also shared that her parents, through their presence, have positively changed people's attitudes. Despite a challenging 30 years in Cornwall, they stayed strong and got through it together.
It was during the pandemic that Thandiwe realized that her history and name were essential to her identity.
Thandiwe Mentions Her Mom More on Social Media
Thandiwe highlights her mother's presence more than her father on social media, especially Instagram. She explained that her decision to feature her dad less online is driven by her wish for Black people to "trust" and "feel safe" with her.
She has been actively sharing public updates about her and her mom's bonding moments. She happily shared about their museum trip in 2021 and fondly recalled watching tennis star Serena Williams at Wimbledon in 2018.
Despite Nick's limited presence on Thandiwe's social media pages, he attended the latter's premiere of "The Pursuit of Happyness" in 2007. His daughter starred in the film with father-son tandem Will and Jaden Smith.
Nick and Nyesha are proud of their daughter's remarkable achievements in the entertainment industry, especially when she received an OBE recognition from the British Royal Family, now under King Charles III's reign.
However, despite the public recognition, Thandiwe has shared poignant thoughts about her biracial identity. She recalled a British newspaper questioning her identity when she won a BAFTA because one of her parents is Black.
Thandiwe Newton and her mother attend HBO's Post Emmy Awards Reception at The Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on September 17, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Adding to her reflections, she has voiced frustrations about the lack of diversity in British period dramas. Despite this challenge, she actively works towards a change by reclaiming her name—she's no longer going by "Thandie."
It was during the pandemic that Thandiwe realized that her history and name were essential to her identity. Her name means "Beloved" in Zulu. "And as I got older and more confident, I would insist on Thandiwe," she said.
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