Lenny Juma Biography
Lenny Juma is one of Kenya’s most respected actors and casting directors. For more than 50 years, he has worked in theatre, television, and big Hollywood movies. Many people remember him as the wise village elder who helped Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003). Even more important, he is the man who chose Lupita Nyong’o for the TV series Shuga long before she won an Oscar.
Born around 1950 in Nairobi, Lenny started with small plays in community halls. He later travelled the world, acted in more than 30 films and series, and helped hundreds of Kenyan actors get their first jobs. He has survived serious illnesses, including prostate cancer and heart surgery. Today, in 2025, he is still full of energy and plans to return to Kenyan projects. This article tells his real story in a simple way.
Lenny Juma Early Life
Lenny Juma was born in Nairobi, Kenya, around 1950, a few years before Kenya became independent in 1963. He grew up in a happy home. His mother used to laugh and say, “This child thinks he is my age!” because Lenny loved to act and make people laugh from a very young age.
As a boy, he spent a lot of time at Jericho Social Hall and places like Star Light Night Club. These were popular spots where young people danced, played sports, and performed short plays. That is where Lenny first felt the joy of being on stage.
A South African teacher and theatre director named George Menoe became his mentor. Menoe taught him how to act, move on stage, and manage lights and sound. In 1971, Lenny joined the Kenya National Theatre Drama School for one year. Even though money was short and the course ended early, Lenny never stopped learning. He co-founded a group called Inter African Theatre that took plays to schools all over Kenya. From 1973 to 1982, he travelled to Japan every year for six months to perform. Those trips gave him confidence and showed him the world outside Kenya.
Lenny Juma Career
Lenny’s career has three big parts: acting, casting, and helping other actors.
Acting He started getting small roles in international films that were shot in Kenya. Some of his popular movies and series include:
- Sheena (1984) – his first film
- Mountains of the Moon (1990)
- The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1992)
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003) – he played the Turkana elder and was chosen on the spot by the director
- The Constant Gardener (2005)
- Sense8 (2015) – the Old Man
- Poacher (2018)
He has more than 30 acting credits. Directors loved him because he brought real African feeling to every role.
Casting Director Lenny is even more famous for finding new talent. Some of the actors he chose for big roles are:
- Lupita Nyong’o – he insisted she play Ayira in the TV series Shuga (2009) even when producers wanted someone else
- Oliver Litondo – the teacher in The First Grader (2010)
- Sidede Onyulo – in the Oscar-winning film Nowhere in Africa (2002)
- Evans Muthini – in another Oscar winner, In a Better World (2011)
Because of Lenny’s eye for talent, many Kenyan actors got their first chance and later became international stars.
Helping the Industry Lenny always fights for fair pay and better working conditions for actors in Kenya. He wants the government to support local films more. Even while living in the United States for medical treatment, he continues to guide young actors online and dreams of coming back to work on new Kenyan stories.
Lenny Juma Personal Life
Lenny is married to Anne Waithera, a former Kenya Airways model. They have six daughters and eight grandchildren. At home, he jokes that he is “a ladies’ man living with seven ladies” and he loves every minute of it.
He does not drink alcohol or smoke. He says discipline and prayer are the secrets to his long and happy life. Family means everything to him. Even when he travels or works far away, he makes sure to stay close to his wife and children.
In recent years, Lenny moved to the United States to get better medical care, but his heart is still in Kenya. He misses Nairobi and hopes to return soon.
Lenny Juma Health Journey
Lenny has faced serious health problems but always came out stronger:
- He was diagnosed with prostate cancer before 2021 and announced he was cancer-free in 2021.
- In early 2025 he had successful heart surgery.
- He also survived COVID-19 when many people worried about him.
After every challenge, Lenny says, “God still has work for me to do.” His story encourages many men to go for regular health check-ups.
Conclusion
Lenny Juma started as a playful boy in Nairobi and became a bridge between Kenyan talent and the world. He acted with Hollywood stars, discovered future Oscar winners, fought for fair treatment of actors, and won personal battles against illness.
Today, in November 2025, Lenny is healthy, full of ideas, and ready for new projects. His life shows that talent, hard work, kindness, and faith can open any door. Young actors in Kenya and East Africa look up to him as proof that dreams really can come true.
FAQs
Where and when was Lenny Juma born?
He was born in Nairobi, Kenya, around 1950.
What are some famous movies Lenny Juma acted in?
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003), The Constant Gardener (2005), Sense8 (2015), and Poacher (2018).
How did Lenny Juma help Lupita Nyong’o?
He cast her as Ayira in the TV series Shuga in 2009 when she was still unknown. He told producers she was perfect for the role.
Has Lenny Juma been sick?
Yes. He beat prostate cancer in 2021 and had heart surgery in early 2025. He is now doing well.
Is Lenny Juma married?
Yes, he is happily married to Anne Waithera. They have six daughters and eight grandchildren.
What is Lenny Juma doing now in 2025?
He lives in the United States for health reasons but stays active, advises young actors, and plans to return to Kenya for new film projects.