A wise man once said, “It ain’t where you’re from it’s where your at.”
In the case of these 12 celebs with surprising birthplaces, that adage is especially true. While their origins have been questioned to various degrees, whatever talent or service they offer has fans both domestic and abroad happy to embrace them.
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Photo: WENN.com
Rita Ora – Kosovo
The beautiful singer’s exotic looks can be traced to the small Albanian village of Pristina.
Idris Elba – London
That dead on American accent from The Wire and various movies might have fooled you, as Idris Elba was born in London, England.
photo: WENN
Lupita Nyong’o – Mexico
The gorgeous Academy Award winner is of Kenyan descent, but since her father was a diplomat, the family was in Mexico on business when Nyong’o was born, which technically makes her Mexican-Kenyan.
photo: WENN
Mila Kunis – Ukraine
She might look like the average Becky, but Mila Kunis hails from Chernivtsi, in the Ukrainian SSR.
Nicki Minaj – Trinidad & Tobago
Perhaps the song “Trinidad” was a huge giveaway. Before her family relocated to Queens, the woman born Onika Maraj was born in Trinidad.
Rihanna – Barbados
Do yourself a favor and Google the phrases “Rihanna” and “Kadooment.” You won’t be disappointed watching Rihanna put it down in her home town.
photo: WENN
Barack Obama – Hawaii
While birthers get salty and like to repeatedly claim Barack Obama is “not of this world,” he reps the Fiftieth State.
photo: WENN
Martin Lawrence – Germany
Thanks to a father who served in the military, old Marty-Mar was born abroad in Frankfurt, Germany.
Boris Kodjoe – Austria
Few celebs come with as much international influence as Boris Kodjoe. He reps Austria, Ghana, and Germany.
photo: WENN
Charlize Theron – South Africa
If we’re being technical, Charlize Theron is an African-American despite her Becky status. She was born in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa.
Kat Graham – Switzerland
Singer and The Vampire Diaries actress Kat Graham reps Geneva Switzerland, but anyone with an appreciation for beautiful women is glad to have her here on US soil.
photo: WENN
Tia And Tamera Mowry – Germany
Like many brothers and sisters born Germany, Tia and Tamera are the progeny of a military parent, which explains why their birth certificates most likely say Gelnhausen, West Germany.
