Justine Lupe has established herself as a versatile actress with impressive performances across television and film. With formal training from one of the most prestigious acting programs in the country and roles in both indie films and popular TV series, she has built a career that showcases her range and talent.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Justine Lupe |
|---|---|
| Profession | TV Actress |
| Birthday | February 16, 1989 |
| Age | 36 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Denver, Colorado, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5'6" (168 cm) |
| Net Worth | $3 million (estimated as of 2025) |
| Relationship Status | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life & Background
Justine Lupe was born on February 16, 1989, in Denver, Colorado. Her family had strong connections to the arts—her father, John Lupe, works as an exhibition specialist for the Denver Art Museum, establishing an early cultural influence in her life. Her grandmother, Kay Schomp, made such an impact on the local arts community that a theater at the Denver School of the Arts bears her name, creating a legacy that Justine would follow.
Justine's educational path reflected her early interest in performance. She attended the Denver School of the Arts, graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree. This specialized arts education provided a strong foundation for her acting career. Following this, she pursued advanced training at the highly competitive Juilliard School, graduating from their prestigious acting program in 2011. This combination of specialized arts education and elite conservatory training prepared her technically and artistically for professional work.
Career Journey
After completing her education at Juilliard in 2011, Justine quickly began establishing herself in both television and film. Her early career featured guest star appearances and recurring roles on various television series, demonstrating her versatility and helping her build a professional reputation in the industry.
A significant milestone in her career came in 2013 when she appeared as Nessa in Noah Baumbach's critically acclaimed independent film "Frances Ha." This role in a celebrated indie film showcased her ability to contribute to nuanced, character-driven stories.
In 2014, her career reached a new level when she was cast as the main character Maddie Culpepper on the ABC sitcom "Cristela." This leading role in a network comedy demonstrated her range and ability to carry a major character in a primetime series.
Her appearances on popular shows like "Shameless" and "Harry's Law" further expanded her visibility and demonstrated her ability to integrate into established series. The diversity of these roles—from comedy to drama—highlighted her versatility as a performer.
Her career trajectory has contributed to her growing social media presence, with her Instagram account (@mejustinelupe) garnering over 180,000 followers, creating another platform to connect with audiences and enhance her professional visibility.
Personal Life
Justine Lupe was raised in Denver, Colorado, where her family has strong ties to the local arts community. Her grandmother's legacy at the Denver School of the Arts and her father's work at the Denver Art Museum suggest an upbringing immersed in cultural and artistic influences.
Despite her public career, Justine maintains privacy regarding her romantic relationships, choosing to keep this aspect of her life separate from her professional persona. This approach allows her to maintain personal boundaries while engaging with audiences primarily through her work.
Her educational choices—from specialized arts high school to the prestigious Juilliard program—indicate a dedicated and focused approach to her craft, suggesting that professional development has been a priority in her life choices.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Justine Lupe's estimated net worth stands at approximately $3 million. This financial position reflects her successful career in television and film, including her lead role on "Cristela" and numerous supporting and recurring roles on various productions.
Her income sources likely include acting salaries, residuals from show reruns and streaming platforms, and potential endorsement opportunities. While not among Hollywood's highest earners, she has established financial stability through consistent work across multiple platforms and productions.
Physical Attributes
Justine stands at approximately 5'6" (168 cm) with a slender build. Her distinctive features and expressive face have served her well across comedy and drama, allowing her to embody a range of characters effectively.
Notable Projects
Beyond her role in "Frances Ha" and "Cristela," Justine has built an impressive resume of television work. Her appearances on "Shameless" showcased her ability to integrate into ensemble dramas with distinctive tones and styles.
Her guest starring and recurring roles across multiple series demonstrate her versatility and ability to adapt to different production environments and acting styles, a valuable skill for career longevity in television.
Acting Style
Justine's training at Juilliard, one of America's most prestigious acting conservatories, has informed her technique and approach. This classical training, combined with her experience across comedy and drama, has developed her range and ability to tackle diverse roles.
Her work spans both independent film and network television, suggesting comfort with both the nuanced character work of indie productions and the broader performance style often required for network comedies.
Industry Connections
Working with acclaimed filmmaker Noah Baumbach and appearing alongside Greta Gerwig (who co-wrote and starred in "Frances Ha") connected Justine to respected figures in independent cinema. These professional relationships potentially open doors to future projects with established filmmakers and performers.
Her television work has similarly expanded her professional network across various production companies and networks, creating opportunities for future roles and collaborations.
FAQ
Q: What is Justine Lupe's educational background?
A: Justine graduated from the Denver School of the Arts in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree and then completed Juilliard School's acting program in 2011.
Q: What was Justine Lupe's breakout film role?
A: She appeared as Nessa in Noah Baumbach's 2013 film "Frances Ha," which helped establish her in independent cinema.
Q: What major TV role did Justine Lupe play?
A: In 2014, she was cast as the main character Maddie Culpepper on the ABC sitcom "Cristela."
Q: Does Justine Lupe have family connections to the arts?
A: Yes, her father John is an exhibition specialist for the Denver Art Museum, and her grandmother Kay Schomp is the namesake of a theater at the Denver School of the Arts.
Q: What notable TV shows has Justine Lupe appeared on?
A: She has appeared on several popular shows including "Shameless" and "Harry's Law," among others.