How Old Was Janelle Monáe in Moonlight Acting Debut?

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Janelle Monáe is widely recognized as a talented musician, but her acting career should not be overlooked. The multi-faceted artist has established a successful presence in both the music and acting industries.

Janelle Monáe added a touch of sophistication to her look by wearing delicate pearls in her updo hairstyleJanelle Monáe added a touch of sophistication to her look by wearing delicate pearls in her updo hairstyle (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Janelle finally put her acting school to good use as she debuted two movies in 2016, enough to land her on her first-ever Golden Globe Awards red carpet.

For portraying engineer Mary Jackson in the 2016 American biographical drama film Hidden Figures, she was nominated for the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress.

“Two compelling, important stories around humanity, about empathy, around the love and the celebration of those who are often times uncelebrated. It’s the narrative I wanted to be associated with,” she told CNN about her two 2016 movies Moonlight and Hidden Figures.

“A lot of people may not know this, but I studied acting,” Monae said. “I’ve always been in the theater world and I’m a writer and screenwriter as well. I’ve never looked at myself as an actor, but more so a storyteller and I want to tell unique, meaningful, universal stories in unforgettable ways.”

Janelle Monáe made her feature film acting debut as Juan's girlfriend, Teresa, in the 2016 American coming-of-age drama film MoonlightJanelle Monáe made her feature film acting debut as Juan’s girlfriend, Teresa, in the 2016 American coming-of-age drama film Moonlight (Credit: A24)

Janelle Monáe was born on December 1, 1985. She was 30 years old when the American coming-of-age drama film Moonlight premiered on September 2, 2016, and she celebrated her 31st birthday on December 1, 2016.

The singer/rapper/actress played the role of Teresa, the girlfriend of Juan, played by Mahershala Ali. Both Mahershala Ali and Janelle Monáe also appear in Hidden Figures.

Moonlight also stars Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Ashton Sanders, Jharrel Jerome, and Naomie Harris.

Janelle Monáe in a standout black and white Armani Prive gown at the 2017 Golden Globe AwardsJanelle Monáe in a standout black and white Armani Prive gown at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

The musician and actress arrived at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards held in Los Angeles in a two-tone look.

Janelle arrived at the awards ceremony in a custom-made black-and-white poof dress by Armani Privé. The actress designed the dress herself alongside her stylist Maeve Reilly.

Janelle Monáe shows off her feet in Giuseppe Zanotti "Harmony" sandalsJanelle Monáe shows off her feet in Giuseppe Zanotti’s “Harmony” sandals (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

The then-31-year-old finished her look with a Jimmy Choo clutch, diamonds from Forevermark USA, and the “Harmony” jeweled sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti.

Janelle Monáe in a glittering sequin Georges Chakra jumpsuit at the 18th Annual Post-Golden Globes PartyJanelle Monáe in a glittering sequin Georges Chakra jumpsuit at the 18th Annual Post-Golden Globes Party hosted by Warner Bros. Pictures and InStyle at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Janelle hit up the Golden Globes after-party, changing into a sequined jumpsuit by Georges Chakra. The singer finished her look with a Jimmy Choo clutch, Forevermark USA jewelry, and a pair of sandals from Brian Atwood.

The Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery actress also talked about what it was like to attend her first Golden Globes ceremony and let us in on what her expectations were.

You can shop Janelle’s Giuseppe Zanotti “Harmony” sandals at SSENSE and Farfetch.

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Giuseppe Zanotti Strappy Stiletto HeelsGiuseppe Zanotti Crystal-Embellished “Harmony” Sandals, $447.99 – $995