Lupita Nyong'o Adjusts to 'New Reality' After 'Heartbreak' amid Selema Masekela Split

The Academy Award winner's friend helped her "through the hardest days as I adjusted to my new reality"

Lupita Nyong'o celebrated the power of friendship since her recent split from boyfriend Selema Masekela.

On Thursday, the 40-year-old actress, celebrated her close friend Palmer Hefferan in an Instagram post that featured photos of the two together over the years and solo shots of Hefferan.

"Recently, when my life was turned upside-down from heartbreak, Palmer flew in swiftly to be by my side and help me through the hardest days as I adjusted to my new reality," Nyong'o wrote at the bottom of the caption, seemingly referring to her split from Masekela.

Related: Lupita Nyong'o Announces Breakup from Selema Masekela in Message About 'Pain' of Recent 'Deception'

Nyong'o began the post by celebrating her friend’s steadfast loyalty throughout the years.

“Palmer is the kind of friend that I can count on through thick and very thin," she wrote. "We don’t have to talk every day, but when we do, we pick up exactly where we left off, like no time at all has passed."

The Academy Award winner explained the two first met as roommates in drama school, and “found a kindred spirit in each other.” She joked, “Especially in the kitchen!”

The Us star continued to share tidbits about their friendship, and how her former roommate has stayed by her side throughout the years. As Nyong’o continued her caption and referenced her recent “heartbreak,” she shared how her friend has continued to show up for her.

“She made me delicious meals, she found me therapeutic activities to get my mind off things, she cried with me and made me laugh until I cried a more joyful kind of tear." Nyong'o continued, "She did not tire of being of service to me, and the biggest gift she bestowed on my life was helping me get my first pet, Yoyo.”

The new cat owner confessed, “Now every time I look at him and cuddle with him, I am reminded of the selfless love my sister from another mister showed me.”

Nyong'o concluded the caption by thanking Hefferan for her kindness. “I will never be able to pay her back for the kindness she has shown me, and the beauty of the friendship is that it is never about evening the score!”

She declared, “But I have every intention to try… Thank you truly, deeply, P!”

Related: Lupita Nyong'o Takes Walk with Her Mom Dorothy and a Friend Following Split from Selema Masekela

Hefferan is a Tony-nominated sound designer who recently worked on Broadway’s Penelope, Nyong'o pointed out.

While the actress celebrated her friend’s career accomplishments, she also provided a peek into their lives. The Black Panther star shared how the two “defied college norms” and would cook for one another when one was “too swamped with school work to do their fair share around the house.”

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Related: Joshua Jackson and Lupita Nyong'o Spotted at Janelle Monae Concert After Respective Splits

Nyong'o's tribute to Hefferan comes weeks after she announced her split from Masekela, 52, in a candid Instagram post on Oct. 19. Since, the actress has since been seen out, appeared at GO Campaign’s 2023 GO Gala, and even thanked her Instagram followers for their kindness.

"Thank you for all the kindness I have received from sharing my heartbreak news," Nyong'o wrote in an Instagram Story message last month. "The words of encouragement mean more to me than I anticipated. They are a balm."

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