All Grown Up: Malia Obama Through The Years (5 of 9)

She took on various internships in the entertainment industry

Michelle Obama supported Malia Obama’s early interest in filmmaking. In 2014, she gained production experience as a production assistant on Halle Berry’s series Extant, earning praise for her dedication. Berry noted the challenge of viewing her solely as a PA given that she was Barack Obama’s daughter, after all, but that Malia was eager to do whatever she was asked. In 2015, Obama interned at HBO and worked on Lena Dunham’s Girls, handling writer’s assistant tasks. Discussing this on the Howard Stern Show, Dunham emphasized they didn’t make her fetch coffee, discussing her important role in making the show a success. Jenni Konner, co-showrunner of Girls, elaborated on this, emphasizing her involvement in capturing improv scenes on set. Obama’s internships provided valuable industry exposure, aligning with her passion for filmmaking and setting the stage for her future endeavors.

Both Obama daughters are highly active in liberal causes

During the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests sparked by racial injustices and police brutality, the Obama sisters independently participated in activism, impressing their parents. Barack Obama praised his daughters’ initiative and engagement without parental influence. Malia’s activism wasn’t new; shortly after leaving the White House in 2017, she joined the Standing Rock solidarity event in Utah, opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline. Actress Shailene Woodley, a fellow activist, commended Malia’s involvement, emphasizing her independent commitment to democracy and social justice beyond her family’s legacy. Woodley highlighted Malia’s recognition of the importance of individual engagement in shaping a better future, irrespective of her surname’s significance, applauding her dedication to democratic participation for future generations.