Lupe Gidley, a former actress and model, gained prominence for her portrayal of Mom in the music video “Daft Punk” by the French duo of the same name. Released in 2006, the video depicts Gidley as a mother who unveils the revelation that her son is, in fact, a robot. The video was directed by Tony Gardner, the creator of the robot costumes worn by the band.
Early Life and Career
Born on February 17, 1965, as Maria Guadalupe Gidley, Lupe Gidley embarked on her career as a model in the 90s, gracing various magazines and advertisements. In 1989, she made her acting debut in Billy Joel’s music video “We Didn’t Start The Fire,” which, since its upload on YouTube in 2009, has garnered over 148 million views.
With five acting credits on IMDb, Gidley expanded her career beyond music videos. Her roles include portraying Carol, the Secretary in the 2014 short film “Money Shot,” a comedy revolving around a porn star’s attempt at a comeback. In the 2015 TV movie “Finding Out,” a drama about a woman discovering her husband’s homosexuality, she took on the character of Laura Heinrich. Gidley’s final acting role was in the 2018 short film “Klarinet Klub,” a musical comedy centered on a group of clarinet players.
Daft Punk and Fame
Lupe Gidley gained widespread recognition for her notable role in Daft Punk’s music video, released in 2006 as part of their album “Human After All.” The video, showcasing Gidley as a mother who discovers her son is a robot, creatively integrates the band members into the narrative. Another band member portrays a second robot character, while a robotic dog also makes an appearance.
Highly praised for its creativity, humor, special effects, and costumes, the video earned two MTV Video Music Award nominations in 2007 for Best Special Effects and Best Art Direction. With over 87 million views on YouTube, it continues to captivate audiences.
Personal Life and Current Status
Lupe Gidley is happily married to Christopher McDonald, a renowned American actor celebrated for his roles in movies like Happy Gilmore, Thelma & Louise, Requiem for a Dream, and The Iron Giant. McDonald, also a prolific voice actor, has lent his voice to characters including Jor-El in Superman: The Animated Series, Superman in Batman Beyond, and Harvey Dent in Beware the Batman.
The couple exchanged vows on November 7, 1992, and has since built a family with four children. Gidley shares glimpses of her life on Instagram, where she has 65 followers, often featuring pictures of her family and friends.
While Gidley has not pursued acting projects since 2019, she appears content in her roles as a devoted wife, mother, and supporter of her husband’s successful career.
Conclusion
Lupe Gidley gained recognition as a former actress and model, notably known for her role in the music video “Daft Punk” by the band of the same name. Her career also includes appearances in various music videos, short films, and a TV movie. Married to actor Christopher McDonald, she is a mother of four and currently leads a private life away from the public eye.
