Nia Talita Long (born October 30, 1970) is a talented American actress who has made a name for herself with her powerful performances in black films. Her breakout role in the iconic film Boyz n the Hood (1991) marked the beginning of a remarkable career spanned over three decades.
Nia Long‘s appearances in popular TV shows, such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1991-1995), Third Watch (2003-2005), and Empire (2017), have made her a household name. She has also had memorable roles in critically acclaimed films like Love Jones (1997), Soul Food (1997), and The Best Man (1999) and its sequel (2013).
Her versatility as an actress is evident in her ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles. Her impressive body of work has been recognized with two NAACP Image Awards and a Black Reel Award.
In addition to her acting career, Nia Long also advocates for various causes such as education, health, and social justice. She is a shining example of how talent, hard work, and dedication can lead to success in the entertainment industry.
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 Nia Long: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photo |
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| WIKI FACTS & ABOUT DATA | |
| Full Name: | Nia Talita Long |
| Stage Name: | Nia Long |
| Born: | 30 October 1970 (age 53 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 1.57 m |
| Parents: | Doughtry Long, Talita Long |
| Siblings: | Sommore |
| Spouse: | Not Married |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Ime Udoka (2015-2022), Massai Z. Dorsey (2001), Omarion (2023), Kevin Phillips (2008), Cuttino Mobley (2006-2009), Dwight Freeney (2006), T.I. (2005-2006), 50 Cent, Ricky Fante, Peter A. Thomas (1996-1998), Chris Webber (1993-1995) |
| Children: | Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, Kez Sunday Udoka |
| Occupation: | Actress • TV Personality |
| Net Worth: | $9 million |
Table of Contents
Early Life & Education
Nia Long, a talented American actress, was born into a unique family dynamic on October 30, 1970, in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York. Her parents had parted ways before her birth, and as a result, she split her time growing up between Trenton, New Jersey, with her father, the poet Doughtry Long, and South Los Angeles with her mother, the homemaker Talita Long, who hailed from the beautiful Caribbean island of Trinidad.
Interestingly, Nia Long‘s family tree boasts of another talented actress and comedian, her half-sister Sommore. Her mother, a fine arts enthusiast, initially migrated to Iowa City but later settled in LA when her plans to get married fell through.
During her teenage years, Nia Long moved across three different schools in Los Angeles, including Paseo Del Rey Elementary School in South LA, St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood, and Westchester High School, while pursuing a rigorous extra-curricular schedule that included tap, jazz, and ballet lessons, gymnastics, guitar, and acting.
Personal Life
Nia Long, a multifaceted actress and mother of two, has had several significant romantic relationships. She has been engaged twice, to former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Ime Udoka from 2015 to 2022 whom she had a son, Kez Sunday Udoka. She also got engaged to fellow actor Massai Z. Dorsey in 2001, with whom she had a son, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II.
In addition to these engagements, Nia Long has also dated various high-profile men, including rapper and actor T.I., basketball player Chris Webber, and singer Ricky Fante. Her dating history includes relationships with actors Peter A. Thomas, 50 Cent, Kevin Phillips, and basketball players Cuttino Mobley and Dwight Freeney.
Most recently, Nia Long has been romantically linked with musician Omarion, and her fans are eager to see what the future holds for this potential new romance. While she has certainly had her fair share of ups and downs in her love life, there’s no denying that she remains a strong and resilient figure, both on and off the screen.
Career
Nia Long‘s expedition into the entertainment industry was initiated with the help of her acting coach, Betty Bridges. She made her acting debut with The B.R.A.T. Patrol and later bagged a significant role as Kathryn “Kat” Speakes on Guiding Light, where she stayed for three years. Her big break came in the form of Boyz n the Hood, where she played Brandi, followed by a role as Beulah “Lisa” Wilkes, Will Smith‘s girlfriend and fiancée on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Interestingly, this role was initially planned for Jada Pinkett Smith, but Nia Long‘s talent and confidence won her the part.
In 2000, Nia Long was offered the role of Alex Munday in Charlie’s Angels, but she turned it down, paving the way for Lucy Liu to take over. From 2003 to 2005, she played NYPD officer Sasha Monroe on Third Watch and was also part of the cast of Everwood in 2005 and 2006. He has had a prolific acting career on the big and small screens, and her versatility is commendable.
In The Best Man Holiday, the 2013 sequel to the original film, Nia Long reprised her role, playing a character in an interracial relationship. This portrayal received acclaim from the audience and the director, Malcolm D. Lee. The director remarked that for successful African-American women, interracial relationships might be essential, as they “can’t always find black male counterparts on that level.” It is worth noting that such relationships are not meant to be criticized or judged and are now widely accepted in modern society.
Nia Long‘s talent is not restricted to acting alone, as she directed Yolanda Adams‘ music video This Too Shall Pass. Additionally, she won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series in 2004, proving her acting prowess. She has been a part of several films as both a supporting and lead actor, starring alongside Ice Cube and Regina King in various films and playing Giuliana, the proprietor of a Las Vegas nightclub, in the 2016 TV series Empire.
She also lent her voice to the character of Roberta Tubbs on The Cleveland Show before being replaced by Reagan Gomez-Preston. Nia Long‘s extensive experience in the entertainment industry has brought her several accolades, including two NAACP Image Awards and a Black Reel Award.
Net Worth
Nia Long is an incredibly talented American actress with a successful career spanning over two decades and amassed a net worth of $9 million. She has earned her wealth primarily through her acting career.
She has starred in films that have all been commercially successful. Additionally, she has had lucrative endorsement deals with top brands.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @Iamnialong
- Twitter handle: @Nialong
Filmography
- Buried Alive
- Boyz n The Hood
- Made In America
- Love Jones
- Friday
- Hav Plenty
- Butter
- Soul Food
- Stigmata
- Held Up
- The Best Man
- In Too Deep
- Boiler Room
- The N-Word
- Alfie
- Are We There Yet?
- Big Momma’s House
- The Secret Laughter of Women
- Fatal Affair
- Life In A Year
- Guiding Light
- Living Single
- Live Shot
- 227