Nia Long facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nia Long
Long in February 2012
Born	Nia Talita Long (1970-10-30) October 30, 1970 (age 54) New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1986–present
Partner(s)	Ime Udoka (2010–2022)
Children	2
Relatives	Sommore (half-sister)

Nia Talita Long (NEE-yə; born October 30, 1970) is an American actress. She is famous for her roles in many movies and TV shows. Nia Long became well-known after starring in the film Boyz n the Hood (1991). She also played Beulah "Lisa" Wilkes on the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air from 1991 to 1995.

She has appeared in popular films like Friday (1995), Love Jones (1997), and Soul Food (1997). Nia Long also starred in The Best Man (1999) and its sequel The Best Man Holiday (2013). You might also know her from Big Momma's House (2000) and Big Momma's House 2 (2006).

On television, she played Sasha Monroe in the crime show Third Watch (2003–2005). She also appeared in the drama series Empire (2017) and the action series NCIS: Los Angeles (2017–2018). Nia Long has won several awards, including two NAACP Image Awards.

Early Life and Education

Nia Long was born in Brooklyn, New York City, on October 30, 1970. Her mother, Talita Long, was a teacher and artist. Her father, Doughtry Long, was a high school teacher and poet. Nia's mother has roots in Trinidad. Nia also has an older half-sister, Sommore, who is a comedian and actress.

When Nia was two years old, her parents separated. She moved with her mother to Iowa City, Iowa, where her mother studied art. Later, when Nia was seven, her mother moved to South Los Angeles. Nia's father lived in Trenton, New Jersey.

Nia attended Paseo Del Rey Elementary School in Playa Del Rey. She also went to St. Mary's Academy in Inglewood, California. Besides her regular school subjects, she learned many arts. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, guitar, and acting. Nia Long finished high school at Westchester High School in Los Angeles in 1989.

Acting Career Highlights

Nia Long's acting coach was Betty Bridges. Betty Bridges is known as the mother of actor Todd Bridges. Nia's very first role was in a Disney TV movie called The B.R.A.T. Patrol.

Her first big TV role was on the soap opera Guiding Light. She played Kathryn "Kat" Speakes from 1991 to 1994. Nia also played Brandi in the movie Boyz n the Hood. This film was very important for her. It helped her feel more confident as an actress. She said it showed her that "it was okay for me to be who I am and still find success."

From 1994 to 1995, Nia Long played Lisa Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Lisa was Will Smith's girlfriend and later his fiancée on the show. Interestingly, Jada Pinkett Smith was first considered for the role. But she was too short to play opposite Will Smith, who is 6'2" tall. So, Nia Long got the part. Nia had also appeared in an earlier episode of the show in 1991 as a different character named Claudia.

Long in 2009

In 2000, Nia tried out for a role in the movie Charlie's Angels. She did not get the part because she "looked too sophisticated and too old next to Drew Barrymore." The role went to Lucy Liu.

In 2003, Nia joined the TV show Third Watch. She played NYPD officer Sasha Monroe until the show ended in 2005. She also appeared on Everwood and Boston Legal. From 2007 to 2008, she starred in Big Shots. In 2016, Nia Long played Giuliana, a club owner, in the TV series Empire.

Nia Long has had many supporting roles in films like Friday and Made in America. She has also been a main character in movies such as Soul Food, Love Jones, Boiler Room, Big Momma's House, and Are We There Yet?. She has worked with Ice Cube in four films. She also worked with Regina King, who went to the same high school as her.

Nia Long appeared in the music video for Kanye West's song "Touch the Sky". She also directed Yolanda Adams's music video for "This Too Shall Pass". In 2004, Nia won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her work on Third Watch. She also helped direct Ashanti's music video, "Baby".

In 2013, Nia Long returned for The Best Man Holiday, playing her role from the first movie. In this film, her character was in a relationship with a white man. Nia explained that this shows how the world is changing. She said it's okay for people to date outside their race. Director Malcolm D. Lee agreed, saying it reflects how successful black women sometimes date outside their race.

More recently, Nia Long starred in the Netflix thriller Fatal Affair in 2020. In 2022, she was in the miniseries The Best Man: The Final Chapters, playing her character Jordan Armstrong again.

Personal Life

Nia Long cares about helping others. She volunteers her time at the Sterling Children's Home in Barbados. There, she works as a motivational speaker, inspiring young people.

In 2010, Nia Long began dating National Basketball Association player Ime Udoka. They had a son together in 2011. Nia also has an older son from a previous relationship, born in 2000. Nia and Ime got engaged in 2015. However, Nia has said that she does not plan to get married.

Filmography

Film

Television

Music videos

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Nia Long para niños