Nia Talita Long, born on October 30, 1970, is an accomplished American actress with a career spanning both film and television. Her impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable.
Long was born in New York City but spent her formative years in various places. After her parents’ divorce when she was two years old, she moved with her mother to Iowa City, Iowa. There, she explored fine arts and continued her education. Later, her mother settled in South Los Angeles, where Long attended St. Mary’s Academy. During her time there, she delved into ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, guitar, and acting. She graduated from Westchester High School in Los Angeles in 1989.
Nia Long’s breakthrough came when she starred in the film “Boyz n the Hood” (1991), which catapulted her to prominence. She also portrayed Beullah “Lisa” Wilkes on the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” from 1994 to 1995, further solidifying her status as a talented actress.
Long’s filmography includes notable roles in movies such as “Friday,” “Love Jones,” and “Soul Food.” She also made a significant impact in “The Best Man” and its sequel, “The Best Man Holiday.” Her versatility extended to comedy with “Big Momma’s House” and its sequel, “Big Momma’s House 2.”
On television, Long portrayed Sasha Monroe in the crime drama series “Third Watch” (2003-2005). She also appeared in the Fox drama series “Empire” (2017) and the CBS action series “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2017-2018).
Long’s name, “Nia,” comes from the fifth day of Kwanzaa, symbolizing “life purpose.” She has received accolades, including two NAACP Image Awards and a Black Reel Award. Her journey from Brooklyn to Hollywood has been one of resilience and talent, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
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Long met actor Massai Dorsey on the set of her NBC crime drama "Third Watch," which aired from 1999 to 2005. They began dating and welcomed their son, Massai Dorsey II, on November 26, 2000. Although they were engaged at one point, they eventually went their separate ways shortly after their son's birth. Massai chose a different path away from Hollywood and pursued baseball in college at Eastern Kentucky University. Nia often expresses pride in her firstborn, sharing glimpses of his journey on social media.
In 2010, Nia revealed that she was dating former basketball star Ime Udoka. Two years later, the couple received a surprise when Nia discovered she was pregnant during a routine doctor's visit at the age of 40. Kez Sunday Udoka was born, becoming the second child Nia shares with Ime. Their relationship faced challenges due to a scandal involving Ime's alleged consensual relationship with a female staffer on the Boston Celtics NBA team. Recently, Nia filed for full custody of their 11-year-old son, Kez, citing Ime's alleged failure to provide adequate support.
Nia Long's fiancé, Ime Udoka, was suspended for a year due to the alleged relationship with the female staffer. Both Nia and Ime released statements expressing regret and accepting the consequences. Despite the challenges, Nia remains focused on her children and their well-being. Nia Long's journey as a mother and her dedication to raising her boys shines through, even amidst difficulties. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need further details.
Whether it’s her captivating performances or her dedication to her craft, Nia Long continues to inspire audiences and fellow artists alike. Her impact on African American cinema remains enduring, and her legacy shines brightly.