Nia Long is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, especially in the Black cinema. She has starred in numerous films and TV shows, such as Boyz n the Hood, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Love Jones, Soul Food, The Best Man, Big Momma’s House, and Empire. She is also known for her stunning looks and youthful appearance, earning her the nickname “ageless”. But behind the scenes, she is also a devoted mother, a supportive partner, and a passionate activist. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Nia Long, and how she balances her roles as a wife, mother, and actress.
Early Life and Family
Nia Long was born on October 30, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York. Her birth name is Nia Talita Long, and she is of Trinidadian descent. Her parents, Talita and Doughtry Long, were both teachers and artists. They divorced when Nia was two years old, and she moved with her mother to Iowa City, Iowa, where her mother pursued a degree in fine arts. Later, they relocated to South Los Angeles, where Nia attended St. Mary’s Academy, a Catholic school for girls. She also studied ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, guitar, and acting. She graduated from Westchester High School in 1989.
Nia has an older half-sister, Sommore, who is a comedian and actress. They share the same father, but have different mothers. They did not grow up together, but they have a close relationship as adults. Nia also has two sons, Massai and Kez, from her previous relationships. She is currently single, after splitting from her former fiancé, Ime Udoka, in 2022.
Career and Achievements
Nia began her acting career in 1986, when she appeared in a Disney TV movie called The B.R.A.T. Patrol. Her first notable role was as Kat Speakes on the soap opera Guiding Light, from 1991 to 1994. She also made her film debut in 1991, playing Brandi in the critically acclaimed drama Boyz n the Hood, directed by John Singleton. She said that the film was her “first real movie role” and that it helped her gain confidence as an actress.
She then went on to star in several popular films and TV shows, such as Friday, Love Jones, Soul Food, The Best Man, Big Momma’s House, and Are We There Yet?. She also played Lisa Wilkes, the girlfriend and fiancée of Will Smith, on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, from 1994 to 1995. She said that working with Will Smith was “a lot of fun” and that he was “very generous” as a co-star.
She also ventured into directing, making her debut with the music video for Ashanti’s song “Baby” in 2002. She also directed the music video for Yolanda Adams’ song “This Too Shall Pass” in 2005. She said that she enjoys directing because it allows her to express her creativity and vision.
She has received several awards and nominations for her work, including two NAACP Image Awards, a Black Reel Award, and a BET Award. She has also been praised for her beauty and style, appearing on the covers of magazines such as Essence, Ebony, Jet, and Vibe. She has also been named one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” by People magazine, and one of the “100 Hottest Women of All Time” by Men’s Health magazine.
Personal Life and Relationships
Nia has been in several relationships throughout her life, but she has never been married. She said that she does not believe in marriage, and that she prefers to have a committed partnership instead. She said that marriage is “a very old tradition” and that she does not need “a certificate or the state or the church to say otherwise” to prove her love.
She dated Massai Dorsey, a former actor, from 1999 to 2001. They have a son together, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, who was born on November 26, 2000. Nia said that Massai is “the love of my life” and that he is “very smart, very creative, and very funny”. She also said that she has a good co-parenting relationship with her ex, and that they are “friends and respectful of each other”.
She then dated Ime Udoka, a former NBA player and coach, from 2010 to 2022. They met in Boston, through a mutual friend, and hit it off right away. They have a son together, Kez Sunday Udoka, who was born on November 7, 2011. Nia said that Kez is “a miracle baby” and that he is “very sweet, very calm, and very Zen”. She also said that Ime is “an incredible father” and that he is “very supportive” of her career.
They got engaged in May 2015, after Ime proposed to her with a diamond ring. Nia said that she was “surprised” and “happy” when he popped the question, and that she felt “blessed” to have him in her life. They planned to have a destination wedding, but they never tied the knot. They broke up in December 2022, after Ime was suspended from his coaching job for the Boston Celtics, for having an alleged affair with a female staff member. Nia said that the situation was “unfortunate and painful”, but that she was focusing on her children and rebuilding her life. She also said that she and Ime were “no longer together but remain fully committed to co-parenting their son”.
Activism and Philanthropy
Nia is also involved in various causes and charities, especially those that support women and children of color. She is a supporter of Black Girls Rock, an organization that promotes the arts and empowerment for young women of color. She is also a surrogate for the Barack Obama reelection campaign in 2012, and a vocal advocate for voting rights and social justice. She said that she is “very passionate” about politics and that she wants to “make a difference” in the world.
She is also a mentor and a role model for many aspiring actresses and artists. She said that she wants to “inspire” and “encourage” the next generation of talent, and that she is “always open” to sharing her advice and experience. She said that her motto is “never give up” and that she believes in “hard work, dedication, and perseverance”.
Trivia
| Name | Nia Talita Long |
|---|---|
| Age | 53 |
| Height | 5’2″ |
| Partner | Single |
| Children | Massai Zhivago Dorsey II (21), Kez Sunday Udoka (12) |
| Education | Westchester High School |
| Favorite Food | Sushi |
| Net Worth | $6 million |
| Sex | Female |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sibling | Sommore (half-sister) |
| Favorite TV Show | Scandal |
| Pet | None |
Conclusion
Nia Long is a talented and beautiful actress, who has been in the entertainment industry for over three decades. She has starred in many films and TV shows, and has won several awards and accolades for her work. She is also a loving mother, a loyal partner, and a generous activist. She has faced many challenges and obstacles in her life, but she has overcome them with grace and resilience. She is a true inspiration and a legend in her own right.
