Nia Long is an American film and television actress. With an electrifying smile that can light up an entire city, Nia Long has appeared in numerous films and television series during her long Hollywood career.
She is known for her roles in the classic show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air from the 90s and in the crime series Third Watch. She has also had notable roles in comedic films such as Friday, The Best Man, The Franchise of Big Momma’s House, and Are We There Yet? opposite Ice Cube. Nia Long is a three-time NAACP Image Award winner and also received another nomination for her performance in the hit series House of Lies.
Nia Long Bio, Age
She was born on 30 October 1970 to Nia Talita Long in Brooklyn, New York. Her mother Talita Long (née Gillman) was an art teacher. Her father Doughtry Long was both a teacher and a poet.
Her parents divorced when she was only two years old. Her mother, who was then a candidate for a master’s degree at the University of Iowa, moved with Nia to Iowa City. Later they moved to South Central Los Angeles. Nia Long completed her high school education at Westchester High School in Los Angeles, which she graduated from in 1989. In addition to her schoolwork, she enrolled in courses in ballet, jazz, guitar, gymnastics, and of course acting.
A few years after leaving high school, Nia Long made her screen debut in John Singleton’s debut film Boyz N the Hood (1991), which was shot near where she lived. Boyz N the Hood is also credited with launching the careers of other Hollywood greats such as Morris Chestnut, Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., and the film also earned director John Singleton an Oscar nomination at age 23.
ALSO READ: Dustin Johnson Married, Wife, Girlfriend, Affair, Height, Net Worth
However, Long had her big breakthrough in 1991 when she joined the cast of the daytime series Guiding Light, where she played the role of Kathryn “Kat” Speake under a three-year contract. In the series, Long could learn the basics of the acting profession. In 1994 she got a bigger role in the comedy series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where she played the role of Will Smith’s girlfriend. She was hand-picked for this role by the start of the series, Will Smith.
Throughout the 1990s until the turn of the century, Nia Long remained consistent and relevant, taking on acting roles that spanned different genres and audiences. Long played the lead role in the cult classic Love Jones, Soul Food (1997), and in the much-acclaimed romantic comedy The Best Man (1999). Her role in Big Momma’s House (2000) earned her a nomination for the 2001 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film and the Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actress in a Comedy.
In addition to her film successes, Nia Long also took on numerous roles on the small screen, including Judging Amy (2001-02), Third Watch (2003-05), Boston Legal (2007), and House of Lies (2008). In 2017 the talented actress landed a role in the crime series NCIS: Los Angeles.
Nia Long is currently in her late forties, although she does not look a day over 30.
Net Worth
For several decades, Nia Long has delighted audiences with epic performances in various film genres. Indeed, she is a well-known name in Hollywood and has managed to maintain her importance over the years. Not surprisingly, her net worth is currently estimated at 13 million dollars.
Much of her wealth has been acquired through her brilliant acting career, but she has also signed a number of sponsorship deals with brands such as Dark and Lovely and the White Diamonds Lustre Fragrance.
Who is Nia Long’s Husband? Kids
According to media reports, Nia Long is not married. However, she is engaged to her longtime friend Ime Sunday Udoka, who is a former NBA player and former coach. Ime Udoka joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2012 as an assistant coach.
The relationship between the two dates back to 2010. A year later they welcomed their first child, a son named Kez Sunday Udoka. They became engaged in May 2015.
Ime Udoka was born on August 9, 1977, the daughter of a Nigerian father and an American mother. His father is from the Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom, while his mother is from Illinois. His sister Mfon Udoka played for the WNBA and internationally for the Nigerian women’s basketball team.
During his NBA career, Ime Udoka played for the L.A. Lakers, the New York Knicks, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Sacramento Kings. He played internationally for Nigeria’s national basketball team and represented the country at championships such as the 2005 African Championship, the 2006 FIBA World Championship, and the 2011 African Championship.
Nia Long has two children. Her first son Massai Zhivago Dorsey II was born on November 26, 2000. Long gave birth to him when she was together with the actor Massai Dorsey. On November 7, 2011, Nia Long conceived her second child Kez Sunday Udoka with her fiancé Ime Sunday Udoka.
ALSO READ: Jason Dufner Wife, Divorce, Dating, Girlfriend, Net Worth, Biography
Other Facts About Nia Long
In 1982 Nia Long made her first appearance as an actress in an unpraised role in the television series Silver Spoons (1982).
Nia Long is the younger half-sister of comedian and actress Sommore (née Lori Ann Rambough).
The gorgeous actress was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People Magazine in 2000.
Nia Long turned down the role of Alex Munday in the action-comedy Charlie’s Angels in 2001, the role was eventually played by Lucy Liu.
The beautiful actress was featured on the video of Ashanti’s 2001 single “Baby”, for which she was also co-director.
Nia Long was to marry her baby daddy Massai Z. Massai Z. Dorsey was to marry in June 2001. However, their relationship ended before they made it to the altar.
Nia Long received two consecutive NAACP Image Awards for her role in Third Watch (2004 and 2005).
Height and Other Body Measurements
Height: 5′ 2″
Weight: 57 kg
Bust Size: 38 inches
Waist Size: 28 inches
Hip Size: 38 inches
Dress Size: 10 (US)
Shoe Size: 7 (US)