Nia Long

Biography

Nia Talita Long is an American actress. She is known for her roles in the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Third Watch and Empire, and the films Big Momma’s House, Are We There Yet?, Love Jones, The Best Man, Soul Food, Friday, Boyz n the Hood and In Too Deep.

Long was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Talita Long (née Gillman), a teacher and printmaker, and Doughtry Long, a high school teacher and poet. Her family is of Trinidadian, Grenadian and Bajan descent.

Long’s acting coach was Betty Bridges, better known as the mother of Diff’rent Strokes star Todd Bridges. Her earliest role was in the Disney television movie, The B.R.A.T. Patrol alongside Sean Astin, Tim Thomerson and Brian Keith. Her first notable role on television was a three-year contract role as Kathryn “Kat” Speakes on the soap opera Guiding Light. Long portrayed Kat from 1991 to 1994.

Long has a son, born in 2000, from a previous relationship with Massai Dorsey. Since 2010, she has been in a relationship with former basketball player Ime Udoka. They have a son, born in 2011. In May 2015, the couple became engaged.