Nia Talita Long (born October 30, 1970) is an American actress known for her contributions to Black cinema. She gained prominence after starring in Boyz n the Hood (1991) and as Beullah “Lisa” Wilkes on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1991–1995).
Long’s film credits include Friday (1995), Love Jones (1997), Soul Food (1997), The Best Man (1999), its sequel The Best Man Holiday (2013), and Big Momma’s House (2000). She has also starred in Third Watch, Empire, and NCIS: Los Angeles. Long has received two NAACP Image Awards and a Black Reel Award.
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Nia Long Net Worth
Nia Long has a net worth of $5 million. In April 2003, she purchased a home in Los Angeles, which she listed for sale in March 2021 at $2.985 million but later removed the listing. During her relationship with Ime Udoka, Long lived in his Boston home but moved back to Los Angeles after their separation.
In December 2022, she bought a Hollywood Hills home for $3.6 million. Following their split, a judge ordered Udoka to pay Long $32,500 per month in child support.
Early life
Nia Long was born in Brooklyn to Talita Long, a teacher and printmaker, and Doughtry Long, a high school teacher and poet. Her mother is of Trinidadian descent, and she has an older half-sister, actress and comedian Sommore.
After her parents divorced when she was two, Long moved with her mother to Iowa City to study fine arts. At seven, they relocated to South Los Angeles, where Long decided to stay. She attended various schools, studying ballet, jazz, gymnastics, and acting, and graduated from Westchester High School in 1989.
Career
Nia Long studied under acting coach Betty Bridges and made her debut in the Disney film The B.R.A.T. Patrol. Her first notable role was as Kathryn “Kat” Speakes on Guiding Light (1991-1994). Long gained recognition for her performance in Boyz n the Hood and as Lisa Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1994-1995). She starred in Third Watch (2003-2005) and had roles in films like Soul Food, Love Jones, and The Best Man Holiday (2013). Long also appeared in Fatal Affair (2020) and the miniseries The Best Man: The Final Chapters (2022).
Personal life
Nia Long volunteers as a motivational speaker at the Sterling Children’s Home in Barbados. In 2010, she began dating former NBA player Ime Udoka, and they welcomed a son in 2011.
Long also has an older son, born in 2000, from a previous relationship. The couple got engaged in 2015, but Long indicated she had no plans to marry. They separated in 2022 after Udoka, then head coach of the Boston Celtics, was discovered to have had an affair with a staff member.
Are Nia Long and Will Smith friends?
Nia Long has spoken about her long-standing friendship with Will Smith. The 52-year-old actress, who co-starred with Smith, 54, as his fiancée Lisa on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in the 90s, revealed that they have remained friends ever since.
Conclusion
Nia Long’s net worth of $9 million is a reflection of her successful and diverse career. From her early days as a dancer to her acclaimed roles in film and television, Long’s journey is a testament to her talent and resilience.
FAQ about Nia Long net worth
- How did Nia Long build her net worth?
- Nia Long built her net worth through her successful acting career in films and television, as well as savvy real estate investments.
- What was Nia’s breakout role?
- Her breakout role was in the film “Boyz n the Hood,” which catapulted her to fame.
- Has Nia won any awards for her acting?
- Nia Long has received several accolades and nominations for her performances, including wins at the Black Reel Awards and nominations at the NAACP Image Awards.
- Is Nia involved in any business ventures apart from acting?
- Apart from acting, Long has also made strategic real estate investments.
- How has Nia’s personal life affected her net worth?
- While her personal life has been in the public eye, it hasn’t negatively impacted her net worth. Her prudent financial decisions and continuous work in the industry have maintained her wealth.