Actress Nia Long smiling with a high bun and sparkling headband showcasing her career highlights.

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Nia Long

Height

5 ft 2 in (157 cm)

Net Worth

$5 million, 2026 est.

Nationality

American

Born

October 30, 1970

Birthplace

Brooklyn, New York, US

Age

56 Years Old

Horoscope

Scorpio

Who Is Nia Long?

Nia Long is an American actress celebrated for bringing magnetic authority to screen roles. Her versatile performances consistently elevate beloved romantic comedies, hard-hitting Hollywood dramas, and major television series across a multi-decade acting career.

She first gained wide notice playing Brandi in the landmark film Boyz n the Hood. Subsequent hits like Friday and Love Jones quickly cemented her status as a cinema star.

Full NameNia Talita Long
GenderFemale
Height5 ft 2 in (157 cm)
Relationship StatusSingle
Net Worth$5 million, 2026 est.
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityAfrican American
EducationWestchester High School
FatherDoughtry Long
MotherTalita Long
SiblingsSommore
KidsMassai Zhivago Dorsey II, Kez Sunday Udoka

Early Life and Education

Nia Long was born in Brooklyn, New York, to artistic and educator parents. After her parents separated, her mother relocated the family to Los Angeles, where young Nia began taking early classes in acting, guitar, and ballet.

She later attended St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood to foster her creativity. Graduating from Westchester High School in 1989, she studied under acting coach Betty Bridges, which soon paved her pathway into professional television roles.

Notable Relationships

Nia Long was previously engaged to former basketball coach Ime Udoka following a long-term relationship. Earlier in her career, she was involved with actor Massai Z. Dorsey, with whom she navigated early motherhood amidst media spotlight.

She shares two sons, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II and Kez Sunday Udoka, with her former partners. Long prioritizes devoted co-parenting and family stability while maintaining a single relationship status and focusing on her creative acting career.

Career Highlights

Nia Long built a stellar film career starring in defining modern Black classics. She scored widespread acclaim for leading performances in Love Jones, Soul Food, and The Best Man franchise, which earned tens of millions at the box office.

Her television career spans major dramatic roles and popular prime-time comedies. She portrayed Sasha Monroe on Third Watch and landed key roles in Empire, NCIS: Los Angeles, and the film You People, displaying exceptional versatility across genres.

To date, Long has earned three NAACP Image Awards and a Black Reel Award. These honors celebrate her enduring influence in entertainment, cementing Long as a fixture in modern pop culture.

Signature Quote

“I think that if you are committed to being a great mother, single or not, you are going to enjoy every moment you have with your children.”

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