Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nia Long
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Nia Long made an impact.
Nia Long is a celebrated American actress, particularly known for her impactful roles in Black cinema. She gained significant recognition early in her career with appearances in 'Boyz n the Hood' (1991) and as Beullah "Lisa" Wilkes in the sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' (1991–1995). Long continued to establish herself with roles in popular films like 'Friday' (1995), 'Love Jones' (1997), and 'Soul Food' (1997).
1991: Role as Kat Speakes on 'Guiding Light'
From 1991, Nia Long had a three-year contract role as Kathryn "Kat" Speakes on the soap opera 'Guiding Light'.
1991: Starring in 'Boyz n the Hood' and 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'
In 1991, Nia Long rose to prominence after starring in the film 'Boyz n the Hood' and for her portrayal of Beullah "Lisa" Wilkes on the NBC sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'.
1992: Appearance on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'
In 1992, Nia Long appeared as Claudia, a love interest of Will Smith's, on the second season of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'.
1994: Departure from 'Guiding Light' and role on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'
In 1994, Nia Long departed from her role as Kat Speakes on 'Guiding Light'. From 1994, she also played Will Smith's girlfriend Lisa Wilkes on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'.
1995: Appearance in 'Friday'
In 1995, Nia Long appeared in the film 'Friday'.
1995: Continued role in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'
In 1995, Nia Long continued to play Will Smith's fiancée Lisa Wilkes on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'.
1997: Roles in 'Love Jones' and 'Soul Food'
In 1997, Nia Long appeared in the films 'Love Jones' and 'Soul Food'.
1999: Role in 'The Best Man'
In 1999, Nia Long played a role in the film 'The Best Man'.
2000: Role in 'Big Momma's House'
In 2000, Nia Long appeared in the film 'Big Momma's House'.
2000: Audition for 'Charlie's Angels'
In 2000, Nia Long auditioned for the role of Alex Munday in 'Charlie's Angels', but did not get the part.
2003: Role in 'Third Watch'
From 2003, Nia Long portrayed Sasha Monroe on the crime drama series 'Third Watch'.
2003: Joining the cast of 'Third Watch'
In 2003, Nia Long joined the cast of the drama 'Third Watch', playing NYPD officer Sasha Monroe.
2005: Continued role in 'Third Watch'
In 2005, Nia Long continued her role as Sasha Monroe on 'Third Watch', until the series finale.
2006: Role in 'Big Momma's House 2'
In 2006, Nia Long appeared in the sequel 'Big Momma's House 2'.
2006: Guest-starring on 'Boston Legal'
In 2006, Nia Long guest-starred on 'Boston Legal'.
2007: Starring in 'Big Shots'
From 2007, Nia Long starred in 'Big Shots' alongside Michael Vartan and Dylan McDermott.
2008: Continued Role in 'Big Shots'
In 2008, Nia Long continued in 'Big Shots'.
2013: Appearance in 'The Best Man Holiday'
In 2013, Nia Long appeared in 'The Best Man Holiday', reprising her role from the original 1999 film, with her character now in an interracial relationship.
2016: Cast as Giuliana in 'Empire'
In 2016, Nia Long was cast as Giuliana, a Las Vegas club owner, in a recurring role on the TV series 'Empire'.
2017: Roles in 'Empire' and 'NCIS: Los Angeles'
In 2017, Nia Long starred on the Fox drama series 'Empire' and the CBS action series 'NCIS: Los Angeles'.
2018: Continued Role in 'NCIS: Los Angeles'
In 2018, Nia Long continued her role in the CBS action series 'NCIS: Los Angeles'.
July 2020: Starring in 'Fatal Affair'
In July 2020, Nia Long starred in the Netflix psychological thriller 'Fatal Affair'.
2022: Reprising role in 'The Best Man: The Final Chapters'
In 2022, Nia Long starred in the Peacock miniseries 'The Best Man: The Final Chapters', reprising her role from the previous films.
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