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 prominent American actress, particularly recognized for her contributions to black cinema. She gained significant attention for her roles in the film *Boyz n the Hood* and as Beullah "Lisa" Wilkes in the sitcom *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*. Long further solidified her career with appearances in well-received films like *Friday*, *Love Jones*, and *Soul Food*, showcasing her versatility and impact in the entertainment industry.
1991: Guiding Light and Boyz n the Hood
In 1991, Nia Long had her first notable role as Kathryn "Kat" Speakes on the soap opera Guiding Light and played Brandi in Boyz n the Hood.
1991: 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: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air appearance
In 1992, Nia Long appeared in the second season of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as Claudia, a love interest of Will Smith's.
1994: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
From 1994 to 1995, Nia Long played Will Smith's girlfriend and fiancée Beulah "Lisa" Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
1995: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
From 1994 to 1995, Nia Long played Will Smith's girlfriend and fiancée Beulah "Lisa" Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
1997: Love Jones and Soul Food
In 1997, Nia Long appeared in the films Love Jones and Soul Food.
1999: The Best Man
In 1999, Nia Long appeared in the original film The Best Man.
2000: Charlie's Angels Audition
In 2000, Nia Long auditioned for the role of Alex Munday in Charlie's Angels but did not get the part.
2000: Big Momma's House
In 2000, Nia Long is known for her role in the film Big Momma's House.
2003: Third Watch Cast
In 2003, Nia Long joined the cast of the drama Third Watch, where she played NYPD officer Sasha Monroe.
2005: Third Watch series finale
In 2005, Nia Long continued her role as Sasha Monroe in Third Watch until the series finale.
2006: Everwood and Boston Legal
In 2006, Nia Long appeared on Everwood and guest-starred on Boston Legal during its 2006-2007 season.
2007: Big Shots
From 2007 to 2008, Nia Long starred alongside Michael Vartan and Dylan McDermott in Big Shots.
2008: Big Shots
From 2007 to 2008, Nia Long starred alongside Michael Vartan and Dylan McDermott in Big Shots.
2013: The Best Man Holiday
In 2013, Nia Long appeared in the film The Best Man Holiday, reprising her role from the original 1999 film, The Best Man. This time, her character is in an interracial relationship.
2016: Empire
In 2016, Nia Long was cast as Giuliana, a Las Vegas club owner, in a recurring role on the TV series Empire.
2017: Empire and NCIS: Los Angeles
In 2017, Nia Long starred on the Fox drama series Empire and the CBS action series NCIS: Los Angeles.
July 2020: Fatal Affair
In July 2020, Nia Long starred in the Netflix psychological thriller Fatal Affair.
2022: 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.
2026: Michael Biopic
In 2026, Nia Long is set to play Katherine Jackson in the Michael Jackson biopic Michael.
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