Carol Denise Betts, known professionally as Niecy Nash, is an American actress and TV host who gained fame in the late 1990s. She is best known for her role as Deputy Raineesha Williams in the comedy series *Reno 911!* and for hosting the Style Network show *Clean House*, which earned her a Daytime Emmy Award. Her career began with appearances in films like *Boys on the Side* and *Cookie's Fortune*.
February 23, 1970: Birth of Niecy Nash
On February 23, 1970, Niecy Nash was born Carol Denise Ensley in Palmdale, California.
February 1993: Loss of Brother and Discovery of comedic talent
In February 1993, Niecy Nash's brother, Michael Ensley, was tragically killed in a school shooting. In an effort to help her mother cope with the loss, Nash discovered her comedic talent.
1993: Family Tragedy and Advocacy
In 1993, Niecy Nash's younger brother, Michael, was tragically shot and killed. Following this, she became a spokesperson for M.A.V.I.S. (Mothers Against Violence In Schools), an organization founded by her mother to combat violence in schools.
1995: Acting Debut in "Boys on the Side"
Niecy Nash made her professional acting debut in the 1995 comedy-drama film, "Boys on the Side," starring Whoopi Goldberg.
1999: Appearance in "Cookie's Fortune"
Niecy Nash appeared in the 1999 comedy film "Cookie's Fortune," directed by Robert Altman.
2000: Recurring Role on "City of Angels"
In 2000, Niecy Nash landed a recurring role in the CBS drama series "City of Angels."
2003: Breakthrough Role in "Reno 911!" and Hosting "Clean House"
Niecy Nash's career gained momentum in 2003 when she took on the role of Deputy Raineesha Williams in the Comedy Central series "Reno 911!". That same year, she also began hosting "Clean House" on the Style Network.
2005: Guest Appearances on "The Bernie Mac Show"
From 2003 to 2005, Niecy Nash made guest appearances as Bonita, Bernie Mac's sister, on "The Bernie Mac Show."
June 2007: Divorce from Don Nash
Niecy Nash filed for divorce from her husband of 13 years, Don Nash, in June 2007.
2007: Film Appearances
Niecy Nash was featured in three films released in 2007: "Code Name: The Cleaner," "Reno 911!: Miami," and "Cook Off!."
2008: Role in "Do Not Disturb"
In 2008, Niecy Nash starred as Rhonda in the short-lived Fox sitcom "Do Not Disturb," appearing alongside Jerry O'Connell.
2009: End of "Reno 911!"
Niecy Nash's role as Deputy Raineesha Williams in "Reno 911!" came to an end in 2009.
2009: Conclusion of "Reno 911!" (First Run)
After a successful run, Niecy Nash's time on Comedy Central's "Reno 911!" came to an end in 2009.
2009: Film Appearances
Niecy Nash appeared in two films in 2009: "Not Easily Broken" and "G-Force."
March 2010: Appearance on "Dancing with the Stars"
Niecy Nash competed on the tenth season of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" in March 2010, partnered with Louis van Amstel.
August 4, 2010: Departure from "Clean House"
Niecy Nash announced that she would be leaving "Clean House" on August 4, 2010, though the show continued without her.
September 2010: Engagement to Jay Tucker
Niecy Nash became engaged to Jay Tucker in September 2010.
2010: Daytime Emmy Win and Departure from "Clean House"
In 2010, Niecy Nash won a Daytime Emmy Award for her work on "Clean House: The Messiest Home in the Country". Later that year, on August 4th, she announced her departure from the show, though it would continue without her.
May 28, 2011: Marriage to Jay Tucker
Niecy Nash married Jay Tucker on May 28, 2011, at the Church Estate Vineyard in Malibu.
2011: "Leave It To Niecy" and Wedding Special
In 2011, Niecy Nash starred in her own reality show on TLC titled "Leave It To Niecy." The show, which focused on her life with her new husband and stepson, was short-lived. That same year, she was also featured in a TLC wedding special.
2012: Start of "The Soul Man"
Niecy Nash started starring with Cedric the Entertainer in the TV Land sitcom "The Soul Man" in 2012.
2013: Appearance in "Trust Me"
Niecy Nash appeared in the 2013 film "Trust Me."
2013: Premiere of "Getting On"
Niecy Nash began starring alongside Laurie Metcalf in the HBO comedy series "Getting On" in 2013.
2014: Collaboration with Ava DuVernay in "Selma"
Niecy Nash worked with director Ava DuVernay on the historical drama film "Selma," portraying Richie Jean Jackson.
2015: First Primetime Emmy Award Nomination
Niecy Nash received her first nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, recognizing her performance in "Getting On".
2016: Second Primetime Emmy Award Nomination and Conclusion of "The Soul Man"
2016 saw Niecy Nash receive another Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her role in "Getting On." This year also marked the end of her run on the TV Land sitcom, "The Soul Man."
2017: Premiere of "Claws"
Niecy Nash took on a leading role in "Claws," a TNT crime comedy-drama, which premiered in 2017.
July 2018: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In July of 2018, Niecy Nash was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the television industry.
August 2018: Announcement of "Naked With Niecy Nash"
Plans for "Naked With Niecy Nash," a late-night talk show for TNT, were revealed in August 2018. The show was to be hosted and produced by Nash.
October 30, 2019: Announcement of Divorce from Jay Tucker
Niecy Nash announced her impending divorce from Jay Tucker on October 30, 2019.
2019: Performance in "When They See Us" and Third Primetime Emmy Award Nomination
In 2019, Niecy Nash appeared in Ava DuVernay's Netflix miniseries "When They See Us." Her performance garnered critical acclaim and a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.
June 21, 2020: Divorce from Jay Tucker Finalized
On June 21, 2020, Niecy Nash's divorce from Jay Tucker was finalized.
August 29, 2020: Marriage to Jessica Betts
Niecy Nash married singer Jessica Betts on August 29, 2020.
2020: Portrayal of Florynce Kennedy in "Mrs. America"
Niecy Nash took on the role of Florynce Kennedy in the Hulu miniseries "Mrs. America," which premiered in 2020.
2020: Return to "Reno 911!"
Niecy Nash joined the cast of "Reno 911!" once again as it returned for a seventh season in 2020, this time airing on Quibi.
2020: Film and Television Appearances and Talk Show Deal
Niecy Nash appeared in several projects released in 2020, including Netflix's "Uncorked" and the comedy-drama series "Never Have I Ever." She also struck a deal to host her own syndicated daytime talk show for CBS Television Distribution.
April 28, 2021: Announcement of "Don't Forget the Lyrics" Revival
On April 28, 2021, Fox announced that they would be reviving "Don't Forget the Lyrics" with Niecy Nash as the host.
February 2022: Premiere of "Reno 911! Defunded"
February 2022 saw the premiere of "Reno 911! Defunded," the eighth season of the "Reno 911!" series, which aired on The Roku Channel.
May 1, 2022: The Rookie: Enervo
On May 1, 2022, the second episode of Niecy Nash's guest appearance on The Rookie, titled "Enervo," aired as part of a backdoor pilot for her character.
May 13, 2022: The Rookie: Feds Ordered
On May 13, 2022, ABC ordered the spinoff series The Rookie: Feds, starring Niecy Nash.
May 23, 2022: Premiere of Revived "Don't Forget the Lyrics"
The revival of "Don't Forget the Lyrics," hosted by Niecy Nash, premiered on May 23, 2022.
July 2022: Entertainment One Deal and Beauty Role
In July 2022, Niecy Nash signed a first-look deal with Entertainment One and played the main character's mother in the film Beauty.
September 27, 2022: The Rookie: Feds Premieres
The Rookie: Feds, starring Niecy Nash, premiered on September 27, 2022.
2022: Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and Awards Recognition
In 2022, Niecy Nash received critical acclaim and numerous awards for her role as Glenda Cleveland in the Netflix series "Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story."
2022: Primetime Emmy Award Win for "Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story"
Niecy Nash won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her performance in the miniseries "Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" in 2022.
2022: End of "Reno 911!" (Revived Run)
The revived "Reno 911!" series, which Niecy Nash returned for, concluded in 2022.
2023: Collaboration with Ava DuVernay in "Origin"
Niecy Nash continued her collaborations with Ava DuVernay, working together on the 2023 film "Origin."