Nia Long Career Retrospective | SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations

Career retrospective with Nia Long. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.
Since making her film debut in John Singleton’s Oscar-nominated film, “Boyz In The Hood,” Nia Long continues to cultivate a versatile resume in both film and television.
On the big screen, Long will can be seen opposite Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele in New Line’s feature comedy “Keanu.” No stranger to box-office success, Long has been a part of three successful film franchises, including the “The Best Man,” for which she earned an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, and its 2013 follow-up, “The Best Man Holiday,” which earned critical and commercial success. Martin Lawrence’s “Big Momma’s House” and “Big Momma’s House 2” collectively earned over $300 million and earned Long an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture. Additionally, Long co-starred in the Ice Cube family comedies “Are We There Yet?” and “Are We Done Yet,” which spawned the TBS comedy series “Are We There Yet?” Most recently, Long starred in “The Single Moms Club,” which she co-starred with her son Massai, and additional film roles include “Friday,” with Ice Cube and Chris Tucker; “Made in America,” with Whoopi Goldberg; “Love Jones,” which won the Audience Award at Sundance and earned Long an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture; “Soul Food”; “Stigmata”; “The Secret Laughter of Women,” opposite Colin Firth; “Alfie,” with Jude Law; and “Premonition,” with Sandra Bullock.
She first caught audience’s attention as Will Smith’s love interest on NBC’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which garnered her first NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Long co-starred alongside Vanessa Redgrave, Sharon Stone and Ellen DeGeneres in the Emmy-nominated HBO telefilm “If These Walls Could Talk 2.” The performance earned Long an NAACP Image Award Nomination for Best Actress in a Television Movie. Her portrayal of Officer Sasha Monroe on NBC’s “Third Watch” earned her two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. Additional television credits include recurring roles on “Judging Amy” and “Boston Legal.” Most recently, Long starred in the political thriller “The Divide,” from director Tony Goldwyn and writer Richard LaGravenese, and appeared on Showtime’s “House of Lies,” which earned Long an NAACP Image Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Behind the camera, the actress made her directorial debut on Ashanti’s music video “Baby,”the third single from her platinum-selling debut album, “Ashanti.” Additionally, Long directed the music video for platinum-selling gospel artist Yolanda Adams’ single “This Too Shall Pass,” from the #1 selling gospel album, “Day By Day.” Continuing her work behind the camera, she is currently developing a feature film that centers on renowned world champion boxer and trainer Ann Wolfe.
In addition to her film and television work, Long’s passion lies in supporting her community. With her family roots in Trinidad, she aims to be the liaison between the youth in the United States and on the island of Trinidad. In 2013, Long was a vocal proponent to the Barack Obama reelection campaign and has remained active in supporting women’s rights, education and affordable healthcare.
A Brooklyn native, Long resides in Los Angeles with her two sons and fiancée, Ime Udoka, assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs.

[@tlcp53b49]

I have never heard an actor or actress be so honest about their career in an interview.

[@darnellmajor8895]

That's literally the point of this platform 😂

[@manueldavidson1398]

Nia is so bubbly and down to earth. She is very honest and speaks with so much conviction, passion, forthrightness, and authority. Nia is such a wonderful and glowing person.

[@kinamai1965]

I never knew Nia was soooo hilariously funny lol and so down to earth. Thanks for this interview it gives people alot of insight on her life, struggles, and career, and her strength as a woman, a actor, and a human being! I really enjoyed her honesty, knowledge, and courage!! Great interview.

[@morrisjordan1581]

Nia Long is one fine woman. I love her ever since the first day that I had layed eyes on her.

[@twanaterry9523]

Morris Jordan that's my girl crush. Team Nia

[@ChezzaOuttaNowhere]

She is perfect...my goodness

[@spicyhot2552]

Nia is so down to earth..😃

[@JasmineBester]

She looks so amazing and I love the way she stands up for herself

[@clarissawestbrook2203]

Nia Long is so beautiful, talented, intelligent and unproblematic 😍😍😍😍. This was an insightful discussion as an inspiring horticulturist and actress.

[@joycejohnson7166]

I just loved her and Larenz rate in Love Jones. 💖💖💖💖

[@katnichelle08]

I'm glad I saw this interview. Nia is a great person and outstanding actress.

[@LaToyaEbonyHair]

This was awesome in every way imaginable. Thank you for sharing!

[@kylerisabelle624]

this interview is absolutely magical. I love her so much

[@aliahspirituality]

Ive had this in my watch later playlist for awhile now and I can't believe it took me so long to watch it but tonight felt right, I left completely inspired by her! Nia is a legend and I love that she is a fine example of when you do what you love you will be blessed for it! She is a light!

[@nullunit]

Love Nia to bits. She been in that business for a minute, she would play a savage agent or manager.

[@morimontae._]

The best man even though I’m. 4 years late😂

[@chikFromMTL]

Wow, she is refreshing! Go Nia!

[@yvetterodriguez9411]

Nia, this is the best interview for actors. All of the method stuff doesn't always work. Just keep it real and honest. God Bless you for telling us the truth. You are a beautiful lady, talented and down-to-earth. I can't wait to work with you. Keep up the amazing work.

[@eddierascalhaskell4954]

❤I always loved Nia's voice...

[@leemoorejl]

Oh, I actually watch the entire interview. It was very engaging. I usually do not sit and watch entire interviews so this is very good❤great job Nia Long

[@DylanBusse]

Valuable insights on the industry from a very wise actress.

[@kudabeen]

Such a gem of a woman...it is crazy to see all the characters of our life growing and giving back in such ways...excellent resume and can't wait to see what her next run will look like after this role as a "flawed" person

[@JayWillyBrandname]

I’ve loved Nia Long since Boyz In Da Hood. Her voice is so soothing.🥰❤️ She would create awesome ASMR content!🥰❤️

[@GregGordonatx]

I've always been a Nia Long fan since Fresh Prince of Bellaire. Thanks for being you Nia!

[@erica01161978]

love her transparency

[@RetroDimeDiva]

Nia is sooo awesome, I love her 💙

[@antoinetteskeens4774]

absolutely love Nia Long and this conversation..

[@avaniap2881]

one word describes this" lady of magic"-(gorgeous!)

[@mikekillagreen9432]

The best one yet! Jada Pinkett was awesome too.

[@vanettapayne8202]

Nia is hilarious!

[@kudabeen]

That Chris Tucker with the Pizza box story is incredible...he went on to be an icon in his own right...

[@foxysharpe6414]

A King In My Own Mind Nia And Chris Tucker Was Real Cool back in the day. He loved Nia but she Knows he is a lot different from the old days... Chris was that cool attractive dude back in the day...

[@kingflourish8963]

Nia Long Is One Of My Favorites... Fantastic And Dope Interview....

[@dejaneajohnson4933]

I e never sat and watched something, besides a movie for a hour, especially undivided attention, but this was amazing from beginning to end.

[@meg27mm]

She’s amazing!!!!!! Loved this!!!!

[@trunuyorker7]

She interviews well! Great stories and insights😛

[@shereesemurphy]

I love this interview! Oh and the period piece is the new roxanne shante movie ahhh i cant wait until it comes out.

[@taezaj123]

Beautiful, Elegant, Classy, Intelligent, Funny and REAL... #Lovepeoplewhoaredowntoearth #andREAL😚😘😘

[@shontaylovett1378]

This interview was everything!! It lets you see what makes Nia Long…Nia Long and I’m here for it!! I love her attitude, personality and realness!

[@carlosrob6494]

I was late with this but enjoyed this interview from such a beautiful woman. 5'2'...That's called, "A Bundle of Joy".

[@satyapersaud1488]

I love Nia Long👑🌹.

[@lifestylebeautytodaykaymil6535]

This was awesome! I loved it. I really like Nia Long.

[@BooneLuleyo]

My girl since Boyz N The Hood. And of course Friday, The Best Man, In Too Deep. Among others.

[@sunnystone7528]

I respect Mia for being honest and strong. FYI: I sure understand being asked a question and going around the world to answer because life is always a journey before we get to the answer. Yikes. Mia is an incredible actor. Real Talk Folks! :) and I loooove God!

[@mikekillagreen9432]

You mean Nia?

[@sabrinadixon6227]

This is an incredible interview!! I love how open and honest she is!!! Just wow

[@byrdtaylor5703]

Now, this is the Nia I'm used to seeing. Great interview!

[@beegood3372]

LOVED THIS...NIA IS TRULY A BEAUTIFUL BLACK QUEEN !!! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿❤❤❤🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@netteofthetaureans]

Ice Cube was my first “rapper” crush. I loved him, his jerri curled hair & how his brow went up way b4 there was ever a Rock. I love Nia & love hearing her story.

[@netteofthetaureans]

The interviewer here is absolutely AWESOME. She listens, engages appropriately, and is hilarious. I hope she is doing great things these days.

[@directorytaliwag4100]

Nia still most attractive woman in Hollywood.

[@sherriehardge]

Love this interview!

[@sherrypettye1669]

I really love to hear Nia Long speak she break things down so easily

[@ryanLeKing]

..Thank You! Long is an American Film Legend.

[@lightuponlight6727]

yes...more black actresses.... I love Nia Long

[@ekolint48]

I loved this! Thanks for posting.

[@georgegoldsby723]

Very insightful.

[@JayRich456]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Nia is still beautiful and a great actor.

[@charliemayne2981]

one of the best interviews i've seen

[@moma1400]

Great Interview!

[@lwarfield52]

I LOVE NIA LONG! She is amazing!

[@SamSam-db1wf]

Love her

[@Cris-hk4cn]

One of the best interviews. Real talk.

[@houseofmatrix6174]

Nia Long is flawless

[@ryanm191]

Nia long she is such a lady so fine and pretty she lights the world up.

[@ExistNNature]

I love roles Nia played and she seems like a beautiful woman..

[@LaShareeKnox]

Love Nia!

[@BJ-cc7nk]

Nia Long is amazing; I posted this on my Blaqspot page for my adult daughters, family and friends to view.

[@monex5]

I..Just..Love..Her..

[@sabrinaburnham4395]

Great interview!

[@shawnthompson940]

NIA!!! 😍😍😍😍

[@celibatenlovinit1811]

Great, fun interview!😊😊

[@moma1400]

You are beautiful Nia!!!!

[@sammyb.randall6312]

I still have the biggest crush on nia long with her so sweet finelooking self from big bad Brooklyn New York.

[@faznout]

My favorite character of hers was when she was on NCIS Los Angeles.

[@michellelindsay1308]

Dope interview...I really Love it...

[@CUTTHISSHITOUT]

great interview

[@jadenbrown6947]

I just love her

[@justrenee2640]

Nia Long is sooo fucking beautiful and this was such a good interview.

[@clarissawestbrook2203]

Made in America is such an underrated movie.

[@GypsysLove]

Thank God for Regina King for taking Nia to that class because I've been watching that Ashante Video Baby since it came out !!

[@angelahunter5954]

love her

[@vanettapayne8202]

I understand what she was saying about enjoying it, she didn't live in the moment.

[@marquitashiver6141]

She was on a mission.

[@mawyadeen7607]

Regina king, and Nia long Fines ass hell....

[@clarissawestbrook2203]

Nia Long is so beautiful, talented, unproblematic, hilarious with a sweet personality. I'm an inspiring horticulturist and actress and this was an engaging and great conversation.

[@jadenbrown6947]

She's so smart

[@malgonowicka9007]

shes so funny and pretty:)

[@heru9605]

Funny. Verda Bridges played my mother in my first tv role. Those Bridges are everywhere. Lol

[@clarissawestbrook2203]

Nia Long 😍😍😍😍

[@shadaviongrant7605]

54:45 Meryl Streep encounter!!!

[@mikekillagreen9432]

Nia doesn't age!

[@aprilmckenzie2883]

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

[@sunnystone7528]

Aah, yes Nia. My apologies for the typo.

[@BillyBob-xi9ih]

Bow chicka wow wow what a lady

[@celibatenlovinit1811]

"If you don't want me, I'll make someone who does!" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@chantallolive6004]

So I take it they never replaced her purse . 😂

[@alexsummers1]

She’s still fine! ❤

[@Trentontramell7]

Instagram brought me here

[@chadelliott3174]

60

[@ashanti-chereecombsez4306]

Lol@ there she goes (Halle Berry)

[@jw79bull]

wait, if she came from Soaps (Guiding Light) then shouldn't she be use to remembering 7 pages of dialogue in a day. I know she was on the show over 20yrs ago, but isn't that a muscle you should always use?

[@great456789]

She was saying it was harder to remember her lines because comedy has a faster pace or rhythm than drama.

[@illmeeillmee9373]

2:27 her height is perfect 5'2"

[@ZaxFilms]

Her name is Nia--not "Mia". Lol!!!

[@As_Sulay]

Too 1:27

[@SexySaSueMi]

Girl - it turns out bad. Forget that man.

[@headach203]

was the crowd laughing while she was talking about dating a 30yr old man while in High school smh

[@joycejohnson7166]

Larenz Tate, sorry !!!