Nia Long

Nia Long is an American actress who has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for over three decades, particularly celebrated for her roles in Black cinema of the 1990s and 2000s. Born Nitara Carlynn Long on October 30, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, she moved to Iowa City, Iowa, as a child before settling in Los Angeles. She began her career as a teenager with a recurring role on the Disney Channel series “The B.R.A.T. Patrol” (1986) and the daytime soap opera “Guiding Light.”

Long rose to prominence with a string of beloved films in the 1990s that cemented her status as one of the leading actresses in African-American cinema. Her role as Brandi in “Boyz n the Hood” (1991) directed by John Singleton put her on the map, and she followed it with standout performances in “Friday” (1995), “Love Jones” (1997), and “Soul Food” (1997). She became a romantic comedy favorite with “The Best Man” (1999), a role she reprised in “The Best Man Holiday” (2013) and the Peacock limited series “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” (2022).

Throughout her career, Long has balanced commercial and critically acclaimed projects. She starred alongside Will Smith in “Big Momma’s House” (2000) and its sequel, appeared in “Are We There Yet?” (2005), and took on dramatic roles in “Third Watch” and “Empire.” She has earned multiple NAACP Image Awards for her work in film and television, and remains a respected and sought-after actress in the industry.

With an estimated net worth of $6 million in 2026, Long’s wealth reflects a consistent career in film and television. She has also ventured into producing and continues to take on meaningful roles. Known for her talent, beauty, and longevity in an industry that often overlooks women of color, Nia Long has become an enduring icon in American entertainment.