Guide Note

Nia Long is an American actress and music video director. Long's first major role came in the soap opera Guiding Light, where she portrayed Kathryn "Kat" Speakes. From there she went on to portray Beulah "Lisa" Wilkes, Will Smith's fiancee on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. She most recently could be seen on the ABC television show Big Shots. Its last episode aired on January 24, 2008.

Long's other television acting credits include Boston Legal, Third Watch and Judging Amy. Her film credits include Premonition, Boyz in the Hood, Made in America, Friday, Love Jones, Soul Food, Stigmata, Are We There Yet? and Big Momma's House.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Nitara Carlynn Long
2. Named after the 5th day of Kwanzaa, meaning "life purpose"
3. Full Name: Nitare Carlynn Long
4. Born: October 30, 1970
5. Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
6. Currently resides in Los Angeles, California
7. Comedienne Sommore is her half-sister
8. Directed the Ashanti music video "Baby"
9. Has one son, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II
10. Current boyfriend is: Kevin Phillips
11. Three time Image Award winner

1. "But that we didn't have the level of experience in terms of working in the industry so you weren't sure and you needed to see it and this is an industry that the more you work the better you get and that the more opportunities you have the better you get." — Nia Long on the movie industry
2. "First of all when you're a mommy like you like the consistency of being on a show like that's just peace of mind, I know I have financial, you know stability." — Nia Long on being a mom
3. "I know for me like I have a reputation of being kind of tough, I have a reputation of also being the girl next door, kind of sweet but I have standards and my thing is, it's me on that screen and I don't have control over everything in this and I'm grateful and thankful." — Nia Long on her image
4. "I think there are a lot of other actors that are just talented, it's just about this opportunity - it's just about when are we going to be put in those positions where we can shine." — Nia Long on other actors