People: NIA LONG

Mini biography Nitara Carlynn Long, most known as Nia Long was born October 30, 1970. She is an American actress and music video director. She is an exceptional actress and devoted philanthropist. She is best known for her roles in the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Third Watch, and the films Soul Food, Love Jones, The Best Man, Big Momma’s House, and Are We There Yet? Long was born in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A to Talita, a teacher and printmaker, and Doughtry “Doc” Long, a high school teacher and poet. Her family is of Afro-Trinidadian descent. Her name, Nia, is one of the seven days of Kwanzaa, which means purpose in Swahili. Long’s parents divorced when she was two years old, and she and her mother moved to Iowa City, Iowa, where her mother studied fine arts. They subsequently moved to a South Los Angeles neighbourhood when Long was seven, where her mother was supposed to get married. The wedding was called off, but Talita had fallen in love with L.A. and they stayed. Long’s father currently resides in Trenton, New Jersey. Long’s half-sister is comedienne Sommore, one of the stars of The Queens of Comedy. Long attended the Roman Catholic school St. Mary’s Academy and studied ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, guitar, and acting. She graduated from Westchester High School in 1989. Nia Long and her former long-time boyfriend and fellow actor Massai Z. Dorsey have a son, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, born on November 26, 2000. The two were engaged to be married, but the pair has since ended their relationship. With regard to being a working mother, Long says, she is up for the challenge so long as it does not disturb her family’s well-being. The star has also had the privilege of serving her community. Most recently, she was honoured at an event entitled “The Essence of Being Extraordinary” hosted by the HerShe Group; a non-profit organization, devoted to the development of young women in foster care, where Long serves as a member of the board. Because of her mentoring efforts, she has been named as the recipient of the 2008 College Access Award. She was also voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the World 2000 by People Magazine Ends