Net Worth Ranker
What Is Nia Long’s Net Worth?
Nia Long, a multifaceted American dancer and actress, has cultivated a successful career spanning several decades. As of 2025, Nia Long’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. This valuation is primarily derived from her work in film and television, complemented by real estate holdings and other assets.
Nia Long’s Career Milestones and Earnings
Nia Long’s career began with early roles such as “The B.R.A.T. Patrol” (1986) on the Disney Channel, which served as a springboard for her subsequent work. She then secured a three-year contract on the soap opera “Guiding Light” from 1991 to 1994, playing the character Kathryn “Kat” Speakes. This role provided her with crucial exposure and stability during the early years of her career. Concurrent with her role on “Guiding Light” in 1991, Long landed a role in “Boyz n the Hood”, marking a pivotal moment in her career and solidifying her status in Hollywood.
From 1994 to 1995, Long starred as Beulah “Lisa” Wilkes on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” further increasing her visibility. Although she had smaller roles in television shows such as “ER” (1996) and “Moesha” (1996), she secured a more consistent role as Andrea Solomon on “Judging Amy,” appearing in six episodes between 2001 and 2002. Subsequently, she starred as NYPD Officer Sasha Monroe on “Third Watch” from 2003 to 2005. This role contributed to her earnings and solidified her reputation as a versatile actress.
In later years, Long appeared on shows such as “Everwood” (2005–2006), “Boston Legal” (2006–2007), and “Big Shots” (2007–2008). Her role as Giuliana on “Empire” from 2016 to 2017 consisted of eight episodes, which added to her income. Other television appearances include “The Cleveland Show” (2009–2010), “Chase” (2011), “House of Lies” (2012), “The Divide” (2014), “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (2015–2016), “Uncle Buck” (2016), “Dear White People” (2017), “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2017–2018), “#blackAF” (2020), and “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” (2022), each contributing incrementally to her net worth.
Long’s film career includes appearances in “Made in America” (1993), “Friday” (1995), “Love Jones” (1997), “Hav Plenty” (1997), “Soul Food” (1997), “Butter” (1998), “The Best Man” (1999), “In Too Deep” (1999), “Stigmata” (1999), “Boiler Room” (2000), “Big Momma’s House” (2000), “Alfie” (2004), “Are We There Yet?” (2005), “Big Momma’s House 2” (2006), “Gospel Hill” (2008), “The Best Man Holiday” (2013), “Keanu” (2016), “Lemon” (2017), “47 Meters Down: Uncaged” (2019), “The Banker” (2020), “Fatal Affair” (2020), “Life in a Year” (2020), “Look Both Ways” (2022), “You People” (2023), and “Missing” (2023). Her film roles have provided not only income but also increased her marketability for other ventures.
In 2000, Long won the Black Reel Award for Best Actress for her role in “The Best Man.” She has also won three Image Awards: twice for Outstanding Actress in a Television Drama in 2004 and 2005 for “Third Watch,” and once for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture in 2000 for “The Best Man.” These awards highlight her contributions to the entertainment industry, enhancing her career and thus contributing to her overall net worth.
Real Estate and Financial Overview
Nia Long’s real estate portfolio also contributes to her net worth. In April 2003, she purchased a home in Los Angeles for an undisclosed amount. In March 2021, she listed this property for sale at $2.985 million, but the listing was later removed. She acquired a home in the Hollywood Hills for $3.6 million in December 2022, marking a significant investment in real estate.
Financial documents from January 2024 indicated that Ime Udoka was ordered to pay Long $32,500 per month in child support. These documents also revealed that Udoka’s disposable net income was $400,000 per month, while Long’s monthly income was $20,000. These figures offer insights into their respective financial situations following their separation, reflecting in the distribution of Nia Long’s net worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Nia Talita Long was born on October 30, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York. Her mother, Talita (née Gillman), was a teacher and printmaker, while her father, Doughtry Long, was a high school teacher and poet. Long has an older half-sister, Sommore (born Lori Ann Rambough), who is a comedian and actress. When Long was two years old, her parents divorced, leading her to move with her mother to Iowa City, Iowa, before settling in South Los Angeles. Her father resided in Trenton, New Jersey. Nia graduated from Westchester High School in Los Angeles in 1989, having previously attended St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood, California. These early life experiences and education laid the groundwork for her future career, helping to shape the values and determination that have contributed to her current financial standing.
Detailed Filmography and Television Roles
Nia Long’s film career includes a diverse array of roles across various genres. Her early breakthrough came with “Boyz n the Hood” in 1991, which helped establish her presence in Hollywood. Following this, she appeared in films such as “Made in America” (1993) and “Friday” (1995), further building her reputation. In 1997, she starred in “Love Jones” and “Soul Food,” both critically acclaimed films that boosted her profile. Later notable film appearances include roles in “The Best Man” (1999), “Big Momma’s House” (2000), “Alfie” (2004), “Are We There Yet?” (2005), “The Best Man Holiday” (2013), and more recently, “You People” (2023) and “Missing” (2023). Each of these roles contributed not only to her income but also to her long-term brand value.
On the television front, after her early role in “Guiding Light”, Nia Long gained significant recognition for her part in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” where she played Will Smith’s girlfriend from 1994 to 1995. She also had recurring roles in shows like “Judging Amy” (2001-2002) and “Third Watch” (2003-2005), where she portrayed NYPD Officer Sasha Monroe. Other notable television appearances include “Empire” (2016-2017), “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2017-2018), and “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” (2022). These television roles provided consistent income and helped maintain her visibility in the entertainment industry, contributing significantly to her overall financial success.
Awards, Recognition, and Impact on Net Worth
Nia Long has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, reflecting her talent and contribution to the entertainment industry. In 2000, she won the Black Reel Award for Best Actress for her role in “The Best Man.” She also has three Image Awards: two for Outstanding Actress in a Television Drama for “Third Watch” in 2004 and 2005, and one for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for “The Best Man” in 2000. In 2005, she was nominated for the BET Comedy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Theatrical Film for “Alfie.” These accolades boost her reputation and marketability, which directly influences her earning potential and consequently, her net worth. Recognition from industry peers enhances her appeal for higher-paying roles and endorsements, contributing to her financial growth.
Personal Life and Financial Implications
Nia Long’s personal life has also had financial implications. She has two sons, one born in 2000 with Massai Dorsey and another born in 2011 with Ime Udoka. Long and Udoka were engaged in May 2015 but never legally married. The couple separated in September 2022 following Udoka’s suspension as coach of the Boston Celtics. As of January 2024, Udoka was ordered to pay Long $32,500 per month in child support. This financial support contributes to Long’s income and overall financial stability. According to court documents, Udoka’s disposable net income was $400,000 per month, while Long’s income was $20,000 per month, illustrating a significant income disparity and the importance of child support in maintaining her financial well-being. While the details of their relationship are personal, the financial outcomes have a direct impact on Nia Long’s net worth.
Nia Long’s Portfolio and Investment Strategies
Details on Nia Long’s investment strategies and financial portfolio, aside from her real estate holdings, are not publicly detailed. Investment strategies can impact and diversify her earnings, potentially including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. While specific information is not available, it is reasonable to assume that a portion of her earnings from acting and endorsements is allocated towards diversified investments to ensure long-term financial security and growth of her net worth. Diversifying investments can mitigate risk and increase potential returns over time, contributing to a stable financial future. In addition to investments, endorsement deals and partnerships with brands can augment her income, further enhancing her net worth.
Future Projects and Potential Earnings
Future film and television projects are expected to contribute to Nia Long’s net worth. Long’s established presence in Hollywood and her proven track record of success make her a valuable asset in the entertainment industry. While specific project details and associated earnings are not currently available, her continued involvement in the industry suggests ongoing opportunities for income generation. These future projects may include leading roles in film and television, endorsement deals, and other ventures that capitalize on her brand and reputation, ensuring the continued stability and growth of Nia Long’s net worth.
