Nia Long

Nia Long was born on 30th October, 1970 in Brooklyn, New York. Her parent’s names are Doc and Talita Long. She is an American actress.

She attended Catholic school and studied ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, guitar and acting. Due to the lack of employment opportunities in the Arts in Los Angeles when Nia and Talita first arrived there, Talita took various low-paying jobs, despite having two master's degrees that resulted in financial struggle for them. Nia's motivation to be successful was driven by her desire to help ease her mother's financial burden.

For 15 years, Nia was instructed by acting coach Betty Bridges, better known as the mother of Diff'rent Strokes child star Todd Bridges. Her first notable role was a three-year stint as Kathryn "Kat" Speakes on the soap opera Guiding Light (1991-1994).

She has appeared in leading roles in films such as Soul Food, Boiler Room, and Big Momma's House. In 2003, she joined the cast of the drama Third Watch where she played Officer Sasha Monroe until the series ended in 2005. She has currently picked up a recurring role on Everwood as Cassie, daughter of Irv Harper.

She was married with Massai Z. Dorsey on June 2001 and has 1 child.