Surrounded by family, friends and former co-stars, Nia Long celebrated a career milestone Wednesday as she unveiled her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The actress received the 2,857th star on the Los Angeles landmark, recognizing her contributions to motion pictures.
Longtime friend Snoop Dogg and Michael producer Graham King spoke at the ceremony. Other guests included Long’s sons, her mother Talita Long, and her former fiancé, basketball coach Ime Udoka.
Also spotted in the audience were Terrence Howard and Morris Chestnut, who co-starred with the actress in The Best Man movies, her Love Jones leading man Larenz Tate, plus Mike Epps, Evan Ross, Bill Bellamy, Tiffany Haddish, Estelle, and Courtney B. Vance.
Related: Here’s Who Will Get a Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2027
Wearing a white dress and matching platform heels, Long was the picture of Hollywood glamour. She reflected on her faith, family and the meaning behind the five points of her star.
“At the top of this star is God, my Lord and my Savior Jesus Christ, who governs everything I do while gently encouraging me to stand strong in my purpose with grit and grace,” she said.
She became emotional while thanking her mother, who she credited with guiding her through the early years of her career.
“It was you who took me to my very first acting class, to every audition, and wiped every tear of rejection,” Long said. “But somehow we made it through the challenges and the heartbreaks.”
“I share this star with you because there isn’t any part of my story that doesn’t circle back to your bravery and unconditional love,” she continued. “I love you, Mommy, and I wouldn’t be here without you.”
Long has been entertaining movie audiences since the 1990s. After small parts on television, her breakout role came in John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood. Among her other memorable films were Friday, Soul Food, and Michael, the top-earning biopic in Hollywood history.
“We made a film that brought joy to everyone around the world in the name of Michael Jackson and his incredible legacy,” Long said. “Thank you for creating space for me to bring a quiet grace to my portrayal of Katherine Jackson.”
The film’s producer Graham King said casting the role of the Jackson family matriarch was crucial to the story.
“Finding an actress who could authentically portray the matriarch of the Jackson family, a woman with quiet strength, courage, dignity, and the one who kept the family together, seemed like a nearly impossible task,” he said. “And then I met Nia Long.”
Snoop Dogg, a Long Beach native and longtime friend of the actress, showed up wearing a jacket covered with an image of Long’s face.
“Nia wasn’t just in the culture, Nia is the culture,” he said. “For about 30 years, Nia Long had every Black man in America thinking he had a chance. You didn’t, but she let you dream, and we appreciate that, Nia.”
Long’s star is located at 6150 Hollywood Boulevard. You can watch the ceremony here.
Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
