In a cover story for The Cut, the beautiful and talented Nia Long talked a little bit about her personal life following her big split from fiancé Ime Udoka. She also looked back on how far she’s come as a successful actress while recalling some of the good and not-so-good moments that shaped her to become the strong woman that she is today.
Throughout most of her career, the unproblematic entertainer had never been involved in public drama but that all changed last year when it was revealed that her fiancé allegedly had an affair with another woman.
As unexpected as that was to be in the center of such a wild moment, Long says her only focus right now is their son: “My only focus right now is my youngest son ’cause he’s having a really tough time. I’m sure I have some things that I’m suppressing, but I have to do that to take care of him first. That’s the giving. It’s natural. I’m sure I’ll have to circle back with myself several times to reconcile things. But the one thing I’m trying not to harbor is anger,” she explained.
She went on to admire that it’s still very difficult to deal with. “It is. The Celtics made a choice to make my family business public, and I don’t understand why. It could’ve all been handled internally. I do understand why, but I can’t talk about it. Maybe one day I will. You know, fear drives stupidity, and I’ll leave that right there. I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I ever thought I was.” Switching gears Long talked about her experience working as an actress and although she’s been in some great films, she admits that there have been times when she’s been overlooked. She told the magazine,
“I’ve felt passed over on things, for sure. There have definitely been moments like, Why wasn’t I considered for that? Like, why wasn’t I considered for Avatar? I think Zoe’s amazing. But I wasn’t even a topic of discussion, you know? A lot of times, to be fair, directors know in their minds who they want. It’s happened to me, and it’s not happened for me. I would love to do a film like Avatar because I’m really a fan and obsessed. I would even do a supporting role in a film like that because it’s so magical and beautiful, and there are so many lessons and a connection to Mother Nature, humanity, and race. I just think it’s fantastical.”
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“Right, for ‘Avatar 5,’ I would [audition],” Long said. “I would if it was something that someone thought I wasn’t right for that I know I could do.”
What Has Nia Long Been Up To?
The 52-year-old currently stars opposite Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy in the new Netflix’s comedy move “You People.” Lauren London also plays the lead. LSpeaking about working on the film, Long shared how much of a great time she had with the cast:
“I love him. My mother said to me this morning, ‘Ooh! Eddie Murphy is still fine!’ I said, ‘Yes, he is.’ He’s such a gentleman. He’s always prepared. When he comes on set, you put your shoulders back and just get ready. He’s an icon; he’s one of our heroes. He’s the best to ever do it, and to say I got a chance to work with him is an accomplishment. That was such a big cast that you do the work and keep moving. You’re not wasting a lot of time.”
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