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Nia Long Earns New Long-Overdue Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

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Nia Long is officially cemented in Hollywood history. On Wednesday, September 16, the beloved actress received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating a career spanning more than three decades across some of modern Black cinema’s most beloved films. The day was even officially proclaimed “Nia Long Day” in Hollywood. Surrounded by family, friends, and famous faces, it was a joyful, full-circle moment for one of the industry’s most enduring stars.

A Star-Studded Celebration

Long was honored with the 2,857th star on the Walk of Fame, unveiled in the Motion Pictures category at 6150 Hollywood Boulevard. Rapper and actor Snoop Dogg, who arrived wearing a custom jacket covered with images of Long, joined Michael producer Graham King as a guest speaker, with Variety correspondent Angelique Jackson serving as emcee.

The ceremony was as personal as it was celebratory. Long was joined at the podium by her mother, Talita Long, and her two sons, Massai Dorsey II and Kez Udoka, and she reflected on her Los Angeles upbringing and the sacrifices her mother made while raising her. She has described the honor as a recognition that stretches far beyond her own career, crediting the generations of people who helped shape her journey.

A Career That Defined a Generation

Long’s rise began in the early 1990s with her breakout role as Brandi in John Singleton’s acclaimed 1991 film Boyz n the Hood. She soon became a fixture of Black film and television, winning over audiences as Lisa Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and starring in a string of classics including Friday, Love Jones, Soul Food, and The Best Man.

Across decades, from romantic dramas to comedies to long-running series like Empire and Third Watch, Long has built a body of work that remains woven into the cultural fabric. Much like her turn as the face of SKIMS, she has long stood as a symbol of confidence, grace, and staying power.

What’s Next for Nia Long

The star arrives during another milestone chapter. Long recently portrayed Katherine Jackson in Michael, the Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic that has become one of the year’s most talked-about films. After more than 30 years of unforgettable performances, her permanent place on Hollywood Boulevard feels both hard-earned and long overdue. Congratulations, Nia. Which Nia Long role is your all-time favorite?