American actress Nia Long has officially been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a major milestone in a career spanning more than three decades.
Long received the 2,857th star on Wednesday, September 16, in the Motion Pictures category during a ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. She was surrounded by family, friends and fellow entertainers, with rapper Snoop Dogg and Michael producer Graham King serving as guest speakers.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce celebrated Long for her lasting contribution to film and television and her ability to connect with audiences across generations. Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez described her as a beloved and talented actress who has brought numerous memorable characters to life.
Long began gaining widespread attention with her role as Brandi in John Singleton’s 1991 film Boyz n the Hood. She went on to appear in a string of popular films, including Friday, Love Jones, The Best Man and Made in America.
Her television career has been equally notable, with appearances in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Third Watch, NCIS: Los Angeles, Empire, Dear White People and #blackAF. She has also earned four NAACP Awards during her career.
Snoop Dogg, who has maintained a friendship with Long, used his speech to praise the actress for remaining authentic throughout her career.
“Hollywood has a way of trying to change you,” he said, reflecting on the pressures faced by performers. He praised Long for choosing to remain true to herself.
The rapper also paid tribute to her in a playful way by wearing a jacket decorated with images from some of her film roles.
Graham King also celebrated Long’s career, particularly her performance as Katherine Jackson in the 2026 Michael Jackson biopic Michael, which he produced.
King said the role required an actress capable of portraying “quiet strength, courage, dignity” and the woman who held the Jackson family together. Long played Katherine Jackson alongside Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson.
The Antoine Fuqua-directed film became Long’s latest major screen role and added another significant production to her filmography.
Beyond Michael, Long has several projects in development. She recently completed production on Netflix’s upcoming romantic drama Don’t Ever Wonder, in which she reunites with her Love Jones co-star Larenz Tate. She is also attached to Are They Gone Yet?, which would reunite her with Ice Cube more than two decades after they appeared together in Are We There Yet? and Are We Done Yet?.
Long is also preparing an upcoming memoir to be published by Gallery Books.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony adds another landmark to a career that has made Long a familiar figure across several generations of film and television audiences.
