Actress Nia Long Covers Jet Magazine, Talks Acting Career & Her Relationship With Ime Udoka

It’s been some time since we’ve seen Nia Long in any feature film but the beautiful actress sits down with Jet magazine to dish on her latest projects. She discusses acting as an unstable career path, her relationship with former NBA player Ime Udoka and being a part-time single mother.

JET: On reprising the role of Jordan in The Best Man Holiday (out November 15) sequel 15 years later

We made magic together— so many people say that to me. And because I love the cast. The film’s director, Malcolm Lee, has been talking about it for some time and finally announced his plan during a recent cast reunion dinner.

JET: On working on iconic films, like Boyz n the Hood and Love Jones, although acting wasn’t her first career choice

I wanted to be a pediatrician. One of the most life-changing challenges I experienced growing up was realizing that there simply wasn’t enough money for me to go to college. So I decided to focus on working. I promised that I’d give myself one year from the day I graduated from high school to make moves in the business. I was acting since I was 15, and I really wanted to help my mom, who was struggling.

JET: On acting being an unstable career in Hollywood…

That’s very true. Actors only have job security from the time we’re on set until they say cut. But, deep down inside I knew it would work out for me. Luckily, I was also naive. What’s the saying? Ignorance is bliss. I had a wonderful acting coach who didn’t focus on fail-ure, only working.

JET: On her 3 year relationship with former pro-basketball player and father of her youngest child Ime Udoka & him living in another state

Ime and I are very much a family. We’re both committed to being good to each other and being great parents. He operates on faith, and we share that. If not, it would be difficult to maintain with him working as a coach in San Antonio. The challenge is the times when I’m exhausted and here with the kids by myself. I have homework, bath time, dinner, laundry and all the other things that every mother has to do because, in essence, I’m physically a part-time single mom.

The issue comes out March 18th. Head over to Jet Magazine for more on this exclusive interview.