Nia Long recently sat down for a cover interview with SELF magazine. For the magazine’s cover, the 55-year-old actress wears a halo of blue feathers designed by Palomo Spain.
The interview touches on the long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” in which Nia plays Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson.
“I think when you look at Michael’s journey, and you look at Katherine’s journey, the only way you thrive and survive is through a tremendous amount of grace.” Nia tells writer Zeba Blay. “What I think I learned from her is that sometimes grace is really quiet.”
Zeba writes that Nia is intentional in the way she creates versions of her movie characters that seem true to her.
But Nia tells Zeba her focus is the money she’s paid to star in films.
“The only strategy I have in this game is my bank account. Let’s strategize how we’re going to make money and create generational wealth. That is where I’m strategic.”
She laughs, scratches her palm, and continues: “My hand just started itching the minute I said money. That’s a good thing. Maybe something’s happening. Something’s coming.”
Getting serious, Nia adds: “I work hard to make sure that when I represent us, it’s not just someone putting their agenda on me. Whether it’s my hair, my makeup, my wardrobe, my lines.”
The subject switches to her sons, Massai Dorsey II, 25, and Kez Sunday Udoka, 14. She talks about a new film she’s just wrapped in New York, titled “Don’t Ever Wonder,” a romantic dramedy that’s three years in the making.
“This is not a continuation of Love Jones,” she emphasizes. “This is a continuation of love, and of what happens once you’ve had your kids, they’re off to college, and you’re empty nesters. And that’s kind of where the story begins. There’s a lot of funny and there’s a lot of heartbreak, and I think it’s a really honest story.”
The writer shares a personal story that connects with Nia. Zeba just ended a 12-year relationship – and Nia can relate.
Nia ended her 13-year relationship with Kez’s father, Ime Udoka, who cheated on her with a co-worker.
“Okay, but when was it really over?” Nia asks, suggesting relationships are over long before the break-up.
Nia says she now has a healthy coparenting relationship with Ime.
“The amount of pouring into myself that I’ve done is strong and mighty and intentional. I’ve now identified the things that I need to work on and the things that I need to heal. But I have also identified what is intolerable,” she says.
“I’m proud of myself for giving so much grace. For being able to say people make mistakes and things happen. It’s life. When the stakes are high, the news is big. I can’t do anything about that, but I don’t have to protect my ego in any of this.”
Zeba writes: “She says all this very matter-of-factly, which is the only way she seems capable of saying things.”
