Nia Long is looking absolutely fabulous on the cover of Essence‘s April issue. The 43-year-old mother of two has seemingly evaded aging.
She’s starring in Tyler Perry‘s new film The Single Moms Club, which opens in theaters March 14. Long is also set to star in WeTV’s first scripted series, titled “The Divide,” which will air in the fall.
In the interview, she discusses juggling her career and family life. She’s currently raising two sons with her boyfriend Ime Udoka, who is an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs. Their son Kez is 2 years old and her son from a previous relationship Massai is 13. ”I’m not a movie star mom who’s got a private chef, a nanny, and a driver,” Long revealed. ”My mantra is, ‘You created this, you can handle it.’”
Part of that balance is trying to spend as much time with her children as possible when she’s not away on a project. ”I think that if you’re committed to being a great mother, single or not, you’re going to enjoy every moment you have with your children.”
The burden wasn’t as heavy for her latest film project because her son Massai co-stars in the film. However, he wasn’t just handed the role. He had to try out for the part.
“I was so nervous Massai wouldn’t get the job. I didn’t want to have to break disappointing news, so I explained to him that as long as he gave it his best that’s all that mattered. I also told him that life has highs and lows, wins and losses. Just as I was saying all this, the phone rang. It was my agent with the good news. We did the happy dance and started packing our bags.”
Making the experience all the more sweet, her son wrote her a letter after the film wrapped:
“Filming The Single Moms Club was a lot of fun. It was awesome working with you, and I can’t imagine how hard it would have been if you weren’t there. Now I really understand how hard you work.”
“You are loving, and are always there for me and my little brother…You have taught me to have a voice and fear nothing but the Lord.”
That is so precious! It seems clear that Ms. Long made the right decision in not employing any nannies because her son is turning out just fine.