Tinseltown Talk: Nia Long Lashes Out At Music Stars Who Act

"If you're a singer not an actress, you should sing. If you're a rapper, you should rap," is what actress Nia Long told the U.K. magazine Pride.

In the July issue cover story written by Jessica Huie, the 'Are We There Yet?' star was also asked what she thought about Beyonce Knowles' performance in 'Obsessed.'

"I didn't see 'Obsessed,' so I can't comment, but it's just not about how talented you are anymore. It's about, 'How much box-office revenue will this person generate?' When you see certain people – we won't name names – they just don't have the skill, and no one in their team has said, 'You need acting classes,'" Long replied.


The 38-year-old actress, who last starred on the ABC series 'Big Shots,' does believe there have been some exceptions in Hollywood.

"If you take time to develop your craft, God bless you. Jamie Foxx is an example of both [actor and singer]," she added.

Long also vented to the glossy about the quality of roles Hollywood offers Black actresses.

"If you were able to take all the Black actresses and the choices we've made collectively, it's a pure reflection of what you see on film. People need to work. But the content? The opportunities for Black actresses are more widespread today, but the quality has suffered," she offered.

For more information on Pride magazine, visit them online at www.PrideMagazine.com.

http://www.bvbuzz.com/200...usic-stars

-I think she makes some valid points here. She probably feels that rappers and singers are taking all the roles and it's already hard enough for black actors to find work so I agree with her in that sense. At the same time, there are musicians who happen to be good actors, so I don't see why someone should have to limit themselves just because they're a singer or rapper- whatever the case may be. I definitely see where she's coming from though. It must be frustrating.
[Edited 7/14/09 12:12pm]

Someone please make an xtranormal video with Nia Long going off on Beyonce, please!

You know it's only a matter of time before that happens. She was definitely throwing some words at Beyonce here though. Very obvious. Can't say I disagree with her either, Beyonce is not a good actress, but her name brings in $$$$ and that's all these movie studios care about.

Cinnamon234 said:

Hell I may make one (but knowing how xtranormal keeps changing around the order of what requires for accounts over there, that may be tough to do, lol).

Well, Beyonce can't act. I would have much rather seen my girl Tarji P in the movie, more her style. Beyonce gets movies because Beyonce is Beyonce, and where Beyonce goes, money follows. If you don't like it, don't put a dime on it. Only reason I saw the movie is because I work there, [f-r-e-e that spells freee!] I really don't like her. SOME singers can act, but it's mainly actors becoming singers. Like Jamiee and Will.

What did Ice Cube do 2 her?

- Speak on it.
[Edited 7/14/09 13:15pm]

i thought she was older than 38.

Beyonce is a a HORRIBLE actress.

But how can she hate when the WHOLE entertainment industry is about "gettin' ya husle on"? She can't hate on singers-turned-actors. Hell, go make a record then. But I do agree with her on the lack of quality gigs for Black actresses.

I wonder what her employer/co-actor Ice Cube thinks about this?

Wow, I can't believe Nia is 38. While I don't think artists should be limited I do think they should definitely take the time to study the area their trying to branch into. Actors work hard to get roles, especially female actors of color. When a singer who hasn't studied or doesn't act well but is popular gets the job over an actor it must feel like a kick in the teeth.
[Edited 7/14/09 14:02pm]

Haven't it always been like this? Singers acting, Actors singing! It's nothing new. And Jamie is not a good a example Nia

And Beyonce can't act, but hey Madonna can't either and it took her years to notice it

I know where she's coming from. I had a conversation about this topic not too long ago. It's not about hating Beyonce or any singer/rapper/athlete turned actor, it's about the business. It's always been like this and unfortuately, it's happens far too often with Black actors who are classically trained actors, studied and worked the theater (on and off Broadway), but they get passed over for some singer or rapper with a hit record. Bring back the days when we saw a movement of rising Black talent getting their start on TV thanks to Cosby and films thanks to Spike.

*SIGH*

People, her jab is not against Beyonce as it is against shady ass Hollywood.

Does anybody heard of Gina Torres?

*crickets*

Well, the reason why this intelligent, talented, funny and beautiful black actress is not known is because the ONLY work she could find these days is in the “chitlin’ circuit” plays such as this...



This is a sad reality, black actresses & actors in general are having a rough time,,,,at least Angela & Nia could find solace in TV but the rest of the majority are either doing "gospel plays", doing "Tyler Perry" movies and ALOT of others gave up on the hollywood dream and started doing the 9-5 thing.

The only famous black names are Halle, Denzel, Will and Eddie,,,,,and they'll hound you with those 5 untill you throw up,,,so don't expect variety any time soon.

does Nia Long herself even act anymore?

Harlepolis said:

Don't forget Jada.

Harlepolis said:

I love those crickets but you know I was wondering what Ms. Torres was up to.

Graycap23 said:

I don't think she was taking a dig at cube. I think she realizes Cube
is an exception. He worked hard at becoming an actor. I think a better
example here would be Redman/Method Man who are both atrocious at acting.

I remember Samuel Jackson talking about this a few years back and
he noted there were a select few like Will Smith who paid their dues and
low and behold the great Oscar nominee Mekhi Phifer chose to
take exception saying he didn't want to hear no grown man crying
about rappers acting. Mekhi stated that rappers were some of the most
passionate actors he's ever worked with. I thought Mekhi was out of line
taking on the power black actor who's worked hard and paid his dues
and was just kissing ass so he could be in the next rap video with lots of bouncing asses.

I can see both sides of it. Some rappers are good. Mos Def, for instance, has done some very good work. Others...not so much. However, I'll agree with Nia since she is fine.

phunkdaddy said:

What was Mekhi nominated for?

I can understand Long's frustration. Every acting role that goes to a "non-actor" takes a role away from a "real" actor. And, good roles for black women are hard enought to come buy already. So, I see her point.

But, she's delusional if she thinks this will ever stop. Studios want to make money and if they can use the fame of a musician to sell a movie, then they'll do it, even if the musicians aren't Oscar-caliber talents.

Also, a lot of the movies that musicians star in don't really involve complex, multidimensional roles. So, it's not like they have to be great actors to pull it off.

Long just sounds bitter. She's past her mid 30s now (still looks great) and the roles are drying up. I'm sure Beyonce couldn't care less.

JackieBlue said:

I think that's his point.

Graycap23 said:

I was thinking the same thing...I think this is more of a shot at B than anything.But she knows the biz and its about generating revenue.She wasnt complaining when she was the flavor of the month.But she was right about the plight of female black actresses and hopefully it can get better

Lammastide said:

Oh, I was wondering if he got a nod for I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.

SavonOsco said:

I think she has more substance to be labeled as just "flavor of the month". Just saying.

I think Beyonce done some work on her acting cause i just watch Cadillac Records and to my suprise she was rather good.

Lammastide said:

Exactly.

Harlepolis said:

you're right..i was thinking of around when "Friday" came out..she had a lot of work in that era..but you're right, shes one of my favorites