Niecy Nash

Carol Denise "Niecy" Nash (née Ensley;[3] born February 23, 1970) is an American comedian, actress, television host, model and producer, best known for her performances on television.

Niecy Nash
Nash in June 2010
Born	Carol Denise Ensley (1970-02-23) February 23, 1970 Compton, California, U.S.[1]
Nationality	American
Alma mater	California State University, Dominguez Hills
Occupation	Comedian, actress television host, model, producer
Years active	1995–present
Home town	Los Angeles, California [2]
Television	Clean House, Reno 911, Claws
Spouse(s)	Don Nash ​ ( m. 1994; div. 2007) Jay Tucker ​ ( m. 2011; div. 2020)
Children	3

Nash hosted the Style Network show Clean House from 2003 to 2010, for which she won an Emmy Award in 2010. As an actress, she played the role of Deputy Raineesha Williams in the Comedy Central comedy series Reno 911! (2003–2009). Nash received two Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series nominations for her performance as nurse Denise "DiDi" Ortley in the HBO comedy Getting On (2013–2015). She also starred as Lolli Ballantine on the TV Land sitcom The Soul Man (2012–2016), and played Denise Hemphill in the Fox horror-comedy anthology series, Scream Queens (2015–2016).[4] In 2017, she began starring as Desna Simms, a leading character, in the TNT crime comedy-drama Claws.

Nash has also played a number of roles in films and has made many guest appearances on television shows. In 2014, Nash played the role of civil rights activist Richie Jean Jackson in the historical drama film Selma directed by Ava DuVernay. In 2019, she starred as Delores Wise in the Ava DuVernay' miniseries When They See Us, for which she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie. In 2018, Nash received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Early life

Carol Denise Ensley was born in Compton, California. In addition to her acting endeavors, she is the spokesperson of M.A.V.I.S. (Mothers Against Violence In Schools). M.A.V.I.S. was founded by her mother, after the 1993 shooting death of Nash's younger brother, Michael. M.A.V.I.S.'s mission is to inform the public of the violence children encounter on school campuses. Nash attended California State University, Dominguez Hills.[1]

Career

Nash at 2008 Emmys

Early works

Nash made her professional acting debut in the 1995 film Boys on the Side.[1] On television, she later guest-starred in NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, Reba, Girlfriends, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and ER. She also appeared in 1999 film Cookie's Fortune, and had a recurring role of CBS drama series, City of Angels, in 2000.

From 2003 to 2009, Nash played the role of Deputy Raineesha Williams and T.T. on the Comedy Central comedy series Reno 911!. In addition, Nash hosted Clean House on the Style Network from 2003 to 2010, as well as providing the voice of Mrs. Boots on the ABC Family animated series Slacker Cats, and starred as Rhonda, opposite Jerry O'Connell, in the short-lived Fox sitcom Do Not Disturb in 2008. She also has guest starred on The Bernie Mac Show as Bernie's sister Bonita from 2003 to 2005. Nash won a Daytime Emmy in 2010 as the producer/host of "Clean House: The Messiest Home in the Country" in the category of Outstanding Special Class Special.[5] On August 4, 2010 Nash announced she was leaving Clean House on the Style Network but the show will continue without her.[6]

Nash for 2008 commercial of Clorox Products

Nash appeared on the tenth season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars beginning in March 2010, where she was partnered with Louis van Amstel. On May 11, 2010, Nash and van Amstel were eliminated from the competition, taking fifth place.[7] In 2011 she got her own reality show Leave It To Niecy on TLC about her life with her new husband and step-son but it was quickly cancelled. In that same year she was in a TLC wedding special.[8][9][10] She also appeared in films Code Name: The Cleaner (2007), Reno 911!: Miami (2007), Not Easily Broken (2009), G-Force (2009), and Trust Me (2013).

2012-present

In 2012, Nash began starring opposite Cedric the Entertainer in the TV Land sitcom The Soul Man, a spinoff from Hot in Cleveland.[11] In 2013, she also began starring opposite Laurie Metcalf in the HBO comedy series Getting On.[12] She received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series nomination for her role on the show in 2015 and 2016,[13] and well as Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2016.[14]

In 2014, Nash played Richie Jean Jackson, the wife of Dr. Sullivan Jackson, in the historical drama film Selma, directed by Ava DuVernay.[15] Selma received acclaim from critics; on Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rating of 99%, based on 205 reviews, with an average rating of 8.7/10.[16] Selma was listed on many critics' top ten lists.[17] Also that year, she joined the cast of Fox comedy series, The Mindy Project in a recurring role as Dr. Jean Fishman, a rival of title character.[18]

From 2015 to 2016, Nash co-starred on the Fox horror-comedy series Scream Queens,[4] as security guard, and then FBI Agent, Denise Hemphill. She appeared in another Fox comedy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine as Andre Braugher's sister.[19] The following year, she was cast in the leading role in the Fox comedy pilot The Enforcers.[20][21] The pilot was not ordered to series. She also was cast in a recurring role as Louise Bell in the Showtime period drama Masters of Sex.[22]

In 2017, Nash was cast in a leading role in the TNT crime comedy-drama series, Claws produced by Rashida Jones about South Florida nail salon.[23][24] Also in 2017, Nash appeared in Mary J. Blige's music video "Strength of a Woman".[25] For her dramatic turn in Claws, Nash has received critical praise.[26][27] She received Satellite Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy and well as another nomination at NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.

In July 2018, Nash received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the television category.[28][29] Later that year, Ava DuVernay cast her in the Netflix limited drama series When They See Us.[30] For her performance she received critical praise and Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie nomination.[31]

In August 2018, announced that Nash will star and produce Naked With Niecy Nash, a late-night talk show for TNT.[32][33] She went to star in the another Netflix feature drama film, Uncorked directed by Prentice Penny.[34][35]

Personal life

Nash was married for 13 years to Don Nash, an ordained minister, before filing for divorce in June 2007. They have three children; Dominic, Donielle, and Dia.[36] Niecy Nash became engaged to Jay Tucker on September 4, 2010.[37] Nash participated in a TLC reality show that followed the preparations for the wedding.[38] Nash and Tucker were married on Saturday May 28, 2011 at the Church Estate Vineyard in Malibu.[39]

On October 30, 2019, Niecy Nash announced her pending divorce from Jay Tucker via an Instagram post. In the post, Nash stated "We believe in the beauty of truth. Always have." Nash continued and said "Our truth is that in this season of our lives, we are better friends than partners in marriage. Our union was such a gorgeous ride. And as we go our separate ways now, we feel fortunate for the love we share — present tense. Thank you all out there for your support of us as a couple over the last eight years. We are grateful."[40] The divorce was finalized on March 10, 2020.[41]

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1995	Boys on the Side	Woman at Diner
1999	Cookie's Fortune	Wanda Carter
	The Bachelor	African-American Bride
2003	Malibu's Most Wanted	Gladys
2004	Hair Show	Debra
2005	Jepardee!	Keisha Jenkins	Short film
	Guess Who	Naomi
	Here Comes Peter Cottontail: The Movie	Mama Robin	Voice
2007	Code Name: The Cleaner	Jacuzzi
	Reno 911!: Miami	Deputy Raineesha Williams
	Cook Off!	Ladybug Briggs
2008	Horton Hears a Who!	Miss Yelp	Voice
2009	Not Easily Broken	Michelle
	The Proposal	Stewardess	Uncredited cameo
	G-Force	Rosalita
2013	Trust Me	Angie
	Nurse 3D	Regina
2014	Walk of Shame	Bus Driver
	Selma	Richie Jean Jackson	Black Film Critics Circle for Best Ensemble Black Reel Award for Best Ensemble Nominated — Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble Nominated — Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Ensemble
2017	Downsizing	Leisureland Salesperson
2020	Uncorked	Sylvia

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1995	Party of Five	Nurse	Episode: "Spring Breaks: Part 1"
2000	City of Angels	Eveline Walker	Recurring role, 4 episodes
2000	Popular	Teacher	Episode: "Hard on the Outside, Soft in the Middle"
1998, 2001	Rude Awakening	Gaynielle	Episodes: "Naked Again" and "Altar Ego"
2001	Kate Brasher	Jane Clark	Episode: "Tracy"
2001	One on One	Darla	Episode: "Fifteen Candles"
2001	NYPD Blue	Tonya Dunbar	Episode: "Baby Love"
2001	Judging Amy	Officer Letitia Sitz	Episode: "Beating the Bounds"
2002	Reba	Maya	Episode: "He's Having a Baby"
2002	Girlfriends	Lashelle	Episode: "Just Dessert"
2002	For Your Love	Clerk	Episode: "The Blast from the Past"
2002	Presidio Med	Nurse	Episode: "Milagros"
2002	CSI: Crime Scene Investigation	Snuff Film Processor	Episode: "Snuff"
2003	Kid Notorious	Tollie Mae	Voice role, 9 episodes
2003	That's So Raven	Madame Cassandra / Shirley	Episode: "Psychics Wanted"
2003	ER	Judith Anderson	Episode: "Missing"
2004	Half & Half	Carla	Episode: "The Big Mother of a Mother's Day Rides Again Episode"
2004	Monk	Varla Davis	Episode: "Mr. Monk and the Girl Who Cried Wolf"
2003–2005	The Bernie Mac Show	Benita	Recurring role, 3 episodes
2005	My Name Is Earl	Rhonda Gibbs	Episode: "Cost Dad the Election"
2006	The Boondocks	Cookie Freeman (voice)	Episode: "Wingmen"
2006	Minoriteam	Fasto's Mama	Voice role, 5 episodes
2007	Slacker Cats	Mrs. Boots	Voice role, 2 episodes
2008	Do Not Disturb	Rhonda	Series regular, 7 episodes
2008	Pretty/Handsome	Regina	TV pilot
2008	The Mighty B!	Miriam Breedlove (voice)	Episodes: "Bee Patients"/"To Bee or Not to Bee" and "Something's Wrong with This Taffy"/"Name Shame"
2003–2009	Reno 911!	Deputy Raineesha Williams	Series regular, 88 episodes Gracie Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2009)
2010	Dancing with the Stars	Herself	Contestant, 16 episodes
2010	Gary Unmarried	Charleen	Episodes: "Gary Tries to Find Something for Mitch" and "Gary Unmarried?"
2010	The Cleveland Show	Janet (voice)	Episode: "Another Bad Thanksgiving"
2010	RuPaul's Drag Race Season 2	Herself	Episode: "The Snatch Game"
2003–2010	Clean House	Host	Host, 148 episodes Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Special (2010) Nominated – Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lifestyle Program (2009–10) Nominated – Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Special (2009)
2011	The LeBrons	Gloria (voice)	Voice role, 7 episodes
2007–2012	American Dad!	Lorraine (voice)	Voice role, 5 episodes
2013	Ben and Kate	Roz	Episode: "Father-Daughter Dance"
2012–2016	The Soul Man	Lolli Ballentine	Series regular, 54 episodes Nominated – NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series (2014–15)
2013–2015	Getting On	Didi Ortley	Series regular, 18 episodes Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2015–16) Nominated – Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated – Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
2014	The Mindy Project[42]	Dr. Jean Fishman	Recurring role, 4 episodes
2015–2016	Scream Queens	Denise Hemphill	Recurring role, 15 episodes
2016	Brooklyn Nine-Nine	Debbie Holt	Episode: "The Cruise"
2016	The Enforcers	M.J.	Pilot
2016	Masters of Sex	Louise Bell	Recurring role; 5 episodes
2017	Modern Family	Joan[43]	Episode: "All Things Being Equal"
2017–present	Claws	Desna Simms	Lead role; 40 episodes Satellite Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (2018) Nominated – Satellite Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (2019) Nominated – NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated – Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress, Drama Series (2018–19)
2017	Angie Tribeca	Pandora	Episode: "Go Get 'Em, Tiger"
2018	Fresh Off the Boat	Wilhelmina	Episode: "Big Baby"
2018	A.P. Bio	Kim	Episode: "Teacher Jail"
2018–2019	Family Guy	Sheila (voice)	2 episodes
2018	Speechless	Kiki	Episode: "J-i-Jingle T-h-Thon"
2019	When They See Us	Delores Wise	Miniseries Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actress, TV Movie/Limited Series Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture or Limited Series African-American Film Critics Association Award for Best Ensemble NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special Nominated — Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Nominated — Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries Nominated — Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture or Limited Series Nominated — Satellite Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film
2020	Stolen by My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story	Gloria Williams	Television film
2020	A Million Little Things	Gloria	Episode:"The Kiss"
2020	Mrs. America	Flo Kennedy	Miniseries
2020	Never Have I Ever	Dr. Jamie Ryan	Recurring

Director

Year	Title	Note(s)
2019	Claws	Episode: "Zaddy Was a Rolling Stone"

References

1. "Niecy Nash Biography". Tvguide.com. Retrieved 2014-06-05.
2. https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/interviews/niecy-nash-reno-911-miami-interview_1618/
3. According to the State of California. California Birth Index, 1905-1995. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California. At Ancestry.com
4. "Niecy Nash Joins Scream Queens and She's Going to Kick Butt". E! Online. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
5. "I won a 2010 Daytime Emmy Award!! from Niecy Nash Official Web Site". Niecynash.com. Retrieved 2014-06-05.
6. Niecy Nash, The End of Clean House, August 4, 2010
7. New 'Dancing With the Stars' cast revealed, Yahoo! News, March 1, 2010. Associated Press.
8. "TV star Niecy Nash is back with a reality-comedy which, sadly, ends up not being that funny". NY Daily News. 2012-03-25. Retrieved 2014-06-05.
9. "Niecy Nash on 'Leave It to Niecy': 'We Just Make Love, Money and Laughter' (Exclusive Video)". Hollywood Reporter. 2012-03-22. Retrieved 2014-06-05.
10. Andreeva, Nellie. "TLC Orders Niecy Nash Docu-Series". Deadline.com. Retrieved 2014-06-05.
11. Andreeva, Nellie. "Niecy Nash To Star In TV Land's Cedric Pilot, Summer Glau Joins TNT's 'Scent'". Deadline. Retrieved 2014-06-05.
12. Franich, Darren (2013-11-25). "Niecy Nash talks new series 'Getting On'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2019-11-10.
13. "Emmy Award Nominations: Full List of 2015 Emmy Nominees". Variety. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
14. Mitovich, Matt Webb (18 January 2016). "Critics' Choice Awards: TV Winners Include Fargo, Mr. Robot, Master of None, Rachel Bloom and Carrie Coon". Retrieved 27 June 2016.
15. "Niecy Nash Signs Up To Play Richie Jean Jackson In Ava DuVernay's 'Selma'". Shadow and Act. Retrieved 2014-06-05.
16. "Selma". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
17. "Film Critic Top 10 Lists - Best Movies of 2014". Metacritic. Retrieved 2015-05-16.
18. Highfill, Samantha (August 22, 2014). "Niecy Nash joins 'The Mindy Project'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
19. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine casts Scream Queens star Niecy Nash as Holt's". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
20. Nellie Andreeva. "Niecy Nash To Star In Fox Comedy Pilot 'The Enforcers'". Deadline. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
21. Ausiello, Michael. "Niecy Nash Cast in 'The Enforcers'". TVLine. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
22. "'Masters of Sex' Adds Niecy Nash, 'Nurse Jackie's' Betty Gilpin for Season 4". Retrieved 27 June 2016.
23. "Niecy Nash to Star in TNT Dramedy 'Claws'". Retrieved 27 June 2016.
24. Petski, Denise (18 May 2016). "Niecy Nash Joins TNT's 'Claws' Pilot". Retrieved 27 June 2016.
25. "Mary J. Blige Debuts New Strength Of A Woman Video Featuring Niecy Nash, Karrueche Tran". Essence. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
26. Carter, Kelley L. (8 June 2017). "Niecy Nash's 'Claws' is the future of television". The Undefeated. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
27. "The Second Act of Niecy Nash: How a TV Show Changed Everything". 13 July 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
28. Pennacchio, George (11 July 2018). "Niecy Nash receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame". Retrieved 30 August 2018.
29. Dowling, Amber (11 July 2018). "Niecy Nash on Finding the Funny After Tragedy and Walk of Fame Connection With Ed Asner". Retrieved 30 August 2018.
30. Petski, Denise (3 August 2018). "Ava DuVernay's 'Central Park Five' Drama Adds Niecy Nash, Aunjanue Ellis, Kylie Bunbury, Marsha Stephanie Blake and Storm Reid To Cast". Retrieved 30 August 2018.
31. N'Duka, Amanda (July 16, 2019). "Ava DuVernay Thanks The Exonerated Five After 'When They See Us' Nabs 16 Emmy Noms".
32. Ausiello, Michael (20 August 2018). "Niecy Nash-Hosted Late-Night Talk Show Pilot Ordered at TNT". Retrieved 30 August 2018.
33. Andreeva, Nellie (20 August 2018). "TNT Orders Niecy Nash Late-Night Pilot". Retrieved 30 August 2018.
34. "Niecy Nash, Courtney B. Vance to Star in 'Uncorked' for Netflix". Retrieved 19 November 2018.
35. N'Duka, Amanda (7 November 2018). "Courtney B. Vance, Niecy Nash, Mamoudou Athie Star In Netflix Film 'Uncorked' From 'Insecure' EP Prentice Penny". Retrieved 19 November 2018.
36. "Niecy Nash Has Been Through More Than You Can Imagine: 5 Things You Might Not Know About Niecy".
37. Nicole Eggenberger (September 7, 2010). "OK Magazine, Niecy Nash is Engaged to the "Mr. Wonderful" Jay Tucker!". Archived from the original on September 8, 2010. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
38. TLC, 'Niecy Nash Wedding Bash Archived 2011-06-06 at the Wayback Machine, TLC, June 4, 2011
39. Peen, Charli (June 2, 2011). "Niecy Nash and Jay Tucker's Wedding". Essence.com. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
40. "Niecy Nash on Instagram: "❤️"".
41. "Niecy Nash Divorce Finalized, Everything Seems Cordial". TMZ. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
42. Barsanti, Sam. "Reno 911's Niecy Nash joins The Mindy Project". The A.V. Club. The A.V. Club. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
43. "streamtuner.li". streamtuner.li. Retrieved 28 May 2018.

External links

• Official website
• Niecy Nash on IMDb