For almost 30 years, Niecy Nash has stood out as one of Hollywood’s best talents. Some of her notable roles have kept us laughing over the years. Moreover, in January 2024, the star won an Emmy Award for her work in “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” a more serious role, proving her versatility.
Nash first appeared in “Boys on the Side” in 1995, where she had a small role as a diner patron. However, the actress landed her breakout role in 2003 when she was cast as Raineesha Williams in “Reno 911!.” Throughout Nash’s career, she has received praise for her work while continuing to challenge herself.
The 54-year-old celebrated a birthday on Feb. 23, 2024. In honor of her amazing accomplishments in the acting world, we’ve decided to highlight some of Nash’s standout projects. Here are our favorite Niecy Nash roles!
1. Claws
In 2017, Nash began her role as Desna in the TNT show, “Claws.” She played a nail technician and salon owner involved in organized crime. The show follows Desna, her employees-turned-friends, and the Husser family. Desna becomes engaged in the Hussers’ illegal activities, laundering money through her nail salon and earning extra money to save for a new nail salon.
The show received good reviews and completed six seasons. Nash’s role as Desna is beloved by critics and fans. She was nominated for four awards, including an NAACP Image Award, ultimately winning the honor.
2. When They See Us
Telling the story of the Central Park Five and false imprisonment, Nash joined the cast of “When They See Us” as Delores Wise. She portrayed the mother of Korey Wise, one of the falsely accused teenagers.
The series premiered on Netflix in 2019 and received high acclaim. She was nominated for a Primetime Emmy along with many of her castmates. She also won a NAACP Image Award for the role.
3. Reno 911!
The fan favorite, “Reno: 911,” is often considered Nash’s breakout role. Presented as a mockumentary, the show poked fun at the long-running reality legal TV show, “Cops.” Nash portrays the hilarious yet boisterous Raineesha Williams. The actress also participated in the show’s revival from 2020 to 2022.
4. Selma
Nash played civil rights activist Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson in the historical drama, “Selma.” The film depicts the events that led up to “Bloody Sunday,” and the marches from Selma to Montgomery. Nash’s depiction of Jackson is well portrayed, as the film received many accolades.
5. Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
Playing the role of the suspicious neighbor, Glenda Cleveland, Nash joined the cast of the Ryan Murphy series. Although many people felt this series exploited Dahmer’s victims, it went on to receive over one billion views on Netflix. Nash famously accepted the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. She also received a Golden Globe for the role.
Although we’ve highlighted five of our favorite Niecy Nash roles, the 45-year-old has sprinkled her magic on countless projects. In fact, Nash has nearly 100 acting credits, along with eight producer credits. So, it’s safe to say that our list of favorite Niecy Nash roles will continue to grow.
What are your favorite Niecy Nash roles? Let us know in the comments below.
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