Niecy Nash Biography: Carol Denise Betts formerly Nash, née Ensley, known professionally as Niecy Nash, is an American actress, comedian, and television host born on February 23, 1970. Her acting career began in the late 1990s with roles in the films Boys on the Side (1995) and Cookie’s Fortune (1999). Nash gained fame for her portrayal of Deputy Raineesha Williams in the comedy series Reno 911! (2003–2009, 2020–2022), and for hosting the Style Network show Clean House (2003–2010), which earned her a Daytime Emmy Award. Nash received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her role as Denise “Didi” Ortley in the comedy-drama series Getting On (2013–2015). She has also played Lolli Ballentine in the sitcom The Soul Man (2012–2016) and Denise Hemphill in the horror-comedy series Scream Queens (2015–2016).
Niecy Nash Biography 2025
Carol Denise Betts, known professionally as Niecy Nash, is an American actress, comedian, and television host. Her acting career began in the late 1990s, with appearances in the films Boys on the Side and Cookie’s Fortune.
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Born: 23 February 1970 (age 54 years), Palmdale, California, United States
Spouse: Jessica Betts (m. 2020), Jay Tucker (m. 2011–2020), Don Nash (m. 1994–2007)
Niecy Nash was born Carol Denise Ensley in Palmdale, California, and raised in South Central Los Angeles. Her passion for entertainment began at age five after watching actress Lola Falana on television. At fifteen, Nash experienced trauma when she witnessed her mother being shot by an abusive boyfriend. She later became a spokesperson for M.A.V.I.S. (Mothers Against Violence In Schools), an organization founded by her mother following the 1993 shooting death of Nash’s younger brother, Michael. M.A.V.I.S. aims to raise awareness about the violence children face in schools. Nash attended California State University, Dominguez Hills, in Carson, California.
Niecy Nash was born Carol Ensley on February 23, 1970, in Palmdale, California, and grew up in South Central Los Angeles. She experienced violence in her youth, including witnessing her mother’s non-fatal shooting by an abusive boyfriend. For her higher education, she attended California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Television Career
In the late 1990s, Nash made guest appearances on shows like Party of Five, Rude Awakening, Malcolm & Eddie, and Time of Your Life. Her breakthrough role came in 2000 as Eveline Walker in the CBS medical drama City of Angels. She continued to make guest appearances on various shows, including NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, and ER. In 2003, she began playing Deputy Raineesha Williams on Reno 911! and hosted Clean House until 2010. Nash also competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2010, finishing in fifth place.
From 2012 to 2016, she starred alongside Cedric the Entertainer in The Soul Man. Nash received two Emmy nominations for her role as nurse Didi Ortley on HBO’s Getting On. Other notable roles include recurring appearances on Scream Queens and Masters of Sex.In 2019, Nash appeared in Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us, earning an Emmy nomination. She later portrayed activist Florynce Kennedy in Mrs. America and began a recurring role in Never Have I Ever.
Nash has been married multiple times. Her first marriage was to minister Don Nash from 1994 until their divorce in 2007, with whom she has three children. She then married Jay Tucker in 2011, divorcing in 2020. Shortly after, she married singer and actress Jessica Betts.
Real Estate
In 2018, Nash purchased a home in LA’s Bell Canyon area for $2 million. She sold another property in Bell Canyon for $1.265 million in 2019.
