Movies

Niecy Nash-Betts Won’t Let Hollywood Put Her in Box

BBG News

In January 2024, when Niecy Nash-Betts received her first Primetime Emmy Award for her role in Netflix’s 2022 true-crime drama Dahmer, she was sure to express gratitude to someone who had been by her side throughout her journey: herself.

She expressed gratitude towards herself during her acceptance speech, acknowledging her own faith in her abilities and proving those doubters wrong.

30 years in the entertainment industry as a Black, out queer woman hasn’t stopped Nash-Betts, now 54, from staying hopeful and persevering. Her advice? “Never grow weary of doing good.” As you navigate the highs and lows of this field, remember it’s natural to experience sorrow, grief, or pain. But don’t dwell on these feelings for too long. Instead, rise above them, just as her grandmother used to say: “Don’t let your circumstances define your appearance.” Keep pushing forward, making progress in your career one step at a time.

Due to her standout performance in the long-running cop comedy spoof on Comedy Central, Reno 911!, and her subsequent success in shows like TV Land’s The Soul Man and Ryan Murphy’s satirical crime drama Scream Queens, Nash-Betts spent the first two decades of her career establishing herself as a comedy powerhouse, often referred to as the “Comedy Queen.

The knack for eliciting laughter came to her later in life, following the tragic event of her 17-year-old brother, Michael Ensley, getting shot and killed at his California high school in 1993. “I hadn’t realized comedy was a gift until my only sibling was taken away from me by murder,” she reflects. “Watching my mother break down emotionally, I wondered how I could assist her in this difficult time. The only skill I possessed that came to mind was my ability to make people laugh. It was then I understood that humor has the power to change a person’s mood.

Although her knack for comedy was evident, it wasn’t until she was offered a chance that Hollywood’s decision-makers recognized her potential to transcend the limitations set by her industry and garnered significant recognition for her work. As she puts it, “People often want to keep you in the box they first encountered you.” When attempting to secure serious roles, there was resistance, with them stating, “We know your schtick. You’re the comedian,” but she knew she had more to offer.

As Nurse Denise “Didi” Ortley in the quirky HBO series Getting On, Nash-Betts demonstrated a blend of humor and drama, which resulted in consecutive Emmy nominations in 2015 and 2016. She explains that being surrounded by people who see her as she sees herself is beneficial. This means that if a script doesn’t specify “middle-aged Black woman” in the character description, it doesn’t necessarily exclude one from consideration. It’s about thinking creatively and not limiting oneself to traditional categories.

After receiving an Emmy nomination in 2019 for her role in Ava DuVernay’s miniseries When They See Us, Nash-Betts eventually clinched the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. This recognition was for her portrayal of Glenda Cleveland, a genuine neighbor of Jeffrey Dahmer’s, who repeatedly tried to report his crimes to the police but was often ignored. In her acceptance speech, Nash-Betts acknowledged herself and also paid homage to women of color like Cleveland, who have been overlooked despite being subjected to excessive policing.

Speaking at that point in time, she expressed a need to admit something significant to her, “That day, something crucial to me demanded recognition.” Glenda Cleveland’s tale unfolded in the ’80s. Yet, here we are in 2025, dealing with similar issues. As an actor, I aspire for more than just evoking emotions during a random Wednesday evening when you’re flipping channels. I wish to shoulder the burden of highlighting wrongdoings, keeping those responsible accountable, and instigating change through action.

Aiming for an EGOT, Nash-Betts intends to keep using her platform to voice her opinions and influence change, just as she did at the Emmys last year. “There are still tasks ahead of me,” she notes.

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2025-02-06 16:09

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