Nia Long’s long engagement with Ime Udoka has been in the news a lot lately. The pair are currently sorting through their relationship and trying to figure out what is next for them and their kids following his cheating scandal. While some are rooting for the actress and Celtics coach to figure things out, others are hoping Nia moves on and finds love elsewhere. Many are still holding on to the hope that she may one day date her former Love Jones co-star Larenz Tate.
Nia Long & Larenz Tate in this scene.. pic.twitter.com/VWzlOWimU9
— Nia Kinda Long ➐ (@Lakeviennn) April 27, 2020
Nia Long and Larenz Tate were a ’90s dream pair. Their 1997 romantic film Love Jones is a cult classic and cemented the two as beloved stars in black Hollywood. Their chemistry was so strong that people have shipped them together ever since, despite them both being in relationships.
Larenz Tate has been married to Tomasina Parrott since 2006. Tomasina is an actress as well and has had roles in such films as Starsky & Hutch (2004), Along Came Polly (2004), and Rock Star (2001). She is also a decorated choreographer. Tomasina and Larenz share four children; Zander, Zion, Miles Xavier, with a fourth baby arriving sometime last month.
Despite their beautiful families, people cannot get over Larenz and Nia’s picture-perfect chemistry in Love Jones. Last year the two revisited the film in a zoom discussion where they unpacked their relationship and answered fan questions. They discussed the soundtrack and how impactful it was for them while shooting the film.
In 2017 they also opened up about the movie with The Oscars and admitted that they “got lucky” that this cast and crew came together. The chemistry between the two was still undeniable as they admitted they would “screen test together again in a heartbeat” as they giggled and rubbed each other’s shoulders.
Fans of the film are constantly celebrating it. Its 25th year anniversary was this past March. One person tweeted, “25 years ago today, the iconic film ‘Love Jones’ starring Nia Long and Larenz Tate was released in theaters. The film has gone on to become a staple in Black culture and is known as one of the greatest Black romances in cinema.” Another person admitted how hard it was to distinguish between Larenz and Nia in real life and in the film. “Nia Long and Larenz Tate was kissing in ‘Love Jones’ like they was [dating] in real life. Sheesh,” and “The chemistry between Nia Long and Larenz Tate on Love Jones>>>.”
In light of the recent developments in Nia’s personal life, some people are hoping they’ll get their wish and see her and Larenz finally become an item. Larenz recently discussed the film and their chemistry and seemed dodgy around the question of whether or not they were actually dating. The Morning Hustle asked flat out, “did you two ever date?”
He smiled and responded, “Nia Long and I have always been super close, you know. Dating? You know, I don’t kiss and tell.” Regardless if they dated before or not, Larenz is clearly in love with his wife and children, as is evident elsewhere in the interview. “I need a Larenz Tate the way he talking about his wife and children. So much love and respect,” said one viewer.
