The transformation of 12-year-old Nia Thompson from an audience member to a leading actress in The Lion King is both inspiring and captivating after she first discovered her love for acting at a young age.
Her most well-known roles are as Taniya’s voice in the popular Disney animated series Rise Up, Sing Out and as the daughter of Malcolm X in Godfather of Harlem. Additionally, she has hosted Nia’s Black Girl, a YouTube series of her own.
Nia’s early passion for theater was ignited when she and her mother Gessie saw a play.
“I brought Nia to witness KeKe Palmer’s historic Broadway debut as the first Black Disney princess in Cinderella. Gessie recounted that as the curtains of the theatre dropped, Nia said: “I’m supposed to be on the stage.”
At the age of six, Nia had already dreamed of working on a project. As a result, Gessie found her daughter an agent to help propel her passion.
Related stories
Her visit to the Minskoff Theater on her eighth birthday marked a turning point in her life. Her desire to be in The Lion King was stoked by a backstage tour led by Sharron Lynn Williams. After four years, Nia’s dream came true when she played Young Nala on Broadway.
Nia, despite her many successes, has not lost her groundedness. She balances school and rehearsals like any other 12-year-old.
Her commitment to her studies and personal development, as well as her punctuality, demonstrate her dedication. She accepts her position and strives to show underprivileged communities that Broadway is accessible to all.
Nia is not limited to her stage persona. She sets a positive example for her fellow students. She recently gave a 5-year-old Chicago child a backstage tour, which ignited her interest in theater. Nia shares the inspiration she received with others, encouraging them to follow their dreams.
