Nika King Biography: Parents, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Height, Movies, TV Shows, Awards, TV Series, Boyfriend

Shenika Williams, famously known as Nika King, is a vibrant American actress, comedian, and producer, best known for her heartfelt role as Leslie Bennett in HBO’s Euphoria.

Her comedic roots and powerful performances in shows like Greenleaf and films like Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot have made her a rising star.

Nika’s a proud American whose Miami spirit and resilience shine through in her work and advocacy.

Profile

• Full Name: Shenika Williams
• Stage Name: Nika King
• Born: August 20, 1979
• Age: 45 years old
• Birthplace: Miami, Florida, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Comedian, Producer, Writer
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
• Religion: Single
• Parents: Mrs Sharon Allen
• Siblings: Teesha Williams, Mars Payne
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single  
• Net Worth: $600,000 to $1 million

Early Life

Nika King was born on August 19, 1978, in Miami, Florida, and grew up in a challenging environment. Her ethnicity is African-American, and she’s proud of her Miami roots, which fuel her vibrant energy. Her religion isn’t publicly known.

Her mother, Sharon Allen, a chef and three-time cancer survivor, raised Nika and her five siblings—older sister Teesha Williams, younger sister Mars Payne, and three others—likely as a single parent, as her father’s details are unknown.

Nika’s parents and uncle struggled with drug addiction during her childhood, shaping her perspective and later her role in Euphoria. She grew up in Miami’s tough neighbourhoods, finding solace in the performing arts.

As a teen, she modelled and joined her school’s drama club, dreaming of acting. Her early life taught her resilience, which she channels into her career and advocacy.

Education

Nika attended Miami Carol City Senior High School, where she served as class president and was active in drama. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre/Theatre.

After moving to Los Angeles, she trained at The Groundlings School, mastering improv and sketch comedy. Her education blended theatre, leadership, and comedy, setting the stage for her versatile career.

Career

Nika began acting in 2002 with the TV movie Miss Miami as the chief of police. She appeared in CSI: Miami (2003) as Delicious and had minor roles in films like 50 First Dates (2004) as a salon patron and Living the Dream (2006) as Candy.

Using her birth name, Shenika Williams, until 2008, she switched to Nika Williams in 2009 and adopted Nika King by 2019. Her comedy career took off with Elite Delta Force 3, an all-Black female sketch group, and stand-up at venues like the Improv Lab, where she hosts Nika King & Friends.

She had guest roles on Hannah Montana (2006), iCarly (2009), Modern Family (2011), 2 Broke Girls (2013), and NCIS: Los Angeles (2016). From 2016 to 2017, she played Pastor Ramona Chapman in Greenleaf.

Nika starred in, wrote, and produced the web series Funny Married Stuff (2016–2018). Her breakout came as Leslie Bennett in Euphoria (2019–2022), playing Rue’s mother alongside Zendaya, drawing on her Family’s struggles with addiction.

She portrayed Josephine Baker in Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History (2019) and Nevine’s mom in 65 (2023). In 2024, she played Donna Martin in Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, which she also executive-produced.

Nika directed the short film For Sale (upcoming). She founded Jeli Life, an online mentorship program for marginalised artists, and Rose of Sharon, a nonprofit focused on mental health in the Black community. Nika’s a proud American whose talent spans comedy, drama, and social impact.

Awards & Nominations

• 2015–2017: Screen Actors Guild Awards, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, Orange Is the New Black (Nominated, part of ensemble)
• 2019: NAACP Image Award, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Euphoria (Nominated)
• 2024: SXSW Film Festival, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, Audience Award (Won, as executive producer)
• 2024: Heartland Film Festival, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, Audience Choice Award (Won, as executive producer)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @iamnikaking
• Facebook: Nika King (official page)
• YouTube channel: Nika King

Personal Life

Nika, 46, is unmarried and has no children. She’s in a relationship, though her partner’s identity isn’t public. As a teen, she dated someone she didn’t know and shared a throwback photo on Instagram.

Her height is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), and she’s known for her curly dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. Based in Los Angeles, she co-owns Blue Tree Cafe, a virtual dining brand, with her mother.

Nika’s advocacy focuses on mental health and marginalised communities through her nonprofit, Rose of Sharon, inspired by her Family’s struggles. She loves comedy, hosting events, and mentoring young artists via Jeli Life. Nika’s a proud American whose Miami grit and warmth define her.

Net Worth

Nika King’s net Worth is estimated at $600,000 to $1 million. Her income comes from acting in Euphoria, Greenleaf, and Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot ($10 million gross), plus producing Funny Married Stuff and Possum Trot.

Her work with Jeli Life, Rose of Sharon, and brand endorsements such as WOLOF WEAR and Tika Faya LLC contribute to her earnings. Her rising career is helping her finances grow.

Filmography:

Film:

• Miss Miami (2002) – Chief of Police (as Shenika Williams)
• 50 First Dates (2004) – Salon Patron (as Shenika Williams)
• Living the Dream (2006) – Candy (as Shenika Williams)
• Universal Remote (2007) – Woman Arguing (as Shenika Williams)
• Nora’s Hair Salon II (2008) – Client #1 (as Shenika Williams)
• B-Girl (2009) – Serena (as Nika Williams)
• Noise Matters (2013) – Tracy (as Nika Williams)
• American Weapon (2014) – Kia (as Nika Williams)
• Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History (2019) – Josephine Baker (TV movie)
• 65 (2023) – Nevine’s Mom
• Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot (2024) – Donna Martin (also executive producer)
• The Rebel Girls (2024) – Ella Mae Brown (short, co-producer)

TV:

• CSI: Miami (2003) – Delicious (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• Wild ‘N Out (2006) – Herself (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• All of Us (2006) – Clarinetta (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• Hannah Montana (2006) – Coach Lewis (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• Nick Cannon Presents: Short Circuitz (2007) – Actress (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• iCarly (2009) – Pretend MMA Fighter #1 (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• Castle (2010) – Angel Santana (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• Glory Daze (2011) – Stewardess Kim (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• Modern Family (2011) – Shopper (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• Partners (2012) – Danni (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• The First Family (2013) – Bailiff Ziggy (1 episode, as Shenika Williams)
• Stevie TV (2013) – Various (2 episodes, as Nika Williams)
• 2 Broke Girls (2013) – Veronica (1 episode, as Nika Williams)
• Wanda Sykes Presents Herlarious (2013) – Various (as Nika Williams)
• NCIS: Los Angeles (2016) – Clementine (1 episode, as Nika Williams)
• Best Friends Whenever (2016) – Detective Zoe Walters (1 episode, as Nika Williams)
• Greenleaf (2016–2017) – Pastor Ramona Chapman (3 episodes, as Nika Williams)
• Funny Married Stuff (2016–2018) – Nika (8 episodes, also producer and writer)
• Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks (2018) – Herself (1 episode)
• Euphoria (2019–2022) – Leslie Bennett (14 episodes)
• Upcoming:
• For Sale (TBA) – Director (short film)