Nia Thompson has landed a part as the new Young Nala in the legendary production of The Lion King. The 12-year-old’s enthusiasm for the theater was sparked during a watershed moment in her youth.
In an interview with Because Of Them We Can, Nia’s mother, Gessie Thompson, stated, “I took Nia to see KeKe Palmer’s historic performance as the first Black Disney princess on Broadway in Cinderella.” She turned to me as the curtains closed and exclaimed, ‘I’m supposed to be on stage.'”
Nia began her acting career in her new school’s pre-kindergarten auditorium, motivated by a deep desire to succeed. Nia, a six-year-old, expressed a desire to participate in her first project by the age of seven or eight, prompting her supportive mother to seek an agent.
The young actress’s love for The Lion King began on her eighth birthday, when she visited the Minskoff Theater for the first time. This encounter was largely the result of a backstage tour guided by the late Sharron Lynn Williams, a seven-year ensemble member who made it into a memorable occasion.
When asked what she wanted to do when she grew up, Thompson replied, “I want to be in The Lion King!” She was inspired by Sharron’s comments and imagined herself on stage.
Nia made her Broadway debut as Young Nala four years later, approaching her twelfth birthday. Nia plays a significant role, yet her mother claims she still behaves like a typical adolescent girl.
Nonetheless, the 12-year-old is committed to her profession, arriving on time for appointments, diligently studying her art at home, and actively contributing in her own personal development.
According to Gessie, Nia understands the value of representation and has accepted her role with grace, grit, and gratitude, noting, “She is very intentional about being a role model that inspires others in marginalized communities that they, too, belong on Broadway—or wherever their dreams take them.”
She recently organized a backstage tour for Jordan, a five-year-old from Chicago. As a means of repaying Sharron for her time, she encouraged Jordan to imagine herself performing live. Gessie added that they took a lot of images as Nia told the other girl about the show.
Nia joins a long list of exceptional women who have played Young Nala, including Kajuana S. Marie, who first appeared on Broadway in The Lion King’s 1997 staging.
She sent her best wishes for Nia, stating, “I’ve seen several young wonderful ladies play Young Nala on Broadway, and each and every one of them crushes it, bringing their own distinct touch. I’m confident that this will be different. I wish Nia the best!”
Nia is most famous for her breakout performance in the Disney animated short series and soundtrack “Rise Up, Sing Out,” which was nominated for both the NAACP Image Award and the Young Entertainer Award.
She has also acted in movies like “The Equalizer,” “Godfather of Harlem,” “Washington Black,” and the animated comedy “Ada Twist Scientist,” which earned an Emmy for the Obamas.
Disney Junior Hits playlists on Apple Music, Spotify, and other platforms feature her popular songs from “Super Bonnet” and “Speak Up”.
In addition to being the CEO of Authentic Nia Inc., the trailblazer also announced her podcast, “Authentic Voices,” a collaboration with The Conscious Kid. The show will focus on supporting authentic and fearless living.