<P> Long 's acting coach was Betty Bridges , better known as the mother of Diff'rent Strokes star Todd Bridges . Her earliest role was in the Disney television movie , The B.R.A.T. Patrol alongside Sean Astin , Tim Thomerson and Brian Keith . Her first notable role on television was a three - year contract role as Kathryn `` Kat '' Speakes on the soap opera Guiding Light . Long portrayed Kat from 1991 to 1994 . Long played Brandi in Boyz n the Hood . The film excited Long , who was doing her `` first real movie role '' . It helped Long build her confidence as an actress . `` It introduced me to the world in a way that it was okay for me to be who I am and still find success , '' she added . `` I did n't have to conform to anything . '' From 1994 -- 1995 , she played Will Smith 's girlfriend and fiancée Beulah `` Lisa '' Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel - Air . Jada Pinkett Smith was originally supposed to play Lisa , but was too short for the role ( opposite a 6'2 '' Will Smith ) , thus leaving Nia to take the part . </P>
<P> Long 's acting coach was Betty Bridges , better known as the mother of Diff'rent Strokes star Todd Bridges . Her earliest role was in the Disney television movie , The B.R.A.T. Patrol alongside Sean Astin , Tim Thomerson and Brian Keith . Her first notable role on television was a three - year contract role as Kathryn `` Kat '' Speakes on the soap opera Guiding Light . Long portrayed Kat from 1991 to 1994 . Long played Brandi in Boyz n the Hood . The film excited Long , who was doing her `` first real movie role '' . It helped Long build her confidence as an actress . `` It introduced me to the world in a way that it was okay for me to be who I am and still find success , '' she added . `` I did n't have to conform to anything . '' From 1994 -- 1995 , she played Will Smith 's girlfriend and fiancée Beulah `` Lisa '' Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel - Air . Jada Pinkett Smith was originally supposed to play Lisa , but was too short for the role ( opposite a 6'2 '' Will Smith ) , thus leaving Nia to take the part . </P>
who plays lisa on fresh prince of bel air
who plays lisa on fresh prince of bel air
Long
Long