Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • 2025 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Celebrity

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles

Just think: It was 20 years ago that we were introduced to the cinematic masterpiece that is Friday. In celebration of the film's 20th anniversary, the producers have chosen to theatrically re-release the film today—4/20 (ahem)—in all of its original glory. We, however, are celebrating by taking a look back at Friday star Regina King's fiercest roles. 
By Taylor Lewis · Updated October 27, 2020
01
227

A pint-sized Regina burst onto the scene and into our hearts in 1985 as Brenda Jenkins, the lovable, studious teenage daughter in the NBC sitcom, “227.”

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
02
Boyz in the Hood

A star is born. King’s role as Shalika in 1991’s revolutionary Boyz n the Hood launched her career.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
03
Poetic Justice

Starring alongside Janet Jackson and Tupac, King held her own as Iesha in Poetic Justice (1993).

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
04
Higher Learning

In 1995’s  Higher Learning, King played a Black roommate who was trying to navigate the college campus’s rampant racism.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
05
Friday

Brother and sister duo Dana (King) and Craig (Ice Cube) had us rollin’ in 1995’s hit movie, Friday. 

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
06
A Thin Line Between Love and Hate

We can’t forget the chemistry between King and Martin Lawrence in A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996). The two played childhood sweethearts.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
07
Jerry Maguire

Nope, Regina wasn’t going to let Tom Cruise lowball her football playing hubbby in 1996’s Jerry Maguire.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
08
How Stella Got Her Groove Back

We could argue that the Regina was a voice of reason in 1998’s How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Advising her sister (Angela Bassett) to go for it with Taye Diggs was the only reasonable thing to do, right?

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
09
Enemy of the State

In this 1998 thriller, Will Smith goes on a lengthy mission to seek justice and reconcile with Regina, his better half, all the while seeking justice in the death of a congressman.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
10
Down to Earth

Regina King was a special lady in this 2001 flick: A twice-reincarnated Chris Rock was determined to win her over, no matter how many deaths it took.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
11
Truth Be Told

Things aren’t always what they seem in this 2002 blockbuster. After being attacked by the mob, Rayne (King) bands together with cops—some crooked—seeking justice.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
12
Daddy Day Care

Regina was a proud workin’ mama in Daddy Day Care (2003), where she boldly trusted her hubby (Eddie Murphy) to run a full-time day care out of their home.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
13
Ray

Back-up singer turned mistress turned drug addict and starring alongside Jamie Foxx, Regina stole the spotlight in Ray.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
14
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous

Regina portrayed a straight-laced FBI agent in this 2005 sequel, but we would have to say that our favorite scene was when she donned a wig and sparkly dress a la Tina Turner for drag karoake.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
15
This Christmas

Yasss. We were all applauding in 2007 after Regina King (finally) realized her self-worth and found the strength to leave her cheating man in this holiday film.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
16
Our Family Wedding

Nothing kills the joy surrounding a wedding like two bickering families. Luckily, Regina was able to balance out her hot-headed bestie—Forest Whittaker—in this 2010 romcom.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
17
Southland

We were all sad to see TNT’s “Southland” go in 2013, but for the four seasons that it was on TV, Regina killed it as LAPD Officer Lydia Adams.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles
18
The Boondocks

From films to television and now to voice acting, Regina has lent her voice to the animated Riley and Huey Freeman since 2005. We can’t wait to see what’s in store next for our favorite renaissance actress.

18 of Regina King's Fiercest Roles