Nika King

Shenika Williams, known professionally as Nika King, is an American actress and comedian. She is best known for her role as Leslie Bennett on the HBO television series Euphoria (2019–2026). After starting her acting career in 2002, King moved to Los Angeles and became a stand-up comedian.

Early life King has five siblings. She grew up in Miami and, when King was a child, her parents and uncle were addicted to drugs. She attended Miami Carol City Senior High School, where she was president of her class, and graduated from University of Florida with a degree in theater. King briefly lived in New York City to become an actor, but soon moved back to Miami due to feeling overwhelmed. She then worked as a drama and dance teacher and a basketball coach at Miami Carol City Senior High School for two years. Although she initially planned to quit after her first year, she decided to stay for another year after the September 11 attacks.

Career While in Miami, King made her first acting appearance in the television movie Miss Miami in 2002, where she played the chief of police. After quitting her job as a teacher, King moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time and enrolled at The Groundlings School. She performed with Elite Delta Force 3, an all-Black female sketch comedy group, before transitioning into stand-up comedy. She also made guest appearances on various television series, including 2 Broke Girls, Hannah Montana, Best Friends Whenever, and NCIS: Los Angeles. Sam Levinson, the show's creator, envisioned Leslie as a representation of his own mother. King originally joined the cast of the series in a supporting role, but was soon given a leading role. For her role on the show, she drew on experiences her mother had when she was addicted to drugs and worked with a private acting coach. She signed a contract with Paradigm Talent Agency for representation in 2020, and signed a contract with Wonder Street for management in 2022. She directed the upcoming short film For Sale.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, King launched the startup Jeli Life, an online mentorship program for marginalized communities in the entertainment industry. She also founded the 501(c)(3) organization Rose of Sharon, which focuses on improving mental health in the Black community.

Personal life King's mother is a three-time cancer survivor.

Filmography Denotes projects that have not yet been released

Film Year Title Role Notes 2002 Miss Miami Chief of Police 2004 50 First Dates Salon Patron 2006 Living the Dream Candy 2007 Universal Remote Woman arguing 2008 Nora's Hair Salon II Client #1 2009 B-Girl Serena 2013 Noise Matters Tracy 2014 American Weapon Kia 2023 65 Nevine's mom 2024 Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot Donna Martin

Television Year Title Role Notes 2003 CSI: Miami Delicious Episode: "Body Count" 2006 Wild 'N Out Herself Episode: "Wayne Brady" 2006 All of Us Clarinetta Episode: "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roberto" 2006 Hannah Montana Coach Lewis Episode: "Mascot Love" 2007 Nick Cannon Presents: Short Circuitz Actress Episode: "Episode #1.3" 2009 iCarly Pretend MMA Fighter #1 Episode: "iFight Shelby Marx" 2010 Castle Angel Santana Episode: "The Late Shaft" 2011 Glory Daze Stewardess Kim Episode: "Some Like It Hot Tub" 2011 Modern Family Shopper Episode: "Go Bullfrogs!" 2012 Partners Danni Episode: "Pilot" 2013 The First Family Bailiff Ziggy Episode: "The First Trial" 2013 Stevie TV Various 2 episodes 2013 2 Broke Girls Veronica Episode: "And the Cronuts" 2016 NCIS: Los Angeles Clementine Episode: "Granger, O." 2016 Best Friends Whenever Detective Zoe Walters Episode: "Working Nine to Fudge" 2016–2017 Greenleaf Pastor Ramona Chapman 3 episodes 2018 Laff Mob's Laff Tracks 2018 Episode: "First Class" 2016–2018 Funny Married Stuff Nika Main cast, web series, also producer and writer 2019 Kevin Hart's Guide to Black History Josephine Baker TV movie 2019–2026 Euphoria Leslie Bennett Main cast (seasons 1–2), guest star (season 3); 15 episodes