'Euphoria's Nika King on playing on-screen mom to Zendaya and Storm Reid: 'I would want kids just like them'

Nika King plays the role of Rue (Zendaya) and Gia's (Reid) powerful and determined mother in upcoming HBO series 'Euphoria'
PUBLISHED MAY 12, 2019

Upcoming HBO teen drama series 'Euphoria' revolves around a group of high school students as they navigate through drugs, sex, identity, trauma, social media, love, and friendship. The show, based on an Israeli series of the same name created by Ron Leshem, Daphna Levin, and Tmira Yardeni, stars Zendaya, Storm Reid, Nika King, Maude Apatow, Eric Dane, Angus Cloud, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Barbie Ferriera, Hunter Schafer, and Sydney Sweeney. Nika King plays the role of Leslie, the tough and determined mother of Rue (Zendaya) and Gia (Reid) in the show. 

Nika King (Photo credit: Wes Klain)

In an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), Nika King commented on how it felt playing the role of Zendaya's and Reid's mother on the show. "From a very early age, my motherly instincts were cultivated so it wasn’t difficult playing Leslie. My mother was a single mother of six so I was changing diapers and bathing my siblings when I was just a child myself," said the Miami-born actress. "I love our relationship on the show because we’re all very silly and like to dance. If I were to have kids, I would want kids just like them," she added about her breakout performance in the show. 

The comedian and actor added that her chemistry with Zendaya and Reid was "amazing" and most of her time on set was spent with them, which "made it easier for us to bond". "Most of my scenes are just with Zendaya and Gia, so I didn't see the other cast," she said. King has previously featured on popular television series including 'Hannah Montana', 'Greenleaf', '2 Broke Girls' and 'NCIS: Los Angeles'. She's excited about the role and said that she had been waiting for something like this in her career. "I have a theatre degree from the University of Florida so when I booked this role I was like I’m finally going to be seen as an actress and not just a comedian," she said.

Teasing the upcoming series, King said that "every episode is dynamic," and after she had read the script she was "excited to see where the story would go and I was not disappointed."

'Euphoria' is set to premiere on June 16 on HBO.

If you have an entertainment scoop or a story for us, please reach out to us on (323) 421-7515

RELATED TOPICS NCIS

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The series, a sequel to 'Young Sheldon' has officially been renewed for season 3
15 hours ago
Fortnite released its first teaser ahead of the confirmed and official collaboration with the hit series
16 hours ago
Kayce Dutton’s quiet ending doesn’t last as loss, danger, and unfinished business pull him back into Montana’s darkest corners.
22 hours ago
A fan-favorite makes a surprise return to Grey Sloan, pulling Amelia back into the action as medical tensions rise fast.
1 day ago
Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Don Heck, the eight-episode series is scheduled to premiere on Tuesday, January 27.
1 day ago
'Finding Her Edge' Season 1 ends on a cliffhanger, with fans awaiting a second season, and here's everything we know about it.
1 day ago
Hunter Doohan teases an earlier production start for ‘Wednesday’ Season 3, hinting the Netflix hit could return sooner than expected
1 day ago
Based on the 1989 show, 'Matlock' follows the sharp and seasoned lawyer Madeline Matlock, who joins a law firm with a secret motive
2 days ago
Following the midseason finale cliffhanger, 'Tracker' Season 3 is all set to make a comeback on March 1
2 days ago
At the time of writing, there is no official confirmation on 'Steal' Season 2 from Prime Video
2 days ago