'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

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Mystery Inc. gang set to come back on Netflix, with production kicking off in Atlanta.
1 day ago
'Star Wars: The Acolyte' failed to find viewers when it first dropped, but for unexpected reasons, it is getting a new life now.
1 day ago
Jamie Ding participated in his 34th continuous game in Friday's episode of 'Jeopardy!'
1 day ago
A sudden shake-up hits ‘The White Lotus’ Season 4 just as filming begins, triggering a major rewrite and casting change behind the scenes.
1 day ago
'Dutton Ranch', latest 'Yellowstone' spinoff, has reportedly fired its showrunner ahead of its May 15 debut after tensions with cast
1 day ago
'The Night Agent' Season 4 will arrive with fresh faces, new secrets, and dynamics, as Netflix announced four new cast members.
1 day ago
‘Dutton Ranch’ expands Yellowstone universe with country artist Morgan Wade in key recurring role
1 day ago
‘Helluva Boss’ returns with a bigger plan, as Season 3 splits into two parts and promises a longer, expanded story for fans to follow.
1 day ago
'Chicago Fire' set to part ways with its showrunner, who has been a vital part of the show since season 1.
1 day ago
The previous seasons of 'Fargo' have had long waiting periods between seasons, with Season 5 premiering three years after the Season 4 finale.
1 day ago