She studied under acting coach / actress Betty A. Bridges, mother of actor Todd Bridges. Betty A. Bridges was her acting coach for ten years before and during her first good role on the TV series "227" (1985).
Sister of actress Reina King.
Her husband, Ian, served as vice-president of Qwest Records.
Opened an L.A. restaurant called Paio.
Graduated from Westchester High School in Los Angeles in 1988.
Was a bridesmaid in the wedding of actress Vivica A. Fox.
Had child Ian Alexander Jr with husband January 19, 1996.
Dated Curtis Baldwin.
Is an alumnus of Westchester High School (class of 1988), as are actress Nia Long (class of 1989), singer Karyn White (class of 1984), film director Tim Story (class of 1988), former NFL player Kevin Johnson (class of 1988), jazz pianist Eric Reed (class of 1988), late actress Anissa Jones (class of 1976) and the late comedian/actor Phil Hartman (class of 1966). In addition, well known civil rights attorney and radio talk show host Leo Terrell was an English teacher at the school.
Both she and her sister Reina King's first names are translations of the word "Queen"; Regina's is Latin and Reina King's is Spanish.
Regina King was born on January 15, 1971 in Los Angeles. "Regina" is from the Latin word meaning "queen" while her surname has its own obvious regal significance. So, her aristocratic airs should come as no surprise. This classy lady got her start in show-biz after studying acting with Betty Bridges, mom of Todd Bridges of "Different Strokes" fame.
After 10 years of classes, Regina landed a recurring role as "Brenda" on the TV-sitcom "227". Next, she appeared in blaxploits like Boyz N the Hood, Poetic Justice, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Friday.
She found a break-out role as Cuba Gooding Jr.?s wife in Jerry Maguire. Since then, she has often been cast as the romantic lead, whether as Will Smith?s spouse in Enemy of the State, as Eddie Murphy?s in Daddy Day Care, or as the object of Chris Rock?s affection in Down to Earth.
In Ray, Regina finally gets to play the "other woman", holding her own opposite Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles? feisty back-up singer/scorned mistress Margie Hendricks. The film called on Ms. King to exhibit the full range of her talents, a challenge she more than met in a most impressive outing.
