Nicole Ari Parker Biography

Nicole Ari Parker is an American film, TV, and stage actor, known for her performance as the spirited attorney ‘Teri Joseph’ in the ‘Showtime’ series ‘Soul Food.’ Following her marriage, she is also known as Nikki Kodjoe. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, she showed an inclination toward acting since childhood and received a “Best Actress” award in a Maryland high-school competition. After working in theater and ‘The Washington Ballet Company,’ she earned a degree in acting from ‘New York University.’ Her first major role (in ‘The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love’) fetched her immense admiration. This was followed by movies such as ‘Boogie Nights,’ ‘Spark,’ and ‘Blue Streak.’ Her performance in the TV series ‘Soul Food’ was immensely appreciated. She also appeared in TV series such as ‘Second Time Around’ and ‘Empire.’ Earlier in her career, she appeared in a number of stage productions. Parker, who takes active interest in politics, is married to actor-model Boris Kodjoe. They have two children.