Naturi Naughton is an American singer, actress, songwriter, and stage performer whose career reflects talent, determination, and remarkable reinvention. She first entered the public eye as a teenage member of the R&B group 3LW. After leaving the group, she successfully rebuilt her career through theatre, film, and television rather than allowing an early professional setback to define her future.
Millions of viewers now recognise Naturi Naughton for playing Tasha St. Patrick in the Starz crime drama Power. Her commanding performance transformed her into a respected dramatic actress and earned major industry recognition. From portraying Lil’ Kim in Notorious to appearing in Fame, Queens, and Power Book II: Ghost, Naughton has demonstrated impressive range across music, television, film, and theatre. i Naughton Quick Bio
| Quick Bio Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Naturi Cora Maria Naughton-Lewis |
| Professional name | Naturi Naughton |
| Date of birth | May 20, 1984 |
| Naturi Naughton age | 42 years old as of July 2026 |
| Birthplace | East Orange, New Jersey, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, singer and songwriter |
| Former music group | 3LW |
| Famous television role | Tasha St. Patrick in Power |
| Notable films | Notorious, Fame and Lottery Ticket |
| Naturi Naughton husband | Xavier “Two” Lewis |
| Children | Two |
| Years active | 1999–present |
Naughton was born on May 20, 1984, in East Orange, New Jersey. She began singing at a young age and joined the choir at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark when she was approximately five years old. Her early involvement in church music helped her build the confidence and vocal ability that later supported her professional career. i Naughton’s Early Life and Education
Growing up in New Jersey, Naturi Naughton developed a strong interest in entertainment long before becoming famous. Music was an important part of her childhood, and she studied at the Newark School of the Arts. Her talent was visible from an early age, but natural ability alone did not create her career. Training, discipline, and family support helped prepare her for the competitive entertainment industry.
Naughton also attended Seton Hall University, where she studied political science. Although her professional opportunities eventually took her deeper into acting and music, her educational background shows that she valued learning alongside artistic development. This combination of creativity and discipline later became an important part of her public image. i Naughton and 3LW
Becoming a Teenage Music Star
Naturi Naughton became widely known after joining Adrienne Bailon and Kiely Williams in the R&B girl group 3LW. The group was formed in the late 1990s and achieved mainstream success with songs such as “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right)” and “Playas Gon’ Play.” Its self-titled debut album introduced the young performers to an international audience.
The success of 3LW gave Naughton valuable experience in recording, performing, touring, and dealing with public attention. However, life inside the group was not always positive. Creative disagreements and personal tensions contributed to her departure in 2002, creating one of the most difficult periods of her early career. ing a Negative Experience into Motivation
Leaving a successful group could have ended Naughton’s career, but she refused to disappear from the entertainment industry. The situation was painful, and rebuilding her confidence was not easy. Nevertheless, she treated the setback as an opportunity to discover abilities that extended beyond music.
Positive sentence: Naturi Naughton’s determination allowed her to transform rejection into a powerful new beginning.
Negative sentence: Her departure from 3LW was a difficult experience that temporarily disrupted her confidence and professional direction.
Years later, Naughton and Adrienne Bailon publicly reconciled. Their improved relationship demonstrated personal growth and showed that painful conflicts do not always have to remain unresolved. i Naughton’s Broadway Career
After leaving 3LW, Naughton moved towards professional theatre. She appeared as Little Inez in the Broadway production of Hairspray, allowing audiences to see her as more than a former pop singer. Stage work required her to combine live singing, acting, movement, and emotional expression during every performance.
Her theatrical experience became an important bridge between her music career and later screen success. In June 2026, it was announced that Naughton would return to Broadway after approximately 20 years. She is scheduled to begin playing Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby on July 31, 2026, marking an important full-circle moment in her career. i Naughton Movies and Major Film Roles
Playing Lil’ Kim in Notorious
One of Naturi Naughton’s most important early film performances came in the 2009 biographical drama Notorious. She portrayed rapper Lil’ Kim in a story centred on the life and career of Christopher Wallace, better known as the Notorious B.I.G. The role required Naughton to represent a recognised public figure while bringing emotional depth to the performance.
Playing Lil’ Kim helped establish Naughton as a serious actress. Instead of relying entirely on her singing background, she demonstrated that she could handle dramatic material and portray a complex character. The film opened the door to additional roles and strengthened her position in Hollywood. , Lottery Ticket and Other Projects
Naughton also appeared as Denise Dupree in the 2009 musical film Fame. The role allowed her to use both her vocal and acting skills, making it a natural project during her transition from music to cinema. She later appeared in Lottery Ticket, Step Sisters, Emperor, Really Love, 88, and the action thriller Call Her King.
Her filmography includes musicals, romantic dramas, historical productions, comedies, and thrillers. This variety has helped Naughton avoid being permanently associated with one character type. Rather than repeating the same performance, she has continued to explore roles with different emotional and creative demands. ision Success with Power
Naturi Naughton reached a new level of recognition when she began playing Tasha St. Patrick in Power in 2014. Tasha was the intelligent and strong-willed wife of James “Ghost” St. Patrick, a nightclub owner secretly involved in organised crime. The character experienced betrayal, family conflict, danger, loss, and major personal transformation.
Naughton gave Tasha strength without removing the character’s vulnerability. Her performance became one of the most memorable parts of the series and earned her two NAACP Image Awards for her work on Power. She later returned as Tasha in the spin-off series Power Book II: Ghost. s and Other Television Performances
In the ABC musical drama Queens, Naughton played Jill “Da Thrill,” a former member of a fictional hip-hop group attempting to rebuild its career years after reaching fame. The role was particularly suitable because it combined acting, singing, performance, and themes of musical reinvention.
Naughton starred alongside Brandy, Eve, and Nadine Velazquez. Although the programme lasted one season, it gave her another opportunity to unite her musical roots with her experience as a dramatic actress. Her other television credits include The Playboy Club, The Client List, Mad Men, Queen of the South, and voice work in Doc McStuffins. i Naughton Husband and Family Life
Naturi Naughton is married to talent manager and entrepreneur Xavier “Two” Lewis. The couple met after Naughton’s Power co-star Omari Hardwick introduced them for professional reasons. Their connection eventually became romantic, and they married in Atlanta on April 2, 2022.
Naughton has two children: a daughter named Zuri and a son named Tru Xavier. Her son was born in May 2023 and is her first child with Lewis. Naughton has spoken publicly about balancing motherhood, marriage, personal wellness, and the demands of working in entertainment. Makes Naturi Naughton Inspiring?
Naughton’s career is inspiring because it was not built through one uninterrupted period of success. She experienced rejection at a young age, changed professional directions, and worked to prove herself in several areas of entertainment. Each stage required patience and a willingness to begin again.
Her journey also challenges the idea that performers must remain in one category. Naughton has been a girl-group singer, Broadway performer, film actress, television star, wife, and mother. Her success illustrates how adaptability can protect a career when circumstances change.
Conclusion
Naturi Naughton has created a lasting career by combining talent with resilience. Her journey began in church choirs and teenage R&B music before expanding into Broadway, major films, award-winning television, and family life. Although her departure from 3LW was a painful setback, it did not prevent her from becoming an accomplished actress.
Today, Naughton is best known for her powerful portrayal of Tasha St. Patrick, but her achievements extend far beyond Power. With her scheduled Broadway return in The Great Gatsby, she continues to enter new chapters while honouring the stage experience that helped shape her career. l FAQs About Naturi Naughton
How old is Naturi Naughton?
Naturi Naughton was born on May 20, 1984. She is 42 years old as of July 2026.
What is Naturi Naughton best known for?
Naturi Naughton is best known for playing Tasha St. Patrick in the Starz drama Power. She is also recognised as a former member of 3LW and for portraying Lil’ Kim in Notorious.
Who is Naturi Naughton’s husband?
Naturi Naughton’s husband is Xavier “Two” Lewis, a talent manager and entrepreneur. The couple married in Atlanta in April 2022.
How many children does Naturi Naughton have?
Naturi Naughton has two children. She has a daughter named Zuri and a son named Tru Xavier.
Why did Naturi Naughton leave 3LW?
Naughton’s departure followed serious disagreements and tension within the group. She later explained that the experience was painful, although it eventually encouraged her to pursue theatre and acting.
What movies has Naturi Naughton appeared in?
Notable Naturi Naughton movies include Notorious, Fame, Lottery Ticket, Step Sisters, Emperor, Really Love, 88, and Call Her King.
Did Naturi Naughton win an award for Power?
Naturi Naughton received two NAACP Image Awards for her performance as Tasha St. Patrick in Power. The role became one of the defining achievements of her acting career.
Is Naturi Naughton returning to Broadway?
Yes. Naturi Naughton is scheduled to join the Broadway production of The Great Gatsby as Jordan Baker beginning July 31, 2026. It will mark her return to Broadway approximately 20 years after appearing in Hairspray. naturally included related keywords are Naturi Naughton age, Naturi Naughton husband, Naturi Naughton movies, Naturi Naughton TV shows, Naturi Naughton 3LW, and Naturi Naughton children.
