Omar Gooding isn’t just “Cuba Gooding Jr.’s younger brother,” though that’s how many people first heard his name. This Los Angeles native has spent over three decades showing he’s a force to be reckoned with in his own right.
Omar grew up in a household where entertainment was the family business. His father, Cuba Gooding Sr., fronted The Main Ingredient, the legendary R&B group behind hits like “Everybody Plays the Fool.” Music filled their home, creativity was the norm, and the spotlight didn’t seem scary; it felt like home.
But Omar didn’t coast on family connections. After graduating from North Hollywood High School in 1994, he hit the ground running, determined to earn every opportunity through his own hustle and talent.
Omar Gooding Biography and Career
Born October 19, 1976, Omar has worn more hats than most people try on in a lifetime: actor, comedian, rapper, producer, and all-around entertainment dynamo.
Omar’s entry into showbiz came earlier than most kids get their first job. At just 12 years old in 1988, he landed a role on “Webster,” and suddenly the audition circuit became his after-school activity.
But the real game-changer? Becoming one of the original hosts of Nickelodeon’s “Wild & Crazy Kids” from 1990 to 1992. He was barely in high school but was essentially getting paid to run around, get messy, and live every kid’s dream while millions watched.
The early ’90s saw Omar bouncing between shows like “Just the Ten of Us,” “Thea,” “Empty Nest,” and “The Royal Family.” He wasn’t landing top roles yet, but he was learning the craft, building relationships, and figuring out what kind of performer he wanted to become. His recurring spot on “Blossom” from 1991 to 1992 gave him more visibility, but the role that would change everything was just around the corner.
In 1992, Omar scored the part of Earvin Rodman on ABC’s “Hangin’ with Mr Cooper.” For five glorious seasons until 1997, he became a staple in living rooms across America. His chemistry with Mark Curry and Holly Robinson Peete was undeniable, and his comedic timing? Perfect.
Fresh off “Hangin’ with Mr Cooper,” he went straight into “Smart Guy” (1997-1999), playing Morris L. Tibbs alongside a young Tahj Mowry. Two back-to-back successful sitcoms before turning 23? Yeah, most actors would kill for that kind of momentum.
Instead of chasing the next big sitcom paycheck, he started mixing things up. In the early 2000s, he was popping up everywhere: “Static Shock,” “Touched by an Angel,” “The Division,” “One on One.”
In 2003, he joined ESPN’s “Playmakers,” a gritty drama about professional football that was too real for the NFL’s comfort—playing D.H., a running back dealing with the brutal realities of the sport.
Then came “Deadwood.” HBO’s Western masterpiece wasn’t looking for laughs; it was looking for actors who could disappear into complex, morally ambiguous characters. Omar’s portrayal of Odell in the show’s third season (2004-2006) remains one of his most critically praised performances. Watching him hold his own alongside Ian McShane and Timothy Olyphant? That’s when people stopped seeing Cuba’s little brother and started seeing Omar Gooding, a serious actor.
The “Barbershop” television series in 2005 brought things full circle. Taking over the role of Calvin Palmer Jr., initially played by Ice Cube in the film, wasn’t easy.
But Omar made the character his own, bringing warmth and authenticity to a role that could’ve felt like a pale imitation. Coincidentally, he’d also been playing a barber on UPN’s “One on One,” proving he could juggle multiple projects without breaking a sweat.
From 2012 to 2020, Omar became the heart of Bounce TV’s “Family Time,” playing the family patriarch for eight seasons. That kind of longevity speaks volumes about his appeal and work ethic. More recently, his 2023 appearance as Cal Johnson in Disney Channel’s “Saturdays” showed he’s still got it, remains relevant, and continues to bring the good stuff to screens.
His early work in “Ghost Dad” (1990) alongside Bill Cosby gave him big-screen experience, but it was 2001’s “Baby Boy” that made people sit up and take notice. Director John Singleton cast him as Sweetpea, and Omar delivered, sharing scenes with Tyrese Gibson and Snoop Dogg.
The 2000s and 2010s saw Omar becoming a workhorse in independent cinema. Films like “The Gospel” (2005), “The Candy Shop” (2008), “Percentage” (2014, where he played the lead), and a slew of television movies kept him busy and visible. Sure, not every project was a blockbuster, but Omar was consistent, working on beats and waiting for the perfect role every time.
Big O
Now let’s talk about Omar’s alter ego. As “Big O,” he’s been pursuing hip-hop with the same dedication he brings to acting. This isn’t some celebrity vanity project where a famous person decides to rap just because they can.
Omar’s been connected to hip-hop culture his whole life. He’s collaborated with Snoop Dogg, appeared on C-Bo’s track “No Warning” from the album “Orca,” and in 2019 dropped his full-length album “The Excuse.”
He returned to the mic with his new 14-track studio album “Overstand Me” on October 17, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Personal Life
Omar’s love life has had its share of public chapters. His relationship with actress Angell Conwell lasted from 2001 to 2006. He was also linked romantically to actress and TV personality Claudia Jordan, though they kept things private enough that neither confirmed the relationship publicly.
These days, Omar’s found his happily ever after with his wife, Mia Vogel. Together they’re raising two sons, born in 2017 and 2019.
Omar also has an older son named Bradley from a previous relationship, making him a father of three. By all accounts, he’s embraced fatherhood with the same enthusiasm he brings to his creative work.
Net Worth
Let’s talk money. After more than 30 years grinding in entertainment, Omar Gooding has built a net worth estimated at around $1 million.
Now, before you think that sounds low for someone who’s been working since the late ’80s, consider that Omar’s wealth isn’t just about the biggest paychecks. It’s about consistency and wise choices that add up over time. Those long-running television roles, especially “Hangin’ with Mr Cooper” and “Family Time,” provided steady paychecks for years.
Film work, both mainstream and independent, added to the pot. Voice acting gigs, music releases under the Big O name, and production ventures —it all counts. In September 2017, Omar and Mia invested in real estate, purchasing a home in Los Angeles for $948,000. Today, that property is estimated to be worth around $1.5 million.
The reality of Hollywood is that you don’t need blockbuster money to live well if you’re smart about it. Omar played the long game, and it’s paid off in ways that matter: a comfortable home, a family he can provide for, and the freedom to choose projects based on passion rather than desperation.
