Omar Gooding is an American actor, comedian, producer, writer, and rapper who is a brother to the Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr.
Omar is the son of Cuba Gooding Sr., the former lead singer for The Main Ingredient, and Shirley Gooding. He has three siblings: Cuba Gooding Jr., Tommy Gooding, and April Gooding.
Popularly known by his stage name, Big O, Omar started his career in the late 90s when he starred in several TV shows, including Empty Nest.
Omar Gooding is best known for his appearances in hit television shows such as “Deadwood,” “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.,” and “Family Time.” He has also appeared in movies like “Baby Boy” alongside Snoop Dogg and Tyrese Gibson.
In addition to his acting career, Omar Gooding is also a rapper and comedian. He replaced Ice Cube as Calvin Palmer, Jr. in the TV series “Barbershop: The Series.”
Net Worth
Omar Gooding has built up his wealth through varied entertainment roles. Reports estimate his net worth is around $1 million. As it stands, acting has likely provided a good chunk of his earnings over time.
He’s landed many roles in popular movies like “Baby Boy” and TV shows like “Family Time.” Even when not acting, Omar earns good money by making music under the name Big O.
Details about how Omar spends his money remain unknown. But things like supporting his family, investments, or expensive purchases count.
Still, his long career and willingness to take on diverse entertainment jobs have surely led to his financial stability.
While we don’t know specifics, it’s clear Omar Gooding has found steady success balancing acting, music, and business ventures. Even with some up and down periods, his net worth reflects years of dedication across the entertainment industry.
Career
Omar Gooding first drew attention in funny roles like the 2001 film “Baby Boy” and the 90s sitcom “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper.” His natural comedic timing and ability to play relatable characters made him stand out.
While starting out in comedy, Omar later took on more dramatic roles. He played complex characters in the gritty Western series “Deadwood” and explored darker themes in movies like “The Experiment.” Even in voice acting and historical dramas, Omar displayed impressive depth.
Beyond acting, Omar Gooding pursues music as rapper “Big O” – releasing albums and collaborating with artists like Snoop Dogg. His lyrics give insights into his personal journey.
Equally important, Omar advocates for social justice causes close to his heart. He promotes mental health awareness and ending violence. By speaking out on major issues, he aims to drive positive change through his celebrity platform.
With all his artistic passions, Omar Gooding remains dedicated to growth. From comedy to complex characters, music to producing inclusive stories, his willingness to take risks makes him a versatile creative force.
Omar Gooding Profile Summary
| Full Name | Omar Miles Gooding Sr. |
| Stage Name | Big O |
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1976 |
| Age | 48 years old |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Family | Spouse: Janay Gooding (m. 2005); Son: Bradley Gooding; Siblings: Cuba Gooding Jr., Tommy Gooding, April Gooding |
| Education | Not publicly available |
| Career | Actor (film, television, voice acting) Musician (hip-hop artist) Producer (Gooding Entertainment) |
| Notable Films | Baby Boy (2001), The Perfect Score (2001), Red Hook (2014), The Experiment (2010), Scream VI (2023) |
| Notable Television Shows | Smart Guy (1997-1999), Family Time (2002-2003), Deadwood (2004-2006), American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016) |
| Music | Solo album, collaborations with Snoop Dogg |
| Net Worth | $2 million and $5 million |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram and Facebook |
Filmography
Omar Gooding’s acting career spans over two decades, encompassing a wide range of roles across film and television.
Here’s a glimpse into his diverse filmography:
Films
- Leading Roles
- Baby Boy (2001)
- The Perfect Score (2001)
- Red Hook (2014)
- The Experiment (2010)
- Supporting Roles
- Ghost Dad (1990)
- Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper (1992-1997)
- Barbershop (2002)
- American Pie Presents: Beta House (2007)
- Think Like a Man Too (2014)
- Notable Guest Appearances
- Scream VI (2023)
- Roots (2016)
- The Big Lebowski (1998)
- Jarhead (2005)
- The Boondocks Saints II: All Saints Day (2009)
Television Shows
- Main Roles
- Smart Guy (1997-1999)
- Family Time (2002-2003)
- Playmakers (2003)
- American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016)
- Recurring Roles
- Deadwood (2004-2006)
- House M.D. (2009-2010)
- Hawaii Five-0 (2014-2015)
- Breeder X (2014)
- Power (2017)
- Notable Guest Appearances
- Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. (2018)
- The Masked Singer (2020)
- The Equalizer (2022)
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2023)
Voice Acting
- Hairspray (2007) – Slickback (voice)
- The Proud Family: Loud and Proud (2022) – Dijonay Jones (voice)
Awards
While Omar Gooding has had a successful and diverse career, his list of awards primarily focuses on his earlier work, particularly in television.
Here’s a breakdown:
Young Artist Awards
- 1992: Winner – Best Young Actor Recurring in a Television Series (Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper)
- 1993: Nomination – Best Young Actor Recurring in a Television Series (Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper)
- 1993: Nomination – Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture (Ghost Dad)
- 1994: Nomination – Best Youth Actor Recurring or Regular in a TV Series (Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper)
Other Awards and Nominations
- 2003: Nomination – Black Reel Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Series (Playmakers)
- 2006: Nomination – Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (Barbershop)
Omar Gooding is an Actor, musician, and entrepreneur. Charmed audiences with comedic roles in “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” and “Barbershop,” later delving into dramatic depths in “Deadwood” and “Unsolved.”
Beyond acting, he rocks the mic as rapper Big O, bringing diverse stories to life. A multi-talented force, Omar Gooding continues to inspire and entertain.