O'Shea Jackson Jr.
He stepped into the daunting role of playing his own father in his first film, capturing the raw energy of N.W.A's origin story.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American actor, rapper and songwriter·Birthday: February 24·Millennials
Biography
O'Shea Jackson Jr. entered the public eye not just as the son of rap titan Ice Cube, but as an artist determined to forge his own path. His debut was a high-wire act: portraying his father in the explosive biopic 'Straight Outta Compton.' The pressure was immense, but Jackson delivered a performance that was both a meticulous impersonation and a heartfelt tribute, earning critical praise and proving his serious acting chops. Since then, he has deliberately chosen eclectic roles, from a sardonic tech nerd in 'Ingrid Goes West' to a charming love interest in romantic comedies, showcasing a range far beyond his initial hip-hop persona. He also records music under the moniker OMG, blending rap with melodic flows, continuing the family business on his own terms while building a distinct, multifaceted career in entertainment.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
O'Shea was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When O'Shea Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
O'Shea's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made his feature film debut portraying his father, Ice Cube, in the critically acclaimed 2015 biopic 'Straight Outta Compton'.
- Earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in 'Straight Outta Compton'.
- Starred opposite Aubrey Plaza in the dark comedy 'Ingrid Goes West,' which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
- Released music as a rapper and songwriter under the stage name OMG.
Did You Know?
He is the oldest child of Ice Cube and Kim Woodruff.
He graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in screenwriting.
He turned down a role in 'Fate of the Furious' to film 'Ingrid Goes West.'
His younger brother, Darrell Jackson, is also a rapper known as Doughboy.
“I had to earn my stripes. I couldn't just be Ice Cube's son on that set.”
