Omar Benson Miller
A charismatic actor with a commanding physical presence, equally adept at bringing heart to crime procedurals and humor to HBO comedies.
Born 1978 (age 48)·American actor·Birthday: October 7·Generation X
Biography
Omar Benson Miller built his career on a potent combination of size, warmth, and sharp comic timing. Standing well over six feet tall, he possesses an immediate screen presence, but he consistently uses it to project approachability rather than intimidation. He gained widespread recognition as level-headed CSIs Walter Simmons on 'CSI: Miami,' playing the role with a grounded, scientific curiosity. Miller then showcased his versatility by shifting gears entirely for HBO's 'Ballers,' where as former NFL player Charles Greane, he delivered both the physical comedy and emotional depth of a man navigating life after professional sports. His voice work as the wise-cracking Raphael in 'Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' and roles in films like '8 Mile' and 'The Miracle at St. Anna' demonstrate a range that transcends any single genre, making him a reliably engaging and multifaceted performer.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Omar was born in 1978, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Omar Was Born
The biggest hits of 1978
#1 Movie
Grease
Best Picture
The Deer Hunter
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Omar's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1978Born
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1983Started school
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1991Became a teenager
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
1994Could drive
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1996Could vote
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Turned 21
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2008Turned 30
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2018Turned 40
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 48 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a series regular role as forensic analyst Walter Simmons on 'CSI: Miami' for four seasons.
- Starred as retired NFL player Charles Greane on all five seasons of the HBO comedy series 'Ballers.'
- Provided the voice for the character Raphael in the animated series 'Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.'
- Appeared in Michael Mann's film adaptation of 'Miami Vice' and Spike Lee's World War II drama 'Miracle at St. Anna.'
Did You Know?
He played college basketball at San Jose State University.
He made his film debut in the 2002 drama '8 Mile,' starring Eminem.
He is an avid fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has expressed interest in playing a superhero role.
“I want to play roles that show the full spectrum of who we are.”
