Omar Gooding
A versatile actor who transitioned from a teen star on 'Hang Time' to a steady presence in film and television, often playing grounded, relatable roles.
Born 1976 (age 50)·American actor·Birthday: October 19·Generation X
Biography
Omar Gooding stepped into the entertainment industry with the advantage of a famous family but has consistently built his own path. He first gained attention as a teenager on the NBC sports drama 'Hang Time,' showcasing an easy charisma. Rather than chasing leading-man status, he developed into a reliable character actor, moving seamlessly between comedy and drama. He voiced the lead in the children's series 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and later found a niche in gritty urban dramas and crime series, with a notable multi-season role on 'Barbershop.' His career reflects a steady, working actor's journey, choosing projects that range from family films to intense independents, all while maintaining a low-key profile distinct from his brother Cuba's megastardom.
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 1976, 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 1976
#1 Movie
Rocky
Best Picture
Rocky
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Omar's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1976Born
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1981Started school
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1989Became a teenager
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Could drive
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1994Could vote
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
1997Turned 21
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2006Turned 30
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2016Turned 40
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 50
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- He starred as 'Danny' for six seasons on the NBC teen series 'Hang Time.'
- He provided the voice for the title character in the animated series 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' on HBO.
- He played the role of Yvette's boyfriend, James, in the Showtime series 'Barbershop: The Series.'
- He appeared in several films by director Craig Ross Jr., including 'The Mannsfield 12' and 'King of the Underground.'
Did You Know?
He is the younger brother of actor Cuba Gooding Jr. and the son of singer Cuba Gooding Sr., former lead singer of The Main Ingredient.
He was a contestant on the second season of the reality competition series 'Celebrity Fit Club.'
He has also worked as a television host, including for the game show 'Wintuition' on BET.
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