Birthday: January 2, 1968
Birthplace: New York, New York
He's the Oscar-winning star who popularized the phrase "show me the money" and now he's back on the big screen with Daddy Day Camp! We've got the 411 on the life and times of Cuba Gooding Jr.
Cuba Gooding Jr. - The Early Years
Cuba Gooding Jr. was born in the Bronx in New York City to Cuba Gooding Sr. (the lead singer of a soul group called The Main Ingredient) and his wife Shirley, who was also a singer. The family moved to Los Angeles and Cuba's parents split soon afterward. Cuba and his siblings were raised by their mother. Cuba was a great student and managed to thrive in high school, despite changing schools four times. In fact, Cuba managed to be elected school president in three of the four high schools he attended!
Cuba Gooding Jr. - Boy in the Hood
Cuba studied martial arts before getting his Hollywood start in a Bugle Boy clothing commercial. He landed small roles in various TV shows like Hill Street Blues and MacGyver. He got his big break in the box-office hit Boyz n the Hood, and went on to land roles in major films such as Outbreak and A Few Good Men.
Cuba Gooding Jr. - Show Me the Funny
Cuba was beginning to make a name for himself in dramatic roles when he landed the role of Rod Tidwell, an arrogant but loveable football player, in the hit film Jerry McGuire (with Tom Cruise). His character's catchphrase, "Show me the money!" caught on around the world, and Cuba was launched to stardom. The role won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Since then, Cuba has featured in tons of big budget films including As Good As it Gets, Pearl Harbor, Radio, Home on the Range, Norbit and - most recently - Daddy Day Camp!
Cuba Good Jr. - Did U Know?
- Cuba was once suggested by (former Bond) Roger Moore to replace Pierce Brosnan as James Bond.
- Cuba was once a backup dancer for Paula Abdul.
- Cuba and his family lived in various hotels in LA after his parents split.
- Cuba met his wife in high school. They have been married since 1994 and have three children together.
Cuba Gooding Jr. Says...
"When I'm not shooting films, I just stay at home. There's so much activity in my life that I just enjoy the quiet time."
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