What Is Omar Gooding Jr.’s Net Worth?
Omar Gooding Jr., an American actor, rapper, and comedian, has cultivated a diverse career spanning television, film, and music. His estimated net worth is $1 million. This figure reflects his earnings from acting roles, music releases, and other ventures accumulated over several decades in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 19, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, Omar Gooding Jr. was immersed in the entertainment world from a young age. He grew up alongside his older brother, Cuba Gooding Jr., who later achieved Oscar-winning success. His father, Cuba Gooding Sr., was the lead singer of the soul group The Main Ingredient, known for their hit song “Everybody Plays the Fool.” Omar attended North Hollywood High School, graduating in 1994. While specific details about his early income are not publicly available, his initial forays into acting during the late 1980s and early 1990s provided foundational income as he began his professional journey.
Gooding Jr.’s acting career commenced in 1988 with a role in an episode of “Webster.” His early television appearances also included “Just the Ten of Us” and “Empty Nest.” These roles, although minor, provided invaluable experience and exposure, setting the stage for more prominent opportunities. The financial compensation for these early roles would have varied, likely adhering to standard rates for guest appearances on television shows at the time, which would have been a modest income for a young actor just starting.
One of his early significant roles was as one of the original hosts of the Nickelodeon show “Wild & Crazy Kids” from 1990 to 1992. While specific salary details from this period are not publicly accessible, hosting a children’s television show would have provided a steady income stream during his formative years in the industry. Concurrent with his hosting duties, Gooding Jr. also secured a recurring role on “Blossom” from 1991 to 1992, further contributing to his earnings.
“Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” and Subsequent Television Roles
A pivotal moment in Omar Gooding Jr.’s career arrived in 1992 when he was cast as Earvin Rodman in the hit sitcom “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper.” This role, which he held until 1997, significantly elevated his profile and income. As a series regular on a popular show, Gooding Jr.’s salary would have increased substantially over the five seasons. While the exact figures are not public knowledge, it’s reasonable to assume that his earnings progressed from a few thousand dollars per episode in the early seasons to tens of thousands per episode as the show’s success grew, significantly impacting his overall net worth. This role firmly established Omar Gooding Jr.’s presence in Hollywood.
Following “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” Gooding Jr. continued to secure recurring and main cast roles in various television series. From 1997 to 1999, he played Morris L. Tibbs on the teen series “Smart Guy,” further consolidating his earnings and recognition. Throughout the early 2000s, he appeared in episodes of shows like “Static Shock” and “Touched by an Angel,” maintaining a steady presence in the television landscape. Recurring roles in “The Division” and “One on One” added to his income stream during this period. While individual episode fees likely varied, each role contributed incrementally to his financial stability.
In 2003, Omar Gooding Jr. joined the main cast of “Playmakers,” which provided another notable boost to his earnings. In 2005, he secured a main cast role in “Barbershop,” based on the popular film franchise. These roles in “Playmakers” and “Barbershop” would have provided a significant income, though the precise salary details are not publicly available. These opportunities allowed him to capitalize on his acting skills and further enhance his financial portfolio.
From 2012 to 2020, Gooding Jr. starred in the Bounce TV series “Family Time,” playing the role of the family’s father. This long-term role provided a stable income source for nearly a decade. While the specific financial terms of his contract with Bounce TV remain private, a leading role in a successful cable television series likely contributed significantly to his net worth. This role offered financial stability and solidified his status as a versatile actor.
Film Career and Independent Projects
In addition to his television work, Omar Gooding Jr. has also maintained a consistent presence in film. Early film appearances included roles in “Ghost Dad” and “The Ernest Green Story.” In 2005, he appeared in “The Gospel,” followed by “The Candy Shop” in 2008. These roles supplemented his television income, even though they may not have been as financially lucrative as his more prominent television roles.
Throughout the 2010s, Gooding Jr. appeared in numerous low-budget independent films, including “Betrothed,” “Only for One Night,” “The Perfect Wife,” “Fade Away,” and “The Untold Story.” While these films may not have provided substantial upfront payments, they allowed him to continue working as an actor and maintain his visibility in the industry. In 2014, he played the main role of Carter in the film “Percentage,” a role that likely provided a more significant financial reward compared to his smaller independent film roles. In 2021, he appeared in “Blood Sacrifice,” “True to the Game 3,” and “Strange Fruit: Tale of a Black Girl Lost,” showcasing his continued commitment to film projects.
Specific financial figures for his film roles are not publicly available, but his consistent involvement in both mainstream and independent projects has contributed steadily to his overall earnings. Income from these films would have been project-dependent, ranging from smaller payments for independent films to potentially more substantial sums for larger productions.
Music Career and “The Excuse” Album
Omar Gooding Jr. has also ventured into the music industry, releasing a hip-hop album titled “The Excuse” in 2019 under the moniker Big O. As of now, there is no publicly available data on the sales figures or streaming revenue generated by “The Excuse.” Without specific sales data, it’s difficult to quantify the financial impact of his music career on his overall net worth accurately. Album sales, streaming royalties, and potential performance fees would all contribute to any income derived from his music career. Additionally, it is known that he is featured on the track “No Warning” from C-Bo’s album, “Orca”, which could have provided some additional income.
Personal Life and Relationships
From 2001 to 2006, Omar Gooding Jr. was in a relationship with actress Angell Conwell. He has also been romantically linked to actress Claudia Jordan. Gooding Jr. is currently married to Mia Vogel, and they have two sons together, born in 2017 and 2019. He also has another son named Bradley from a previous relationship. Details about his personal expenses, investments, or property ownership are not publicly available, making it challenging to provide a more granular breakdown of his financial situation.
Net Worth Assessment
Omar Gooding Jr.’s estimated net worth of $1 million reflects his diverse career as an actor, rapper, and comedian. His income sources include television roles, film appearances, and music releases. While specific financial details are not publicly available for all his projects, his consistent work in the entertainment industry over several decades has enabled him to accumulate this wealth. His early roles in television provided a foundation, while his prominent roles in “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” and “Family Time” significantly boosted his earnings. Film appearances and his music career have further contributed to his financial portfolio. Therefore, Omar Gooding Jr.’s net worth is a testament to his talent, hard work, and longevity in the entertainment industry.