Actor, dancer, musician, Cuba Gooding, Jr. son of Gooding Sr.,a singer in the 70s sensation, was born on January 2, 1968 in Bronx district of New York on January 2nd, 1968. He attended four different high schools growing up and, always ambitious and charming, became class president at three of them. In 1984, he appeared at The Olympics, breakdancing on stage with singer Lionel Richie. Only 16 at the time, he enjoyed his taste of stardom and soon started acting. He enrolled in acting lessons to get the training. After a brief role in Eddie Murphy’s Coming to America, Cuba landed the lead role in director John Singleton’s Boyz N the Hood. One of the first films to deal with urban black youth in a serious manner, it galvanized the theatre going public with its tragic tale. Cuba was Tre Styles, a young man who is desperate to get out of South Central Los Angeles. Cuba left his mark and many projected great things for the young actor.
Over the next few years, Gooding appeared in a string of not-so-terrific movies. He did however have an opportunity to show his comedic talents in "Lightning Jack" with Paul Hogin in 1994. He was also given recognition for his outstanding performance in "Outbreak." He was working steadily but found the time to marry his high school sweetheart, Sara Kapfer, and have two sons, Mason and Spencer. Cuba auditioned for a part in Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire. The casting people felt that his 5′11" frame was too short for Rod Tidwell, however they couldn’t deny his talent. Jerry Maguire was a mega-hit and Gooding’s performance was also. He was showered with recognition and great reviews. He also won a Golden Globe nomination, and the coveted Best Supporting Actor Oscar. He followed up the award winning success with the critically celebrated "As Good As it Get’s," and in "What Dreams May Come." He also appeared along side Anthony Hopkins in "Instinct".