How Cuba Gooding Jr. built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Cuba Gooding Jr. is a celebrated American actor known for his dynamic performances across various genres. His career took off with his role as Tre Styles in "Boyz n the Hood" (1991). He achieved widespread recognition and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Rod Tidwell in "Jerry Maguire" (1996). He has appeared in several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including "A Few Good Men," "Pearl Harbor," "As Good as It Gets," and "Men of Honor". Gooding Jr. has also ventured into television, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
1984: Breakdancing with Lionel Richie
In 1984, Cuba Gooding Jr.'s first job as an entertainer was as a breakdancer, performing with Lionel Richie at the Summer Olympics closing ceremonies in Los Angeles.
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1987: Guest Star on Hill Street Blues
In 1987, Cuba Gooding Jr. landed a guest starring role on Hill Street Blues.
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1988: Guest Star on Amen and MacGyver
In 1988, Cuba Gooding Jr. landed guest starring roles on Amen and MacGyver, and had a small role in Coming to America.
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1989: Guest Star on MacGyver
In 1989, Cuba Gooding Jr. landed a guest starring role on MacGyver.
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1990: Guest Star on MacGyver
In 1990, Cuba Gooding Jr. landed a guest starring role on MacGyver.
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1991: Breakthrough Role in Boyz n the Hood
In 1991, Cuba Gooding Jr. had his breakthrough role as Tre Styles in Boyz n the Hood.
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1991: Lead Role in Boyz n the Hood
In 1991, Cuba Gooding Jr. played the lead role in John Singleton's Boyz n the Hood.
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1992: Supporting Roles in A Few Good Men and Gladiator
In 1992, Cuba Gooding Jr. had supporting roles in A Few Good Men and Gladiator.
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1993: Supporting Role in Judgment Night
In 1993, Cuba Gooding Jr. had a supporting role in Judgment Night.
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1994: Supporting Role in Lightning Jack
In 1994, Cuba Gooding Jr. had a supporting role in Lightning Jack.
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1995: Supporting Roles in Outbreak and The Tuskegee Airmen
In 1995, Cuba Gooding Jr. had supporting roles in Outbreak and The Tuskegee Airmen.
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1996: Role in Jerry Maguire and Oscar Win
In 1996, Cuba Gooding Jr. starred in Jerry Maguire, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His "Show me the money!" line became a catchphrase.
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1996: Academy Award for Jerry Maguire
In 1996, Cuba Gooding Jr. won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Jerry Maguire.
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1997: Role in As Good as It Gets
In 1997, Cuba Gooding Jr. had a supporting role in the comedy As Good as It Gets.
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1998: Role in What Dreams May Come
In 1998, Cuba Gooding Jr. appeared in What Dreams May Come.
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1999: Role in Instinct
In 1999, Cuba Gooding Jr. played Theo Caulder in the psychological thriller Instinct.
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2001: Roles in Pearl Harbor and Rat Race
In 2001, Cuba Gooding Jr. had roles in Pearl Harbor and Rat Race.
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2002: Roles in Snow Dogs and Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2002, Cuba Gooding Jr. appeared in Snow Dogs and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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2003: Roles in The Fighting Temptations and Radio
In 2003, Cuba Gooding Jr. had roles in The Fighting Temptations and Radio.
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2004: Voice acting in Home on the Range
In 2004, Cuba Gooding Jr. did voice acting in Home on the Range.
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2006: Public Leadership in Neurology Award
In 2006, Cuba Gooding Jr. earned the Public Leadership in Neurology Award for raising awareness about Multiple Sclerosis.
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2007: Roles in Norbit and Daddy Day Camp
In 2007, Cuba Gooding Jr. appeared in Norbit and Daddy Day Camp.
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2007: Role in Norbit and Voice Acting
In 2007, Cuba Gooding Jr. appeared in Norbit and did voice acting in The Land Before Time XIII: The Wisdom of Friends.
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2007: Supporting role in American Gangster
In 2007, Cuba Gooding Jr. had a small supporting role in Ridley Scott's American Gangster.
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2009: Role as Ben Carson in Gifted Hands
In 2009, Cuba Gooding Jr. delivered a well-received performance as Ben Carson in the TNT film Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story.
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2009: Role as Ben Carson in Gifted Hands
In 2009, Cuba Gooding Jr. played Dr. Ben Carson in the film Gifted Hands.
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2012: Role in Red Tails and TV Pilot Guilty
In 2012, Cuba Gooding Jr. starred in the film Red Tails and a TV pilot called Guilty.
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2013: Roles in The Butler, Don Jon, and Machete Kills
In 2013, Cuba Gooding Jr. had roles in The Butler, Don Jon, and Machete Kills.
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2013: Broadway Debut
In 2013, Cuba Gooding Jr. made his Broadway debut in The Trip to Bountiful.
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2014: Role in Selma
In 2014, Cuba Gooding Jr. appeared as Fred Gray in the historical drama Selma.
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2016: FX Series and Emmy Nomination
In 2016, Cuba Gooding Jr. portrayed O. J. Simpson in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, earning an Emmy nomination. He also co-starred in American Horror Story: Roanoke.
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October 5, 2018: Directorial Debut: Bayou Caviar
On October 5, 2018, Cuba Gooding Jr.'s directorial debut, Bayou Caviar, was released.
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