Gooding, Cuba, Jr (1968- )

US actor. He is known for his high energy performances and versatility. His first major role was as the emotionally troubled Tre Styles in John Singleton's 1991 film Boyz N the Hood; he achieved wider fame for his role in the 1996 Cameron Crowe film Jerry Maguire, for which he received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

His other films include A Few Good Men (1992), Lightning Jack (1994), Losing Isaiah (1995), Outbreak (1995), As Good as it Gets (1997), What Dreams May Come (1998), Instinct (1999), Chill Factor (1999), Men of Honor (2000), Rat Race (2001), Pearl Harbour (2001), Boat Trip (2003), Fighting Temptations (2003), and Radio (2003).

Gooding grew up in Los Angeles, California, and began acting at school. After performing as a breakdancer on stage with Lionel Richie at the 1984 summer Olympics, he had his first professional acting role on the TV drama Hill Street Blues. His feature film debut was in the Eddie Murphy comedy Coming to America (1988). He appeared on the TV action series MacGyver 1989-91.