What is the Net Worth of Cuba Gooding Jr.?

Cuba Gooding Jr. is an American actor known for films like Jerry Maguire, Boyz n the Hood, and A Few Good Men. He has had a successful career in Hollywood for over 30 years.

But what exactly is Cuba Gooding Jr.’s net worth? How did he build his wealth and what are some of his most notable acting roles and achievements? This article will explore Gooding’s background, career, earnings, assets, and charity work to provide an estimate of his total net worth.

Cuba Gooding Jr.’s Background

Cuba Gooding Jr. was born on January 2, 1968 in The Bronx, New York. His mother, Shirley Gooding, was a singer with the Sweethearts, and his father, Cuba Gooding Sr., was a lead vocalist of the soul group The Main Ingredient. Gooding Jr. has three siblings: musician Tommy Gooding, actor Omar Gooding, and actress April Gooding.

Gooding attended four different high schools, including North Hollywood High School and Tustin High School. He became class president at both schools. In his youth, Gooding was also an avid breakdancer. After high school, he studied Japanese martial arts for three years and served as a backup singer for his father’s band.

Early Career

Gooding’s first professional gig was as a breakdancer in a concert for Lionel Richie in 1984. His first television appearance was in an episode of Hill Street Blues in 1986. The following year, at age 19, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time.

Early in his career, Gooding landed small roles in various television shows and made-for-TV movies. Some of his first credits included:

• MacGyver (1988)
• Coming to America (1988)
• Sing (1989)
• Hill Street Blues (1986-1987)
• Amen (1988–1990)
• Good Morning, Miss Bliss (1989)

His first major film role came in 1991 when he was cast as Tre Styles in John Singleton’s urban drama Boyz n the Hood. The critical success of Boyz n the Hood helped boost Gooding’s acting career.

Breakthrough Role in Jerry Maguire

Gooding’s big break came in 1996 when he landed the role of Rod Tidwell in Jerry Maguire opposite Tom Cruise. His portrayal of the arrogant yet loyal pro football player earned him widespread praise. Gooding steals nearly every scene he’s in and delivers the iconic line: “Show me the money!”

The role earned Gooding an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, as well as Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe awards. At just 29 years old, he became one of the youngest Best Supporting Actor winners ever. Winning an Oscar cemented Gooding’s status as a leading man in Hollywood.

Major Film Roles

After his Oscar win, Gooding’s acting career reached new heights. He landed prominent roles in several major films throughout the late 90s and 2000s. Some of his most noteworthy performances include:

As Good as It Gets (1997)

Gooding plays Simon Bishop, a gay artist who helps Jack Nicholson’s character overcome his homophobia and anxiety.

What Dreams May Come (1998)

He portrays Albert Lewis, a man who dies and tries to find his wife in the afterlife. This spiritual romantic drama also starred Robin Williams.

Men of Honor (2000)

Gooding portrays real-life Navy diver Carl Brashear, the first African American to become a U.S. Navy Master Diver.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

In this WWII epic, he plays Doris Miller, the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for valor in combat.

American Gangster (2007)

He portrays the notorious Harlem kingpin Nicky Barnes alongside Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.

Selma (2014)

Gooding plays civil rights attorney Fred Gray, who represented Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.

Recent Work

In more recent years, Gooding has appeared in various independent films, TV movies, and series. Some projects he has been involved with include:

• Daddy Day Camp (2007)
• Red Tails (2012)
• The Butler (2013)
• Empire (2015)
• American Horror Story (2016)
• The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016)
• Hand of God (2017)
• American Crime Story (2018)
• Life in a Year (2020)
• American Horror Story: 1984 (2019)

He has also returned to his musical roots, performing in shows like Chicago and playing Nat King Cole in the Broadway production of A Boy From Oz.

Cuba Gooding Jr.’s Earnings Over the Years

So how much has Cuba Gooding Jr. earned over his long career? Here’s a look at some of his biggest paydays:

• Jerry Maguire (1996) – $2 million
• What Dreams May Come (1998) – $5 million
• Instinct (1999) – $6 million
• Men of Honor (2000) – $6 million
• Pearl Harbor (2001) – $7 million
• Snow Dogs (2002) – $6 million
• Boat Trip (2002) – $6 million
• American Gangster – $1 million

Gooding also earned $12 million for his three season contract on American Crime Story. Overall, his films have grossed over $2 billion at the box office.

Cuba Gooding Jr.’s Assets: Houses and Cars

With his considerable earnings, Gooding has amassed an impressive collection of real estate and luxury vehicles. Some of his notable assets include:

Real Estate:

• Pacific Palisades Mansion – $6.2 million
• Porter Ranch home – $2.5 million
• Encino, CA condo – $1.3 million

Vehicles:

• Rolls Royce Phantom – $500k
• Mercedes G-Wagon – $125k
• Jaguar XJ – $75k
• Range Rover – $90k

Charity and Philanthropy

A generous giver, Cuba Gooding Jr. has donated both his time and money to various charitable causes over the years. Some of his philanthropic efforts include:

• Donating $100k to the Pancreatic Action Network after his father died of pancreatic cancer.
• Raising $200k for the Memorial Sloan Kettering pediatric cancer department by auctioning off a dinner with himself.
• Donating to organizations like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, Elton John AIDS Foundation, and Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.
• Volunteering for groups like Children’s Defense Fund, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Motion Picture and Television Fund.
• Creating the Cuba Gooding Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund for college-bound students.

Cuba Gooding Jr.’s Net Worth: $30 Million

Based on his lengthy acting career, lucrative film contracts, real estate portfolio, and charitable giving, Cuba Gooding Jr.’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million as of 2023, according to multiple net worth calculators.

At his peak in the late 90s and early 2000s, Gooding was likely earning $20-30 million per year from his movie salaries and endorsements alone. However, more recent legal troubles and smaller acting roles have likely decreased his annual income and net worth.

Regardless, with over 100 acting credits and decades as a Hollywood star, Cuba Gooding Jr. has built an impressive fortune few actors can match.

Conclusion

In summary, Cuba Gooding Jr.’s journey from breakdancing teen to Oscar-winner has netted him an impressive fortune of around $30 million. His early struggles make his level of Hollywood success even more admirable. Though he has faced recent controversies, Gooding’s acting talent and career earnings power are undeniable.

With his wealth, the charismatic star has supported important charitable causes that provide medical funding and education. For playing characters full of spirit and determination, Cuba Gooding Jr. has certainly been rewarded in real life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba Gooding Jr.’s Net Worth

How did Cuba Gooding Jr. get so rich?

Gooding became wealthy primarily through earnings from his acting career. His breakthrough role in Jerry Maguire and subsequent starring roles allowed him to command salaries of $5-7 million per movie in the late 90s/early 2000s. Winning an Academy Award vaulted him to A-list status.

What was Cuba Gooding Jr.’s biggest movie payday?

Pearl Harbor (2001) earned Gooding his biggest paycheck at $7 million. He also earned $6 million each for Instinct (1999), Men of Honor (2000), and Snow Dogs (2002).

What are Cuba Gooding Jr.’s most successful movies?

At the box office, his highest grossing films are Pearl Harbor ($450 million), Rat Race ($85 million), As Good as It Gets ($314 million), American Gangster ($266 million), and What Dreams May Come ($100 million).

How much did Cuba Gooding Jr. make from Jerry Maguire?

For his Oscar-winning role in Jerry Maguire, Gooding earned $2 million, which was his highest payday up until that point. The film grossed $274 million worldwide.

Does Cuba Gooding Jr. own a Rolls Royce?

Yes, Gooding’s car collection includes a Rolls Royce Phantom worth around $500,000. He also owns luxury vehicles like a Mercedes G-Wagon, Jaguar XJ, and Range Rover.

How much real estate does Cuba Gooding Jr. own?

Gooding owns millions worth of real estate including a $6.2 million mansion in Pacific Palisades, a $2.5 million home in Porter Ranch, and a $1.3 million condo in Encino.

How much did Cuba Gooding Jr. make from American Crime Story?

For his three season contract on American Crime Story, Gooding earned around $12 million in total. He portrayed O.J. Simpson in the hit FX series.

Has Cuba Gooding Jr. always been a successful actor?

No, early in his career in the late 80s/early 90s Gooding struggled to land big roles and lived in his car for a time. His breakthrough came with Boyz n the Hood in 1991.

How does Cuba Gooding Jr. give back to charity?

Gooding has donated over $500k to various charities and created a college scholarship fund in his father’s name. He supports organizations for cancer, AIDS, and pediatric illness.