Omar Epps Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / July 30, 2024
Omar Epps Then
Omar Epps, born on July 20, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, has always been deeply connected to the arts.
From an early age, he showed a proclivity for creative expression, beginning to write poetry and songs while still in elementary school.
This early engagement with the arts was a harbinger of his future career in entertainment.
Despite the challenges posed by his parents’ divorce during his childhood, Epps’s resilience was nurtured by his mother, Bonnie Maria Epps.
Bonnie, an elementary school principal, played a pivotal role in shaping his upbringing, instilling in him the value of education and hard work.
Growing up, Epps and his mother moved through various Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Bedford-Stuyvesant, East New York, and East Flatbush.
These diverse environments contributed to his rich cultural and social experiences, influencing his artistic outlook.
Epps’s talent and dedication were evident early on, culminating in his graduation from the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
This institution, renowned for nurturing young talents, provided Epps with a solid foundation in the performing arts.
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During his teenage years, Epps also explored his musical interests more deeply by performing with a rap group called Wolfpack.
This experience not only honed his skills as a performer but also underscored his versatility and passion for the creative process.
The combination of his academic background in the arts and his practical experience with Wolfpack equipped Epps with a unique skill set, paving the way for his successful career in acting and music.
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Omar Epps Acting Career
Omar Epps began his professional acting career in the late ’80s, but it was his breakthrough role in the early ’90s that truly catapulted him into the spotlight.
His starring role as Q in the film “Juice” showcased his ability to portray complex characters, often troubled teens and athletes.
In “Juice,” Epps starred alongside rapper Tupac Shakur, further elevating the film’s impact and his own rising star status.
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Following “Juice,” Epps continued to build his career with roles that highlighted his versatility and depth as an actor.
His second on-screen appearance was in the college football drama “The Program,” where he acted alongside James Caan, further cementing his presence in the film industry.
In 1996, Epps starred in the TV movie “Deadly Voyage,” produced by John Goldschmidt.
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His portrayal of Kingsley Ofusu, the sole survivor of a group of African stowaways on the cargo ship MC Ruby, earned him the Best Actor award at the Monte Carlo Television Festival.
This role, based on a true story, demonstrated Epps’s ability to bring real-life characters to the screen with authenticity and emotional depth.
The following year, he took over the role of Willie Mays Haynes, originally played by Wesley Snipes, in “Major League II.”
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Epps also starred in John Singleton’s “Higher Learning,” a film that delved into the politics and racial tensions of college life, and had a small but memorable role in the successful comedy “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.”
Epps’s television career also flourished when he joined the cast of “ER” as Dr. Dennis Grant, a troubled surgical intern.
His time on “ER” was brief but impactful, leading him back to the big screen in 1997 with a role in “Scream 2,” alongside Jada Pinkett Smith.
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That same year, he starred in the HBO movie “First Time Felon,” playing a small-time criminal navigating the challenges of re-entering society after undergoing Chicago’s boot camp reform system.
This film, based on a true story, further showcased Epps’s talent for portraying complex, multidimensional characters.
In 1999, Epps faced a setback with the box office disappointment “The Mod Squad.” However, he rebounded with a more substantial role in “The Wood,” a film that allowed him to display his range as an actor.
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Starring alongside Tay Diggs and Richard T. Jones, Epps’s performance was well-received.
He continued his successful year with roles in “In Too Deep,” alongside Stanley Tucci and LL Cool J, and “When Willows Touch,” again sharing the screen with Jada Pinkett Smith.
Epps gained further recognition in 2000 with his role in the romantic sports drama “Love & Basketball.”
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Starring opposite Sanaa Lathan, Epps portrayed Quincy, an NBA hopeful navigating a tumultuous relationship with a fellow basketball player.
The film received critical acclaim and performed well at the box office, earning Epps and Lathan numerous award nominations for their performances.
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Following “Love & Basketball,” Epps appeared in a series of supporting roles in films such as “Dracula 2000,” “Big Trouble,” “Conviction,” and “Brother.”
In 2004, he starred alongside Jude Law in “Alfie” and played Luther Shaw opposite Meg Ryan in “Against the Ropes.”
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Later that year, Epps returned to television, joining the medical drama “House” as Dr. Eric Foreman. His portrayal of Dr. Foreman earned him NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2007, 2008, and 2013.
Epps continued to work in both film and television, with notable roles in movies like “A Day in the Life,” “Almost Christmas,” “Traffik,” “Trick,” and “3022.”
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In 2014, he began appearing as J. Martin Bellamy in ABC’s “Resurrection,” and from 2016 to 2018, he starred alongside Ryan Phillippe in the drama “Shooter.”
In season four of “This Is Us,” Epps had a recurring guest role as Darnell Hodges. He made a notable return to the big screen with the Netflix original psychological thriller “Fatal Affair” in July 2020, continuing his long-standing career in the entertainment industry.
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Omar Epps Movies
- Juice (1992) – Quincy ‘Q’ Powell
- Daybreak (1993) – Torch
- The Program (1993) – Darnell Jefferson
- Major League II (1994) – Willie Mays Hayes
- Higher Learning (1995) – Malik Williams
- Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996) – Malik
- Scream 2 (1997) – Phil Stevens
- First Time Felon (1997) – Greg Yance
- The Wood (1999) – Mike
- In Too Deep (1999) – Jeffrey Cole / J. Reid
- The Mod Squad (1999) – Linc
- Breakfast of Champions (1999) – Wayne Hoobler
- Love & Basketball (2000) – Quincy McCall
- Dracula 2000 (2000) – Marcus
- Brother (2000) – Denny
- Big Trouble (2002) – Seitz
- Conviction (2002) – Carl Upchurch
- Perfume (2001) – J.J.
- Against the Ropes (2004) – Luther Shaw
- Alfie (2004) – Marlon
- A Day in the Life (2009) – Bam Bam
- Almost Christmas (2016) – Malcolm
- Traffic (2018) – John
- Trick (2019) – Detective Mike Denver
- 3022 (2019) – Piers
- Fatal Affair (2020)
- The Devil You Know (2022)
- The Deliverance (2024)
Omar Epps’ Wife and Children
Omar Epps has been married to Keisha Spivey since 2005. Keisha, a member of the R&B group Total, and Omar began their relationship in 1996, and their bond has remained strong over the years.
The couple has built a life together in California, where they reside with their two children, K’mari Mae and Amir.
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This family-oriented lifestyle is a cornerstone of Epps’s personal life, highlighting his commitment to both his career and his loved ones.
In addition to his two children with Keisha, Omar Epps has another daughter, Aiyanna, from a previous relationship.
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Balancing a successful career in Hollywood with his responsibilities as a father, Epps demonstrates a remarkable ability to navigate the demands of both his professional and personal worlds.
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Omar Epps Now
At 51 years old, Omar Epps has established himself as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.
An American actor, rapper, and producer, Epps has enjoyed a prolific career spanning several decades.
His notable film roles include iconic performances in “Juice,” where he played the character Q, and “Higher Learning,” which delved into the complexities of college life and racial tensions.
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Epps’s versatility is further highlighted in “The Wood,” a nostalgic coming-of-age story, and “In Too Deep,” where he portrayed an undercover cop.
His role in the critically acclaimed “Love & Basketball” showcased his ability to seamlessly blend romance and sports drama, solidifying his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
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In addition to his impressive filmography, Epps has continued to evolve as an artist. In 2024, he starred in the movie “The Deliverance,” adding another significant project to his body of work.
This recent film underscores Epps’s enduring appeal and adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
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As an actor, rapper, and producer, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to engage and captivate audiences, making him a prominent figure in both film and music.
Epps’s career is not only defined by his diverse roles but also by his dedication to his craft and his ability to tackle complex characters with depth and authenticity.
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His contributions to the entertainment world extend beyond his on-screen performances, as he continues to influence and inspire through his multifaceted talents and commitment to storytelling.
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Omar Epps’ Net Worth
Omar Epps, an American actor, rapper, music producer, and songwriter, has accumulated a net worth of $8 million.
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FAQs
Omar Epps is known for his roles in films such as “Juice,” “Higher Learning,” “The Wood,” “In Too Deep,” and “Love & Basketball,” as well as his role as Dr. Eric Foreman on the TV series “House.”
Omar Epps continues to act in film and television. Recently, he starred in the movie “The Deliverance” in 2024 and has had roles in TV shows like “This Is Us” and “Shooter.”
Omar Epps has a net worth of $8 million.
No, Omar Epps was not in “Boyz n the Hood.”
Omar Epps continues to work as an actor, producer, and writer in the entertainment industry.
Omar Epps has a close friendship with actor and musician Marlon Wayans.
Omar Epps was 18 years old when he starred in “Juice.”