Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Omar Epps
July 20, 1973
Brooklyn, New York, US
53 Years Old
Cancer
Who Is Omar Epps?
Omar Hashim Epps is an American actor, rapper, and producer known for his versatility across film and television. His compelling performances often bring depth to complex characters.
He first gained widespread public attention with his debut lead role in the 1992 urban crime drama Juice. The film garnered critical acclaim, quickly establishing Epps as a significant rising talent in Hollywood.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Omar Epps was nurtured by his mother, Bonnie Maria Epps, an elementary school principal, after his parents divorced. He discovered an early passion for creative expression, writing poetry, songs, and short stories by the age of ten.
His artistic inclinations led him to the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, a highly selective institution for artistically talented students. There, Epps further honed his craft, setting the stage for his acting career.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances has marked Omar Epps's personal life, including a prior relationship with actress Sanaa Lathan, whom he met while filming The Wood.
Epps married singer Keisha Spivey of the R&B group Total in 2006. He shares two children with Spivey, K'mari Mae Epps and Amir Epps, and also has a daughter, Aiyanna Epps, from a previous relationship.
Career Highlights
Omar Epps’s works-first approach has yielded a celebrated career in both film and television. He notably starred in the iconic 1992 film Juice and gained widespread recognition for his long-running role as Dr. Eric Foreman on the Fox medical drama series House.
Beyond acting, Epps has expanded into music as a rapper and producer, even co-producing the theme song for The Wayans Bros. He also launched a career as an author, publishing his memoir From Fatherless to Fatherhood and an Afrofuturist novel.
To date, Epps has collected numerous accolades, including multiple NAACP Image Awards for his impactful performances, cementing his status as a dynamic presence in entertainment.
Signature Quote
"For us, we just took breaking up off the table. That changed the whole dynamic of how we argue, solve problems, everything."