Cuba Gooding Jr., the 57-year-old Oscar-winning actor, commands an estimated net worth of $12 million in 2025, reflecting a career of iconic highs like Jerry Maguire and challenges from legal battles. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 168 pounds, his physique suits dynamic roles, while his salary averages $1.5 million annually from acting, producing, and voice work. Married to Sara Kapfer for over two decades, their 2017 divorce followed a 2014 separation, reshaping his personal life. Now, at age 57, Gooding sidesteps dating rumors to focus on family and faith-based films, offering a redemption arc in Hollywood’s spotlight.
Early Life and Rise to Fame: Age and Background of Cuba Gooding Jr.
Born January 2, 1968, in the Bronx, New York, Cuba Gooding Jr.’s age of 57 in 2025 belies his vibrant journey. His father, Cuba Gooding Sr., led The Main Ingredient, moving the family to Los Angeles in 1972. When his dad left in 1974, mom Shirley raised Cuba, April, Omar, and Thomas alone. “Losing a father early built my grit—it’s why Tre Styles in Boyz n the Hood felt so real,” he shared on the PBD Podcast in 2024. Breakdancing at the 1984 Olympics and leading as class president across four high schools—North Hollywood, Tustin, Apple Valley, and John F. Kennedy—honed his hustle. A born-again Christian at 13, his faith later fueled roles like 2024’s The Firing Squad.
Career Highlights: From Oscar Glory to 2025 Comeback
The 1990s launched Cuba Gooding Jr. into stardom. After Boyz n the Hood (1991) grossed $56 million, roles in A Few Good Men (1992) and Outbreak (1995) built momentum. His 1996 Jerry Maguire role as Rod Tidwell, with the iconic “Show me the money!” line, earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and a $600,000 salary, per Box Office Mojo. The film’s $338 million global haul cemented his draw. The 2000s brought Men of Honor (2000, $82 million) and family hits like Snow Dogs (2002, $2 million salary), though critics panned some choices. “I chased joy, not awards,” he told Variety in 2023. Directing Bayou Caviar (2018) and producing Freedom (2014) diversified his income.
Legal woes hit in 2019, with sexual misconduct allegations leading to a 2022 plea deal for harassment—no jail time, but Hollywood distanced him. A 2024 settled civil suit and a mention in the Sean Combs lawsuit stung, yet 2025 sparks revival. Starring in The Madness of Judge Jeremiah Doherty and Athena Saves Christmas, Gooding’s $1-2 million per role signals a comeback. The Firing Squad (2024, $1.2 million opening) taps faith-based audiences, mirroring Tyler Perry’s model. His films’ $2.5 billion lifetime gross underscores enduring impact, though post-2010 direct-to-DVD shifts cost A-list status, unlike Denzel Washington’s $80 million net worth.
Net Worth Breakdown 2025: Salary, Assets, and Financial Journey
Cuba Gooding Jr.’s net worth in 2025 stands at $12 million, down from a $25 million peak due to legal fees, per Celebrity Net Worth’s August 2025 update. His salary evolved from $600,000 for Jerry Maguire to $3 million for Pearl Harbor (2001). Now, $1.5 million annually comes from acting (60%), endorsements (20%), and residuals (20%). He sold a Los Angeles ranch in the mid-2000s for profit; his Studio City home is valued at $2.5 million. Legal costs ($2-3 million from 2019-2024) dented wealth, but diversified investments in faith-based projects add $3 million in equity. His high-volume, lower-prestige strategy sustains him, unlike peers with $20 million+ salaries.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cuba Mark Gooding Jr. |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1968 |
| Age in 2025 | 57 years |
| Birthplace | Bronx, New York, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 168 lbs (76 kg) |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Director |
| Breakout Role | Tre Styles, Boyz n the Hood (1991) |
| Oscar Win | Best Supporting Actor, Jerry Maguire (1996) |
| Peak Net Worth | $25 million (early 2000s) |
| 2025 Net Worth | $12 million |
| Annual Salary 2025 | $1.5 million (acting, endorsements, residuals) |
| Key Films Gross | $2.5 billion lifetime (Box Office Mojo) |
| Real Estate | Studio City home, $2.5 million |
| Legal Costs | $2-3 million (2019-2024) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Sara Kapfer, 2017) |
| Children | Spencer (31), Mason (28), Piper (17) |
| Siblings | Omar, April, Thomas Gooding |
| Notable Awards | Oscar, SAG, Critics’ Choice, NAACP Image |
Ex-Wife Sara Kapfer: Marriage, Divorce, and Co-Parenting in 2025
Cuba Gooding Jr. married Sara Kapfer on March 13, 1994, after meeting at North Hollywood High. Sara, 56 in 2025, left teaching to raise Spencer (1994, 31), Mason (1997, 28), and Piper (2008, 17). “Sara grounded me during the Oscar whirlwind,” Gooding told People in 2015. Their 2014 separation cited irreconcilable differences; his 2017 divorce filing sought joint custody and limited spousal support. Finalized in 2017, asset splits stayed private. Co-parenting shines: Mason, in Scream VI, credits Cuba’s mentorship, per Variety 2024. Piper’s Thirst Water Project raised $50,000. Dating? Cuba’s private, with fleeting 2024 LA sightings. A 2023 APA study notes 70% of celebrity divorces yield functional co-parenting—Gooding and Kapfer excel here.
Physical Stats and Lifestyle: Age 57, Height, Weight, and Wellness
At 57, Cuba Gooding Jr.’s height of 5’10” and weight of 168 lbs reflect a disciplined lifestyle. Yoga, LA hikes, and a vegan-leaning diet maintain his vigor. “Therapy and faith rebuilt me post-2019,” he shared on PBD Podcast 2024. No tattoos or publicized vices mark his clean pivot, contrasting his ’90s party image. His Men of Honor-inspired regimen offers a model for aging in Hollywood.
| Physical/Lifestyle Metric | Value/Insight |
|---|---|
| Age in 2025 | 57 years |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 168 lbs (76 kg) |
| Fitness Routine | Daily yoga, 3x weekly hikes |
| Diet Preferences | Vegan-leaning, no alcohol post-2019 |
Family Legacy and Hollywood Impact: Siblings, Kids, and Influence
Cuba’s siblings—Omar (Family Matters), April, and Thomas—carry the Gooding talent. Sons Spencer (Dope) and Mason (Booksmart) form a “Gooding dynasty,” per Hollywood Reporter 2024. Piper, 17, raised $50,000 for water initiatives. Cuba’s 100+ IMDb credits, like American Crime Story (8 million premiere viewers), boosted Black representation, with Boyz n the Hood spiking urban casting 40% in the ’90s, per USC. His 2006 MS neurology award mirrors Piper’s activism.
Social Media and Connections: Follow Cuba Gooding Jr.’s Journey
Cuba’s low-key online: Check Wikipedia for timelines, IMDb for credits. X’s @CubaGoodingFans (unofficial) and Instagram searches share updates. For more, see Celebrity Net Worth or the Kapfer profile here. At 57, with $12 million net worth, Cuba’s story—height, weight, and heart—proves resilience trumps scandal.
