Sara Kapfer, the former schoolteacher turned celebrity ex-wife, is 56 years old in 2025, born in 1969 in New York City. Once married to Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. for over two decades, she filed for divorce in 2014 citing irreconcilable differences, finalizing it in 2017 amid his publicized infidelity scandals. Today, she’s not dating publicly, focusing on co-parenting their three children—Spencer Gooding (31), Mason Gooding (29), and Piper Gooding (20)—while maintaining a low-profile life. Her net worth stands at an estimated $15 million, bolstered by spousal support and her modest salary from teaching, which averaged $50,000 annually pre-retirement. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighing around 130 pounds (59 kg), Kapfer embodies quiet resilience in Hollywood’s shadow.
Sara Kapfer’s Early Life and Age: From New York Roots to Hollywood Shadows
Sara Kapfer’s story begins in the bustling streets of New York City, where she entered the world in 1969, making her 56 years old as of November 2025. Growing up in a middle-class family, she relocated to Los Angeles during her formative years, a move that would later intertwine her path with entertainment royalty.
Unlike many in the spotlight, Kapfer’s age never defined her by glamour; instead, it marked a grounded upbringing focused on education and community. She attended North Hollywood High School, where she first crossed paths with a charismatic young Cuba Gooding Jr. Their connection sparked in 1986, a high school romance that blossomed over eight years of dating before their 1994 wedding.
By her early 20s, at age 22, Kapfer had already set her sights on teaching, earning a degree in elementary education. Her choice reflected a unique angle: prioritizing impact over income, a perspective that resonates in today’s gig-economy world where 56-year-olds like Kapfer inspire mid-career pivots.
Sara Kapfer Height, Weight, and Physical Journey: Beyond the Spotlight
At 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and maintaining a healthy weight of 130 pounds (59 kg), Sara Kapfer has always carried herself with an effortless poise that belies her aversion to fame. These stats paint a picture of someone who values wellness over vanity.
In 2025, with wellness trends emphasizing holistic health, Kapfer’s frame—slender yet strong—speaks to disciplined routines: yoga sessions in her Tarzana home and hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains. Post-2017, she shed any lingering stress weight through mindful eating and therapy-informed fitness.
“Height and weight are just numbers,” a close associate shared in a private interview, echoing Kapfer’s ethos. Her height advantage, once a teen insecurity, now empowers her as a mentor to young teachers.
Sara Kapfer’s Career and Salary: Teaching Lessons in Resilience
Sara Kapfer’s professional life centers on education, where she earned a steady salary as an elementary school teacher in Los Angeles starting in 1991. Her annual pay hovered around $38,000 to $50,000, allowing her to balance family with fulfillment.
By age 25, she paused full-time work after son Spencer’s birth in 1994, transitioning to part-time roles and eventually stepping back as Gooding’s career skyrocketed. In 2025, Kapfer’s career evolution offers a unique insight: she’s quietly pivoted to educational consulting, leveraging her experience for online workshops on child development amid divorce.
Her salary may have dipped, but her impact endures—think customized lesson plans for underprivileged kids, shared via her low-key LinkedIn profile.
Sara Kapfer Married Life and Divorce: A 20-Year Timeline of Love and Letting Go
Sara Kapfer’s married chapter with Cuba Gooding Jr. was a Hollywood fairy tale turned cautionary tale. They wed on March 13, 1994, after dating since 1986, in a ceremony blending Bronx grit with LA glamour.
For 20 years, they built a family, but cracks emerged by 2014 when Kapfer filed for divorce, citing Gooding’s extramarital affairs. The divorce finalized in 2017, with Kapfer securing joint custody and substantial spousal support.
“Marriage isn’t a contract; it’s a choice renewed daily,” Gooding reflected in a 2023 Variety interview. In 2025, no signs of remarriage; she’s single, prioritizing peace over partnership.
Sara Kapfer Net Worth in 2025: From Teacher’s Paycheck to Divorce Settlement Wealth
Estimates peg Sara Kapfer’s net worth at $15 million in 2025, a windfall from her $15 million divorce settlement in 2017, including assets from Gooding’s hits like Jerry Maguire.
This dwarfs her teaching salary, but it’s wisely invested: real estate in Tarzana and educational trusts for her kids. Her financial savvy shines in philanthropy; she’s donated $500,000 to LA literacy programs since 2018.
Sara Kapfer Dating History: Single at 56 and Embracing Independence
Post-divorce, Sara Kapfer’s dating life remains private—no confirmed romances since 2017. At 56 years old, she’s reportedly content single, focusing on self-growth over swipes.
Her history? A loyal eight-year courtship with Gooding, marred later by his betrayals. In 2025, she’s echoed sentiments: “Dating after decades feels like rewriting your story—exhilarating, but on my terms.”
Sara Kapfer’s Family and Children: Nurturing Hollywood’s Next Generation
Kapfer’s greatest legacy? Her trio of talented offspring. Spencer Gooding, born 1994, acts in Lovecraft Country; Mason Gooding, 1996, stars in Scream reboots; Piper Gooding, 2005, dances in Saturday Night.
Amid co-parenting, Kapfer’s hands-on role—attending premieres, hosting family hikes—fosters balance. A 2025 family update: the siblings launched a joint podcast on sibling dynamics in fame, featuring Kapfer as guest.
Sara Kapfer’s Health and Wellness at 56: A Personal Evolution
Turning 56 hasn’t dimmed Kapfer’s vitality. Her height and weight stats reflect a regimen blending Pilates and plant-based eating, inspired by post-divorce therapy.
In a world of filtered facades, her unretouched beach walks normalize aging. “Health is my quiet rebellion,” a source close to her confides.
Sara Kapfer Biography: Complete Profile at a Glance
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sara Kapfer |
| Date of Birth | 1969 (exact date private) |
| Age (2025) | 56 years old |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 130 pounds (59 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Education | Degree in Elementary Education, North Hollywood High School |
| Occupation | Former Elementary School Teacher; Educational Consultant |
| Salary (Peak Teaching) | $38,000 – $50,000 annually |
| Net Worth (2025) | $15 million |
| Marital Status | Divorced (2017) |
| Ex-Husband | Cuba Gooding Jr. (married 1994-2017) |
| Dating Status | Single, not publicly dating |
| Children | Spencer Gooding (b. 1994), Mason Gooding (b. 1996), Piper Gooding (b. 2005) |
| Residence | Tarzana, Los Angeles, California |
| Religion | Christianity |
| First Met Ex-Husband | 1986, high school sweethearts |
| Dating Duration Pre-Marriage | 8 years |
| Divorce Filing Date | April 22, 2014 |
| Divorce Finalization | 2017 |
| Career Start | 1991 as teacher |
| Career Pause | 1994 for motherhood |
| Post-Divorce Pivot | Educational workshops, 2018-present |
| Philanthropy | Literacy programs donor ($500,000+ since 2018) |
| Social Media | Instagram, X |
| Notable Quote (Via Associate) | “Resilience is choosing growth over grudge.” |
| Family Legacy | Co-parenting model for Hollywood families |
| Wellness Routine | Yoga, hiking, plant-based diet |
| Unique Achievement | Mentored 100+ teachers via online platforms |
| 2025 Update | Guest on family podcast; focused on grandparenting prep |
