Born in the Bronx in 1968, to parents Cuba Gooding, Sr. (of R&B group The Main Ingredient) and Shirley Gooding (of the Sweethearts), Cuba was exposed to the entertainment industry early in his life. His breakout role was in the 1991 John Singleton coming-of-age classic BOYZ N THE HOOD.

In 2002, Gooding received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame honoring his achievements as an actor. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.