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Omar Epps

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Omar Epps
Omar-epps.jpg
Birth name Omar Hashim Epps
Born July 20, 1973 in Brooklyn, New York, USA
Notable Roles Dr. Eric Foreman in House, M.D.
Notable Episodes House, M.D.: 1x08 - Poison
House, M.D.: 1x17 - Role Model
Awards

Omar Epps is an American actor and musician best known on television for his recurring guest role on ER and for his starring role as Dr. Eric Foreman on House, M.D.

Contents

Biography

Omar Hashim Epps was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 20, 1973. Epps' mother, a high school principal, separated from his father when Epps was still a child, and she raised her children as a single mother. He grew up with fellow actor Marlon Wayans, and the two are still friends to this day. Young Epps began writing from an early age - first poetry and short stories, but by the age of ten, he had written his first screenplay.

He attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York. At the age of 18, he formed the rap group Wolfpak with his brother. One year later, in 1992, he received top billing over rap star Tupac Shakur in the role of Q in the movie Juice. Although it was not his first screen role, he caught the eye of audiences and critics alike with it. In the following decade, he had roles in films as diverse as Major League II, Scream 2 and Breakfast of Champions, often as troubled teenagers or athletes. He also had a notable recurring role as Dr. Dennis Gant on ER and appearances in multiple music videos - also directing some - and the video game "Def Jam Fight for New York."

In 2000, he received award nominations for his breakout performance in Love & Basketball, and in 2004, he co-starred with Meg Ryan as Luther Shaw in Against the Ropes and with Jude Law in Alfie. In those years, he also founded his own record label, BKNYC Records. In July 2004, his fiancée Keisha Spivey gave birth to his first child, K'mari Mae.

Two months after he became a father, Epps debuted as Dr. Eric Foreman in House, M.D. The series was a runaway hit and made even bigger stars of its entire cast, including Epps.

Roles

Starring Roles

Series Role Year(s) Season(s)
ER Dennis Gant 1996–1997 3
House, M.D. Eric Foreman 2004–2012 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Resurrection Marty Bellamy 2014–2015 1 2

Guest Starring Roles

Series Role Episode Airdate
Here and Now 1x02 - Lovers and Other Dangers September 26, 1992
Street Justice Clint 2x11 - Black or Blue January 12, 1993
ER Dr. Dennis Gant 3x01 - Dr. Carter, I Presume September 26, 1996
ER Dr. Dennis Gant 3x02 - Let the Games Begin October 3, 1996
ER Dr. Dennis Gant 3x03 - Don't Ask, Don't Tell October 10, 1996
ER Dr. Dennis Gant 3x04 - Last Call October 17, 1996
ER Dr. Dennis Gant 3x05 - Ghosts October 31, 1996
ER Dr. Dennis Gant 3x06 - Fear of Flying November 7, 1996
ER Dr. Dennis Gant 3x07 - No Brain, No Gain November 14, 1996
ER Dr. Dennis Gant 3x09 - Ask Me No Questions, I'll Tell You No Lies December 12, 1996
ER Dr. Dennis Gant 3x10 - Homeless for the Holidays December 19, 1996
ER Dr. Dennis Gant 3x11 - Night Shift January 16, 1997

Specials and Made-for-TV Movies

Title Role Airdate Series/Banner
In the Shadow of Love: A Teen AIDS Story Deron September 18, 1991 ABC Afterschool Specials
Conviction Carl Upchurch September 29, 2002 Showtime Original Movie

Talk, News and Game Show Appearances

Memorable Moments

Awards and Accolades

NAACP Image Awards

(3 Wins in 10 Nominations)

  • Nominated: Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture (2001)
Love & Basketball
  • Nominated: Oustanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special (2003)
Conviction
  • Nominated: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2005, 2012)
House, M.D.
  • Nominated: Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (2006, 2009)
House, M.D.
  • Won: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2007, 2008, 2013)
House, M.D.
  • Nominated: Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (2015)
Resurrection

Other Awards

  • Black Reel Awards
    • Nominated: Theatrical - Best Actor (2000) - Love & Basketball

Trivia

  • Dated Sanaa Lathan, his co-star in Love & Basketball. The two were nominated for a Teen Choice Award for "Choice Chemistry" for their work together in that film.
  • Announced his intention to run for President as an independent candidate in 2008. Previously made this announcement years earlier when his character on House, M.D., Dr. Eric Foreman, treated a Black Presidential candidate in episode 1x17 - Role Model.