Gooding Family Genealogy & History

Mason Gooding, born on November 14, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, is an accomplished American actor known for his roles in popular films and television series. He gained recognition for his performances in "Ballers," "Love, Victor," "Booksmart," and the "Scream" franchise, where he portrayed Chad Meeks-Martin. Gooding's diverse acting skills have been showcased in various genres, including teen drama, romantic comedy, and horror, enhancing his visibility in the entertainment industry. His involvement in projects like "Everything's Gonna Be Okay" and the podcast "Electric Easy" further highlights his versatility and rising prominence.

Mason Gooding is the son of actor Cuba Gooding Jr. and Sara Kapfer, and he is the middle child of three siblings. He comes from a family with a rich entertainment legacy, as his paternal grandfather, Cuba Gooding Sr., was the lead singer of the R&B band The Main Ingredient, and his uncle is actor Omar Gooding. His family's roots trace back to Barbados through his great-grandfather, who immigrated to the United States.

Omar Miles Gooding, also known as Big O, is a prominent American actor and comedian, celebrated for his versatile roles across television and film. Notably, he starred in the acclaimed series "Family Time" from 2012 to 2020 and received critical praise for his role as Sweetpea in the film "Baby Boy." Gooding made a significant impact with his early work as a host on Nickelodeon's "Wild & Crazy Kids" and showcased his talent in series like "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" and "Miami Medical." His career continued to evolve with roles in "Playmakers" and the 2023 Disney Channel series "Saturdays." In addition to acting, Gooding is a musician, releasing his hip-hop album "The Excuse" in 2019.

Omar Gooding was born in Los Angeles to Shirley (née Sullivan) and Cuba Gooding Sr., the former lead singer of The Main Ingredient. He is the younger brother of Cuba Gooding Jr., an Academy Award-winning actor, highlighting a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. This familial background has undoubtedly influenced Gooding's successful career in the arts.

Michael Charles Gooding, born on 12 April 1959, is a former professional footballer and manager, known for his significant contributions to Reading FC. After a successful playing career, he transitioned to joint player-manager of Reading alongside Jimmy Quinn. Under their leadership, Reading secured a second-place finish in the First Division, narrowly missing Premier League promotion in a dramatic playoff final against Bolton Wanderers. Gooding later had a brief stint at Southend United before retiring, subsequently working as a radio pundit and an estate agent while amassing an impressive 700 league appearances. Despite his extensive career, Gooding never played in the top division but was honored in the PFA Team of the Year for the 1987–88 Fourth Division.

Frank Robert Gooding (1859–1928) was a prominent Republican figure, serving as the seventh governor of Idaho and later as a U.S. Senator. Known for his leadership within the Idaho Republican Party, Gooding became a conservative icon and a powerful influencer in early 20th-century Idaho politics. He played a significant role in the construction of the Idaho State Capitol and was notably involved in the controversial trial of Western Federation of Miners leaders for the assassination of former Governor Frank Steunenberg. His abrasive personality often led to clashes within his party, notably with progressive Senator William Borah.

Born in Devon, England, Gooding emigrated to the United States with his family in 1867, settling on a farm in Michigan. The family later moved to California before Gooding established himself in Idaho, where he became a prominent sheep owner and businessman. The city and county of Gooding in Idaho are named in his honor.