Cuba Gooding Sr. Biography

Cuba Gooding Sr. And Shirley Gooding Married Twice

Cuba Gooding Sr married twice to the same girl Shirley Gooding in his life. The pair met in 1964 while she was performing for Jackie Wilson's Show 'Mr. Excitement'. The romance blossomed between them, and the lovebirds decided to share vows in 1966.

Cuba Gooding Sr. with her wife Shirley Gooding and son Omar Gooding. SOURCE: Getty Images

Sadly, the two got divorced in the year 1974. The financial problems between the parties were reportedly the cause of their split.

Surprisingly, Cuba Gooding and Shirley Gooding; rekindled their romance and thought to give their marriage a second chance. The lovely couple then got hitched once again on April 16, 1995.

What's The Cause of Cuba Gooding Sr. Death?

Cuba and Shirley were blessed with their marriage, but death took him away from Shirley on April 20, 2017. After the funeral, his resting place was Trinity Church cemetery. The Soul Singer died just one week before his 73rd birthday.

The Soul singer Cuba Gooding Sr was found dead in his car. SOURCE: Sun News

The police discovered Cuba's dead body with an alcohol container and drug paraphernalia inside his car in Woodland Hills, California. His death was reportedly assumed to be from a drug overdose and alcohol consumptions.

Who Are The Children Of Cuba Gooding Sr.?

Cuba Gooding Sr shared the eldest daughter April Gooding with Shirley, born in 1967. She is a versatile actress who the audience's heart with her performance in the movies such as 'Inappropriate Comedy' and 'Life of a King.'

Cuba Gooding Sr celebrates with his son Cuba Gooding Jr. during the star ceremony. SOURCE: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Cuba's second son Cuba Gooding Jr. is an Oscar-winning star who walked down the aisle with his high school sweetheart Sara Kapfer in 1994.

After two long decades of marriage, the two paved their way in 2014 when Sara filed for a divorce from her husband. Sara claimed that Cuba Jr was abusive and cheated on her with other women.

Shirley Gooding with her daughter April Gooding and son Omar Gooding. SOURCE: Getty Images

Cuba Sr.'s youngest son, Omar Gooding, arrived in this world in 1976. Omar is an American rapper who works with a stage name Big O. As a comedian, the guy appeared in the 90s sitcom 'Hanging with Mr. Cooper.'

The third son of Cuba, Tommy Gooding, followed his parent's footsteps and worked as the musical director of his father's touring band, becoming a musician.

Cuba Gooding Sr. - Career Highlights & Net Worth 

Cuba Cooling Sr was the lead vocalist of the R&B trio 'The Main Ingredients.' The other band members include Luther Simmons Jr, Tony Sylvester and Donald McPherson, who were all childhood friends.

Here's the video of The Main Ingredient playing Everybody Plays The Fool in 2013.

Well, Cuba helped out with backing vocals and became the lead singer following the death of Donald McPherson due to leukemia in 1971. Their hits songs are Just Don't Want To Be Lonely, and Everybody plays the Fool'.

The estimated net worth of Cuba Gooding, Sr at his death was $43 million. Cuba is survived by Shirley Goodin's spouse, four well-grown children and grandchildren. 

Quick Facts: Cuba Gooding Sr.

• Shirley Gooding was born in Harlem, New York.
• Born to his father, Dudley MacDonald Gooding and his mother, Addie Alston.
• He belongs to African American ancestry.
• His grandchildren are Mason Gooding, Piper Gooding, Bradley Gooding and Spencer Gooding.
• His son Cuba Gooding Jr received Oscar-award for supporting role in Jerry Maguire.'

Stay tuned to Married Wiki for more biographies of favorite celebrities.