- With Faith in God, I Returned to Acting
Cuba Gooding Jr. (56) seems to be back on track, with his faith guiding him once again. As reported by the US celebrity news outlet "Page Six", the Oscar-winning actor, who has made headlines in recent years due to scandals, is set to star in a new Christian film titled "The Firing Squad". The film is based on a true story about three American prisoners who find their faith in Christ while awaiting their execution in an Indonesian prison. Alongside Gooding Jr., the cast includes Kevin Sorbo (65) and newcomer James Barrington.
According to the report, Gooding Jr. hosted a private screening of his new film in the Hamptons. "People were crying," a attendee told "Page Six". In one scene, the "Jerry Maguire" star delivers a rendition of the spiritual song "Amazing Grace". Gooding Jr.'s girlfriend, Claudine De Niro - the ex-wife of Robert De Niro's son Raphael De Niro (47) - was among the guests at the private screening.
Faith Helps Him After Scandals
Insiders report that Cuba Gooding Jr. is now focusing on his work again after facing allegations of sexual misconduct in recent years. In early August, he appeared on the TV show "Extra" and spoke about the importance of his Christian faith in an interview. Addressing critics who might accuse him of using his faith to improve his image, he said, "There's an old saying. You can't please all the people all the time. But people who want to celebrate the arts - that's my job, that's my only life's purpose."
In June 2023, it was revealed that Cuba Gooding Jr. had reached an out-of-court settlement with the woman who had accused him of rape. She had alleged that he lured her to his hotel room in 2013 and forced her to have sex. However, his lawyers maintained that the sexual encounter was consensual.
In the spring of 2022, Gooding Jr. pleaded guilty to kissing a waitress in a nightclub without her consent and groping two other women. After completing an alcohol and behavioral therapy program, the case was closed without jail time.
The actor rose to fame in the 1990s for his role in "Jerry Maguire", for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Cuba Gooding Jr. chose the idyllic setting of the Hamptons for a private screening of his new Christian film, attracting tears from attendees. The Hamptons, known for its stunning coastal homes and high-end lifestyle, offered a serene backdrop for the emotional event.
