Omari Latif Hardwick(born January 9, 1974) is an American actor known for his starring role as James St. Patrick / Ghost, the protagonist ofStarz'sPowerand his role as Vanderohe inZack Snyder'sArmy of the Dead(2021). He is also known for his roles inSavedandDark Blue,inSpike Lee'sMiracle at St. Anna(2008),Kick-Ass(2010),Tyler Perry'sFor Colored Girls(2010)[2]and as Andre inBETNetwork'sBeing Mary Jane.
Omari Hardwick | |
|---|---|
 Hardwick interviewed aboutPowerin 2015 | |
| Born | Omari Latif Hardwick[1] January 9, 1974(age50) Decatur, Georgia,U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Georgia |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Spouse |
Jennifer Pfautch (m.2012) |
| Children | 3 |
Early life and education
editHardwick was born in Savannah, Georgia, the son of Joyce and Clifford Hardwick III, an attorney.[3]He is one of four siblings. Growing up inDecatur, Georgia,Hardwick wrote poetry on a regular basis, and participated in many sports.[4]In high school, he attendedMarist Schoolin Brookhaven, Georgia, where he played baseball, basketball and football. He later enrolled at theUniversity of Georgiaon a football scholarship.[5]Hardwick continued acting and writing poetry, minoring in theater. In 1996, he pledged and became a member of the Zeta Pi chapter ofAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.[6]
Career
editAfter graduation, Hardwick initially pursued a career in football, hoping to join theSan Diego Chargers.He declared himself for the NFL Draft, where he was not selected, and eventually returned to acting.[6]
As a struggling actor, Hardwick did odd jobs in order to pay for acting classes and started living in his car.[7]In 2002, Hardwick was an extra inFloetry's "Say Yes" music video.[6]From 2003 to 2004, he participated in theNational Poetry Slamcompetition, placing top 5 overall.[8]Hardwick finally got his break in the 2004 TV movieSucker Free City.[7]In 2006, he booked a role in the feature filmThe Guardianand appeared as a series regular in the TV showSaved,which required he spend two years training as a fireman and a paramedic.[6][8]
In 2010, Hardwick became a founding member of "Plan B Inc. Theater Group", and a co-founder of "Actor's Lounge" at theLos AngelesGreenway Theater. He also founded production company "Bravelife Films".[8][9][10]Hardwick was also featured in the urban lifestyle publication, Prominence Magazine for its Holiday issue.
In 2011, Hardwick received his best film reviews to date for his role as "Troy" in the critically acclaimed indie hitI Will Follow.[11]Hardwick has guest starred on an episode of NBC'sChaseas Chris Novak, a hard luck criminal facing prison.[12]
In 2013, Hardwick was cast in the lead role of James "Ghost" St. Patrick on theStarzcrimedrama-thriller,Power.[13]The series ran for six seasons.
In 2016, he was featured by South African rapperNasty Con a song titled "A Star Is Born".[14]
Hardwick co-starred in thescience fictioncomedy filmSorry to Bother You,[15]which was released in theaters on July 6, 2018.[16]
In July 2019, Hardwick was cast inZack Snyder'sNetflixfilmArmy of the Dead.[17]
In January 2021, it was announced that Hardwick was cast as Gordon Oliver inNetflix's thriller seriesPieces of Her,which is adapted from theKarin Slaughternovel of the same name.[18]
In April 2022, it was announced that Hardwick would star alongsideMarsai MartinandKelly Rowlandin theParamount+filmFantasy Football,released on November 25.[19][20]
Personal life
editHardwick began a relationship with Jennifer "Jae" Pfautch in the 2000s.[citation needed]Pfautch, who is of Native American and German descent, was disowned by her family in the aftermath for dating outside of her race.[21]In 2008, the couple's first child wasstillborn.Hardwick and Pfautch married in June 2012 and have two children, daughter Nova and son Brave.[22]Hardwick isCatholic.[23]
Filmography
editFilms
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Circles | Lameck | |
| 2004 | Within the Wall | Saul | Short film |
| The Male Groupie | 'Act Shun' | Short film | |
| 2005 | Beauty Shop | Byron | |
| 2006 | Speechless | Ku James | |
| Gridiron Gang | 'Free' | ||
| The Guardian | Carl Billings | ||
| 2008 | Miracle at St. Anna | Platoon Commander Huggs | |
| Linewatch | Drake / Kimo | ||
| 2009 | Next Day Air | Shavoo | |
| 2010 | Everyday Black Man | Malik | |
| Kick-Ass | Sergeant Marcus Williams | ||
| The A-Team | Jay 'Chopshop Jay' | ||
| For Colored Girls | Carl Bradmore | Nominated –Black Reel Award for Best Breakthrough Performance | |
| I Will Follow | Troy | ||
| 2012 | Sparkle | Levi | |
| Middle of Nowhere | Derek | ||
| 2013 | Kings & Beggars | Noah | Short film; also writer |
| Lu | Dr. Harden | Short film | |
| Things Never Said | Curtis Jackson | ||
| The Last Letter | Michael Wright | ||
| 2014 | Reach Me | Dominic | |
| Lap Dance | Dr. Don Cook | ||
| 2015 | Chapter & Verse | Jomo | |
| 2017 | Shot Caller | Ed Kutcher, Parole Officer | |
| The Runner | Rick Roslin | ||
| 2018 | Sorry to Bother You | Mr. _______ | |
| A Boy. A Girl. A Dream. | Cass | Also executive producer | |
| Sgt. Will Gardner | Samuel 'Top' Gallegos | ||
| Nobody's Fool | Frank Johnson | ||
| 2019 | American Skin | Omar Scott | |
| 2020 | Spell | Marquis | |
| 2021 | Army of the Dead | Vanderohe | |
| 2022 | Fantasy Football | Bobby Coleman | |
| 2023 | To Live and Die and Live | Kevin | |
| The Mother | William Cruise | ||
| Phels High | Principal Floyd | [24] | |
| TBA | Star Trek: Section 31 | TBA | Post-production |
| Unreleased | The Mothership | TBA |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Sucker Free City | Dante Ponce | Television film |
| 2005 | Crossing Jordan | Ronald Pasco | Episode: "Judgement Day" |
| 2006 | Saved | John 'Sack' Hallon | Main cast; 13 episodes |
| 2008 | CSI: Miami | Eddie Dashell | Episode: "And How Does That Make You Kill?" |
| SIS | Donovan Rivers | Television film | |
| 2009–2010 | Dark Blue | Ty Curtis | Main cast; 20 episodes Nominated – NAMIC Vision Award Best Performance, Drama(2011) |
| 2009 | Lie to Me | Benny 'B' Davis | Episode: "The Better Half" |
| 2010 | Chase | Chris Novak | Episode: "Betrayed" |
| 2012 | Breakout Kings | Ronnie Markham | Episode: "Self Help" |
| 2013–2014 | Being Mary Jane | Andre Daniels | Main cast; 8 episodes Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Mini-Series(2014) Nominated –Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special(2014) Nominated –Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series(2015) |
| 2013 | A Christmas Blessing | Earl James | Television film Nominated –Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Mini-Series |
| 2014–2020 | Power | James 'Ghost' St. Patrick | Main cast Nominated –BET Awardfor Best Actor(2017)(seasons 1—6) |
| 2021 | That Damn Michael Che | Himself | Episode: "Sex Worker" |
| 2022 | Pieces of Her | Gordon Oliver | Main cast |
| TBA | Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas | Vanderohe | Main cast |
Music videos
edit| Year | Title | Artist | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | "No More" | Ruff Endz | Store Clerk |
| 2002 | "Say Yes" | Floetry | Passenger |
| 2011 | "Break My Heart" | EstellefeaturingRick Ross | Love interest |
| 2012 | "You Make Me Wanna" | Eshe featuring Omari Hardwick | Love interest |
| 2016 | "A Star is Born" | Nasty Cfeaturing Omari Hardwick | Himself (cameo) |
| 2017 | "Flipmode" | Fabolous,VelousandChris Brown | Himself (cameo) |
| 2017 | "Family Feud" | Jay-ZfeaturingBeyoncé | Mr. President |
| 2018 | "First Began" | PJ Morton | Love interest |
Discography
editSingles
edit| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Bloodshed"
(with Josiah Bell) |
2017 | Non-album singles |
| "50+O=500"
(with50 CentandDavid Rush) |
2018 | |
| "Some Kinda Way" | 2018 | |
| "hOme"
(withAnthony Hamilton) |
2019 | |
| "Destiny"
(withMarsha AmbrosiusandKeyon Harrold) |
2024 | |
| "The Greatest"
(withTank) |
2024 | |
| "DMX"
(withGoapele) |
2024 |
References
edit- ^The Highly Anticipated Drama _power_ Returns Starring Omari Hardwick
- ^"Omari Hardwick's Breakout Role? For Colored Girls, Dark Blue, Hip Hop, Poetry and More! Exclusive Interview!".UrbLife.October 28, 2010.
- ^Cornelius, Ray (October 15, 2020)."Omari Hardwick talks TV, film, and more for last episode of 'Uncensored' (VIDEO)".Jazz 91.9WCLK.RetrievedNovember 9,2021.
- ^"Exclusive: Omari Hardwick Raw (Career Evolution, Transition, Testimony Of Faith In Hollywood, 'Kick-Ass 2,' More)".IndieWire.August 27, 2012.RetrievedJuly 23,2018.
- ^Racha Penrice, Ronda (June 13, 2017)."Omari Hardwick shares his Hollywood 'power' in his hometown".The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.RetrievedNovember 9,2021.
- ^abcd"Omari Hardwick & Other Members of Alpha Phi Alpha".Clutch Points. December 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 21,2024.
- ^ab"Omari Hardwick Opens Up About Living In His Car And The Pivotal Moments That Molded Him Into A Hollywood Star".brobible.May 20, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 26,2022.
- ^abc"Omari Hardwick Biography".TVGuide.RetrievedFebruary 26,2018.
- ^( etechatlanta ), eTech Atlanta,Inc."Bravelife Films".bravelifefilms.RetrievedFebruary 26,2018.
{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^"Lexus Verses and Flow".Lexus Verses and Flow.RetrievedFebruary 26,2018.
- ^"I Will Follow: Film Review".hollywoodreporter. March 10, 2011.RetrievedOctober 2,2011.
- ^"Exclusive: Omari Hardwick Joins the Chase".TVGuide.RetrievedOctober 22,2010.
- ^Kenneally, Tim (August 21, 2013)."'A-Team' Star Omari Hardwick Cast in Starz's 'Power' Drama From 50 Cent ".The Wrap.RetrievedMay 19,2018.
- ^"Nasty C: A Star is Born Lyrics".
- ^N'Duka, Amanda (June 27, 2017)."'Power' Star Omari Hardwick & Terry Crews Join Boots Riley's 'Sorry To Bother You'".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedMay 19,2018.
- ^Blistein, Jon (May 17, 2018)."Watch Lakeith Stanfield Make Millions With 'White Voice' in Wild 'Sorry to Bother You' Trailer".Rolling Stone.RetrievedMay 19,2018.
- ^Galuppo, Mia (July 15, 2019)."Zack Snyder's 'Army of the Dead' Rounds Out Cast with Omari Hardwick, Chris D'Elia".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedOctober 1,2020.
- ^Otterson, Joe (January 28, 2021)."Omari Hardwick, Jessica Barden, Joe Dempsie Among Five Cast in Netflix Series 'Pieces of Her'".Variety.RetrievedFebruary 9,2021.
- ^"'Fantasy Football': Omari Hardwick, Kelly Rowland & Rome Flynn Board Sports Comedy From Nickelodeon And Awesomeness Films ".Deadline.April 19, 2022.
- ^"Fantasy Football movie starring Omari Hardwick, Kelly Rowland hits Paramount+ Nov. 25".CBS Sports.November 15, 2022.
- ^"Omari Hardwick Son Death – NewSwirl".April 19, 2017.RetrievedApril 19,2017.
- ^"Omari Hardwick slams fan who criticized him for having a white wife".The Grio.July 10, 2017.RetrievedJuly 23,2018.
- ^"In-snyc stars strengthen 'Power'".The Blade.RetrievedNovember 9,2024.
- ^Bosselman, Haley (October 27, 2021)."TJ Atoms Talks Music, Fashion and Being Part of Wu-Tang Clan's Legacy".LA Confidential Magazine.RetrievedNovember 1,2021.
External links
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