Omari Hardwick

Early life and education

Hardwick was born in Savannah, Georgia, the son of Joyce and Clifford Hardwick III, an attorney. He is one of four siblings. Growing up in Decatur, Georgia, Hardwick wrote poetry on a regular basis, and participated in many sports. In high school, he attended Marist School in Brookhaven, Georgia, where he played baseball, basketball and football. He later enrolled at the University of Georgia on a football scholarship. Hardwick continued acting and writing poetry, minoring in theater. In 1996, he pledged and became a member of the Zeta Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Career

After graduation, Hardwick initially pursued a career in football, hoping to join the San Diego Chargers. He declared himself for the NFL Draft, where he was not selected, and eventually returned to acting.

As a struggling actor, Hardwick did odd jobs in order to pay for acting classes and started living in his car. In 2002, Hardwick was an extra in Floetry's "Say Yes" music video. From 2003 to 2004, he participated in the National Poetry Slam competition, placing top 5 overall. Hardwick finally got his break in the 2004 TV movie Sucker Free City. In 2006, he booked a role in the feature film The Guardian and appeared as a series regular in the TV show Saved, which required he spend two years training as a fireman and a paramedic.

In 2010, Hardwick became a founding member of "Plan B Inc. Theater Group", and a co-founder of "Actor's Lounge" at the Los Angeles Greenway Theater. He also founded production company "Bravelife Films". 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 hit I Will Follow. Hardwick has guest starred on an episode of NBC's Chase as Chris Novak, a hard luck criminal facing prison.

In 2013, Hardwick was cast in the lead role of James "Ghost" St. Patrick on the Starz crime drama-thriller, Power. The series ran for six seasons.

In 2016, he was featured by South African rapper Nasty C on a song titled "A Star Is Born".

Hardwick co-starred in the science fiction comedy film Sorry to Bother You, which was released in theaters on July 6, 2018.

In July 2019, Hardwick was cast in Zack Snyder's Netflix film Army of the Dead. An animated series titled Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas commenced production but was shelved by 2023.

In January 2021, it was announced that Hardwick was cast as Gordon Oliver in Netflix's thriller series Pieces of Her, which is adapted from the Karin Slaughter novel of the same name.

In April 2022, it was announced that Hardwick would star alongside Marsai Martin and Kelly Rowland in the Paramount+ film Fantasy Football, released on November 25.{{Cite web|title=Fantasy Football movie starring Omari Hardwick, Kelly Rowland hits Paramount+ Nov. 25

Personal life

Hardwick began a relationship with Jennifer "Jae" Pfautch in the 2000s. Pfautch, who is of Native American and German descent, was disowned by her family in the aftermath for dating outside of her race. In 2008, the couple's first child was stillborn. Hardwick and Pfautch married in June 2012 and have two children, daughter Nova and son Brave. Hardwick is Catholic.

Filmography

Films

Television

Music videos

Discography

Singles

References

References

1. "The Highly Anticipated Drama power Returns Starring Omari Hardwick".
2. (October 28, 2010). "Omari Hardwick's Breakout Role? For Colored Girls, Dark Blue, Hip Hop, Poetry and More! Exclusive Interview!". UrbLife.com.
3. Monroe, Jazz. (2024-11-08). "Grammy Nominations 2025: See the Full List Here".
4. "{{!}} Artist {{!}} GRAMMY.com".
5. Cornelius, Ray. (October 15, 2020). "Omari Hardwick talks TV, film, and more for last episode of 'Uncensored' (VIDEO)". Jazz 91.9 [[WCLK]].
6. (August 27, 2012). "Exclusive: Omari Hardwick Raw (Career Evolution, Transition, Testimony Of Faith In Hollywood, 'Kick-Ass 2,' More)". [[IndieWire]].
7. Racha Penrice, Ronda. (June 13, 2017). "Omari Hardwick shares his Hollywood 'power' in his hometown". [[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]].
8. (December 4, 2023). "Omari Hardwick & Other Members of Alpha Phi Alpha". Clutch Points.
9. (May 20, 2021). "Omari Hardwick Opens Up About Living In His Car And The Pivotal Moments That Molded Him Into A Hollywood Star".
10. "Omari Hardwick Biography".
11. (www.etechatlanta.com), eTech Atlanta,Inc. "Bravelife Films".
12. "Lexus Verses and Flow".
13. (March 10, 2011). "I Will Follow: Film Review". hollywoodreporter.com.
14. "Exclusive: Omari Hardwick Joins the Chase". TVGuide.com.
15. Kenneally, Tim. (August 21, 2013). "'A-Team' Star Omari Hardwick Cast in Starz's 'Power' Drama From 50 Cent". The Wrap.
16. "Nasty C: A Star is Born Lyrics".
17. N'Duka, Amanda. (June 27, 2017). "'Power' Star Omari Hardwick & Terry Crews Join Boots Riley's 'Sorry To Bother You'".
18. Blistein, Jon. (May 17, 2018). "Watch Lakeith Stanfield Make Millions With 'White Voice' in Wild 'Sorry to Bother You' Trailer".
19. Galuppo, Mia. (July 15, 2019). "Zack Snyder's 'Army of the Dead' Rounds Out Cast with Omari Hardwick, Chris D'Elia".
20. (2023-11-06). "Zack Snyder confirms Rebel Moon and Army Of The Dead share a universe".
21. Otterson, Joe. (January 28, 2021). "Omari Hardwick, Jessica Barden, Joe Dempsie Among Five Cast in Netflix Series 'Pieces of Her'". Variety.
22. (April 19, 2022). "'Fantasy Football': Omari Hardwick, Kelly Rowland & Rome Flynn Board Sports Comedy From Nickelodeon And Awesomeness Films".
23. (April 19, 2017). "Omari Hardwick Son Death – NewSwirl".
24. (July 10, 2017). "Omari Hardwick slams fan who criticized him for having a white wife". [[The Grio]].
25. "In-snyc stars strengthen 'Power'".
26. Stedman, Alex. (2024-01-24). "Netflix Scraps Halle Berry Sci-Fi Film The Mothership, Despite Completing Filming".
27. Gittins, Susan. (January 24, 2025). "Prime's THE GREATEST With Jaalen Best as Muhammad Ali Filming in Toronto This Spring".