The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›Omar Epps
Entertainment • Actor

Omar Epps

Omar Epps is an American actor, rapper, and producer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Omar Epps is an American actor, rapper, and producer. He is best known for his television role as Dr. Eric Foreman on *House* and for film roles in *Juice*, *Higher Learning*, *Love & Basketball*, and *The Wood*. Born in New York City in 1973, he began his screen career in 1988.

Early life

Omar Hashim Epps was born in New York City on July 20, 1973. Sources identify his birthplace as either New York City generally or Brooklyn specifically.

Acting career

Epps began his screen career in 1988. He is known for a career spanning film and television, with early film attention from *Juice* and later prominence through medical dramas and crime series. His film credits include *Juice*, *Higher Learning*, *Love & Basketball*, *In Too Deep*, and *The Wood*. He played Dr. Dennis Gant on *ER* and Dr. Eric Foreman on *House* from 2004 to 2012. He also appeared in *Resurrection*, *Shooter*, and *Power Book III: Raising Kanan*.

Music and production

In addition to acting, Epps has worked as a rapper and producer. Biographical sources also identify involvement in music-related projects and production work.

Awards and recognition

He has received several industry honors, including multiple NAACP Image Awards, and has also been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Key facts

  • Epps began his screen career in 1988 and later became known for film and television roles.
  • His film credits include *Juice*, *Higher Learning*, *Love & Basketball*, *In Too Deep*, and *The Wood*.
  • He played Dr. Dennis Gant on *ER* and Dr. Eric Foreman on *House* from 2004 to 2012.
  • He also appeared in *Resurrection*, *Shooter*, and *Power Book III: Raising Kanan*.
  • He has won multiple NAACP Image Awards and has also received Screen Actors Guild recognition.
🍁
Canadian context

Omar Epps is familiar to Canadian audiences through widely distributed American film and television, especially *House* and *ER*, which have aired extensively in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Omar Epps?
Omar Epps is an American actor, rapper, and producer known for roles in film and television, especially Dr. Eric Foreman on *House*.
What is Omar Epps best known for?
He is best known for playing Dr. Eric Foreman on *House* and for films such as *Juice* and *Love & Basketball*.
When was Omar Epps born?
He was born on July 20, 1973.
Is Omar Epps married?
Yes. He is married to Keisha Spivey, with sources listing the marriage year as 2006.
How many children does Omar Epps have?
Sources list him as having three children.
What awards has Omar Epps won?
Sources say he has won multiple NAACP Image Awards and other honors, including recognition from the Screen Actors Guild and other organizations.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Epps
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupations, years active, spouse, children, television roles, and awards.
  2. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/omar-epps/bio/3030389614/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, profession, and awards/career highlights.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004898/
    Supports: Birthplace and early life background.
  4. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/omar-epps/
    Supports: Early feature-film debut and career overview.
  5. TMDb — https://www.themoviedb.org/person/4987-omar-epps?language=en-US
    Supports: Filmography, television roles, and award summary.
  6. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/film-and-television-biographies/omar-epps
    Supports: Career background, music/production work, and family details.