Omar Hashim Epps was born on July 20, 1973 in Brooklyn, New York and currently plays the role of Dr. Eric Foreman, a neurologist, on the Fox medical drama series House. For several episodes Epps portrayed Dr. Dennis Gant, a troubled surgical intern on the television drama ER. His character dies in the episode “Night Shift” after being hit by a train.

Although the police officially rule his death “accidental”, others suspect he had committed suicide, including fellow intern Dr. John Carter. He belongs to a rap group called Wolfpak which he formed with his brother in 1991. He began writing screenplays at the age of ten. Attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York, NY.

He welcomed his first child, a daughter named K’mari Mae with fiancé, Keisha Spivey, who was a member of the R&B group Total, in July 2004.

Ttrivia

Belongs to a rap group called Wolfpak that he formed with his brother in 1991.

Dated Sanaa Lathan on 2001.

Began writing screenplays at age ten.

Attended Fiorello H LaGuardia High School of Music, Art, and the Performing Arts in New York, NY.

He and actor Marlon Wayans have been friends since childhood.

Welcomed his first child with fiance Keisha Spivey in July 2004, a daughter named K’mari Mae.

Born on the same day as former White House intern Monica Lewinsky and baseball star Nomar Garciaparra.

Was a back-up dancer for Queen Latifah.

Personal Quotes

“I’m going to be the first black President of the United States. If Reagan can do it, I know I can.” - to Newsday, 1999

“I’ve been writing since I was a kid. Short stories, poetry, and all of that, and acting is just an extension of that. It just came naturally. So it’s coming full circle.”

“People don’t want to pay 8 or 9 dollars to go see a problem that they have in their life, on screen. They pay to get away from that. That’s why they watch soap operas.”

“The only limitations that I can have are the ones that I set on myself.”

“The whole Black Hollywood thing doesn’t exist for me anymore. Once someone says that to themselves, they subject themselves to those rules.”

“Before ER a lot of people knew my name and some people knew my face. I saw big difference after ER, like, wow, I didn’t know television was that powerful.”

Filmography

A Day in the Life (2006/I) (in production)
“House M.D.” - Dr. Eric Foreman (2004-2007)
Alfie (2004) - Marlon
Def Jam Fight for NY (2004) (VG) (voice) - O.E
Against the Ropes (2004) - Luther Shaw
Conviction (2002) (TV) - Carl Upchurch
Big Trouble (2002) - FBI Agent Alan Seitz
MTV 20: Jams (2001) (V) - (segment “Sentimental”)
Perfume (2001) - J.B.
Dracula 2000 (2000) - Marcus
Brother (2000) - Denny
Love & Basketball (2000) - Quincy McCall
In Too Deep (1999) - Jeff Cole/J. Reid
The Wood (1999) - Mike
The Mod Squad (1999) - Lincoln Hayes
Breakfast of Champions (1999) - Wayne Hoobler
Blossoms and Veils (1998) - Thee
Scream 2 (1997) - Phil Stevens
First Time Felon (1997) (TV) - Greg Yance
“ER” - Dr. Dennis Gant (1996-1997)
Deadly Voyage (1996) (TV) - Kingsley Ofusu
Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996) - Malik
Higher Learning (1995) - Malik Williams
Major League II (1994) - Willie Mays Hayes
The Program (1993) - Darnell Jefferson
Daybreak (1993) (TV) - Hunter
“Street Justice” - Clint (1993)
“Here and Now” (1992)
Juice (1992) - Q
The Green Flash (1989) - Charlie

Awards

Black Reel Awards
2001 - Nominated - Best Actor for: Love & Basketball (2000)

Image Awards
2007 - Nominated - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for: “House M.D.” (2004)
2006 - Nominated - Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for: “House M.D.” (2004)
2005 - Nominated - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for: “House M.D.” (2004)
2003 - Nominated - Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special for: Conviction (2002) (TV)
2001 - Nominated - Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for: Love & Basketball (2000)

MTV Movie Awards
2001 - Nominated - Best Male Performance for: Love & Basketball (2000)

Teen Choice Awards
2000 - Nominated - Film Choice Actor for: Love & Basketball (2000) and
Film - Choice Chemistry for: Love & Basketball (2000) (shared with: Sanaa Lathan)

FAN MAIL ADDRESS

Omar Epps
“House, M.D.”
Heel and Toe Films
10201 West Pico Boulevard
Bldg 89, Rm 230
Los Angeles, CA 90035
USA