Omari Hardwick
Introduction '''Omari Latif Hardwick''' (born January 9, 1974) is an American actor known for his starring role as James "Ghost" St. Patrick, the protagonist of Starz's ''Power'' and his role as Vanderohe in Zack Snyder's ''Army of the Dead'' (2021). He is also known for his roles in ''Saved'' and ''Dark Blue'', in Spike Lee's ''Miracle at St. Anna'' (2008), ''Kick-Ass'' (2010), Tyler Perry's ''For Colored Girls'' (2010) and as Andre in BET Network's ''Being Mary Jane''.
Early life and education Hardwick was born in Savannah, Georgia, the son of Joyce and Clifford Hardwick III, an attorney. Growing up in Decatur, Georgia, Hardwick wrote poetry on a regular basis, and participated in many sports. For high school he attended Marist School in Brookhaven, Georgia where he played baseball, basketball and football and attended University of Georgia on a football scholarship. Even though he was a star on the field, Hardwick continued in acting and poetry, and thus minored in theater.
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, after which he returned to acting.As a struggling actor, Hardwick did odd jobs in order to pay for acting classes. After being unsuccessful, he started living in his car, and he finally got his break in the 2004 TV movie ''Sucker Free City''. Next, he booked roles in the feature film ''The Guardian'' and a series regular role in ''Saved''. For the role, he spent two years training as a fireman and a paramedic.In 2002, Hardwick had a quick scene as an extra in Floetry's "Say Yes" music video.In 2003 and 2004, he participated award-winningly in the National Poetry Slam.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.Hardwick reading a poem, with Congresswoman Terri Sewell looking on, at The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Alabama in 2020.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''.In 2016, he was featured by a 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''.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.
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.
Filmography === Films === 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 ''Fels High'' Principal Floyd Post-production ''Fantasy Football''Bobby Coleman 2023 ''The Mother'' William Cruise  TBA ''Star Trek: Section 31''  Filming Unreleased ''The Mothership''  === Television === 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 episodesNominated – 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 episodesBlack 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 filmNominated – Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Mini-Series 2014–2020 ''Power'' James 'Ghost' St. Patrick Main castNominated – BET Award for 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 === Year Title Artist Role2000"No More"Ruff EndzStore Clerk 2002 "Say Yes" Floetry Passenger 2011 "Break My Heart" Estelle featuring Rick Ross Love interest 2012 "You Make Me Wanna" Eshe featuring Omari Hardwick Love interest 2016 "A Star is Born" Nasty C featuring Omari Hardwick Himself (cameo) 2017 "Flipmode" Fabolous, Velous and Chris Brown Himself (cameo) 2017 "Family Feud" Jay-Z featuring Beyoncé Mr. President 2018 "First Began" PJ Morton Love interest
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