“Smart Guy” star Omar Gooding made headlines over the weekend when he shared a shocking life update with his fans and followers on social media. Gooding, most known for shows like “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper” and “Family Time,” has been working in Hollywood for decades. His comedic and acting chops have helped him land roles in other major projects over the years, including “Baby Boy,” “The Gospel,” “Saturdays” and more.
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But while he’s kept a low profile lately, that all changed after he posted a video on Instagram from a hospital bed over the weekend. In the caption, he revealed he was in a “bad accident” and that despite not completely breaking his neck, he suffered a “hangman’s fracture.” Gooding also shared that his injuries happened while he was asleep in the back seat on the way to the airport and that his doctors expect a full recovery to take three months.
“Alright, alright. There will not be a clone of me, I’m good,” Gooding began. “No surgery needed, thank Jesus. I’mma start doing seatbelt commercials. Everybody wanna send me something, send me them seat commercial ads because I sure wouldn’t be here without ’em.”
Gooding later posted another video explaining that while he’s upbeat about his current situation, he didn’t want it to fool anybody. He made it abundantly clear that he was “f*cked up.”
“I’m in a lot of pain, so stop calling me! Thank you all, I love you all. But don’t see this message or hear about this sh*t and start calling me,” Gooding said. “It hurts to talk, it hurts to laugh. I’m holding this phone still, this is my [limited] movements right now…STOP CALLING MY PHONE!”
He went on to call out his friends who didn’t take the time to read his request to give him the time and space to heal.
Gooding continued in part: “Y’all don’t read texts so y’all aint getting the part where I said ‘I’m letting y’all know this so you don’t call me or text me. Wait three months and then call me. Trust me, when I say ‘damn I didn’t hear from you.’ Just say ‘nigga you said not to call you.”
Additionally, the actor shared that he’d keep his fans updated on his comedy tour dates and will be back “in time for the summer.”
In the comments, many of his acting peers and fans wished him a speedy recovery.
“My family and I will continue to lift you up in prayer, O.G…We are all over here praying that you have a full and speedy recovery. Love you brother,” wrote his “Smart Guy” costar Jason Weaver on Instagram.
“Damn! Glad you good bro! Get well soon,” said another user.
One other person wrote, “Bruh waking up to an accident! That’s terrible bro! Prayer for a speedy recovery!”
Added another in part, “Please get well soon, you and the brothers are great role models, and everything y’all do have a glorious, divine, light.”
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