Mason Gooding Bio
Mason Gooding (born November 14, 1996) is an American actor known for his work in film and television. The son of Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., he has appeared in a range of projects spanning comedy, drama, and horror genres. Gooding gained recognition with a recurring role on the HBO series Ballers (2018) and a starring turn in the teen drama Love, Victor (2020–2022). He has since built an impressive filmography that includes Booksmart (2019), Let It Snow (2019), and multiple installments of the Scream franchise. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Gooding pursued formal training at New York University Tisch School of the Arts before leaving to pursue acting full time.
Early Life and Background
Mason Gooding was born on November 14, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, to Sara Kapfer and Cuba Gooding Jr. He is the middle child among three siblings. His family has deep roots in the entertainment industry. His paternal grandfather was Cuba Gooding Sr., the former lead singer of the R&B band The Main Ingredient, and his uncle is actor Omar Gooding. His paternal great-grandfather immigrated to the United States from Barbados.
Gooding attended Windward High School in California, where he played varsity football for four years and graduated in 2015. During his high school years, his main interests were football and theater. After graduation, he initially planned to pursue acting but decided to attend college after visiting his father on a film set in New York.
He enrolled at New York University Tisch School of the Arts, where he studied dramatic writing and psychology. However, Gooding dropped out during his junior year to pursue acting full time, a decision that would set the course for his professional career.
Path to Acting
While still attending New York University, Gooding found a manager and an agent in 2017 and began booking roles. During this time, he worked as a production assistant and appeared as a featured background player on the web series Spring Street. His proximity to the entertainment industry through his father, Cuba Gooding Jr., provided early exposure to the craft and helped him navigate the early stages of his career.
Gooding booked his first major acting role in the HBO dramedy Ballers, starring alongside Dwayne Johnson. The series, which explored the lives of professional athletes, aired in 2018 and gave Gooding his first significant exposure on a high-profile television production. This role marked the beginning of his transition from aspiring actor to working professional.
Mason Gooding Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Following his role in Ballers, Gooding quickly secured additional notable projects. In 2018, he landed his first major film role in Booksmart, directed by Olivia Wilde in her directorial debut. The coming-of-age comedy received critical acclaim and introduced Gooding to a wider theatrical audience. The same year, he was cast as Andrew in Love, Victor, the television spinoff of the 2018 film Love, Simon. Originally developed for Disney+ before moving to Hulu, the series premiered in 2020 and became a significant role in his career. Notably, although Gooding had played football in high school, he had to learn how to play basketball for the role.
In 2019, Gooding continued building his filmography with an appearance in Netflix’s Christmas-themed romantic comedy Let It Snow. This project further diversified his credits and demonstrated his ability to work across different genres, from teen comedies to holiday films.
Breakthrough (2020–Present)
The year 2020 marked a significant turning point in Gooding’s career. In September 2020, he was cast as Chad Meeks-Martin in the fifth Scream film, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The movie, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, was finally released on January 14, 2022. This role introduced Gooding to the horror genre and connected him with one of the most iconic franchises in film history.
Gooding reprised his role as Chad Meeks-Martin in Scream VI, released on March 10, 2023. The continued involvement in the franchise established him as a recurring character in the series. He also appeared in the horror film Fall (2022), further expanding his work in the thriller and horror space. In 2025, Gooding starred in Heart Eyes, continuing his diverse range of projects.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Mason Gooding has demonstrated versatility across multiple genres, from comedy to horror. His roles in Ballers, Booksmart, and Love, Victor established him as a rising talent in both film and television. The Scream franchise has become a defining part of his career, with his character Chad Meeks-Martin appearing across multiple installments. His participation in the scripted podcast Electric Easy in 2021, a musical neo-noir science fiction show set in futuristic Los Angeles, showcased his willingness to explore different mediums and storytelling formats.
Mason Gooding Family
Mason Gooding comes from a prominent entertainment family. His father, Cuba Gooding Jr., is an Academy Award-winning actor best known for his role in Jerry Maguire. His mother is Sara Kapfer. His paternal grandfather, Cuba Gooding Sr., was a successful musician as the lead singer of The Main Ingredient. His uncle is actor Omar Gooding. Gooding has two siblings, making him the middle child in the family.
Personal Life
Mason Gooding was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He attended Windward High School in California, where he balanced athletics with his interest in performing arts. His decision to attend New York University Tisch School of the Arts reflected his early interest in both writing and psychology alongside his passion for acting. He ultimately chose to leave college before completing his degree to pursue acting professionally, a decision that has proven successful as he has built a solid career in Hollywood.