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Omari Hardwick – Biography, Career, and Life Story

Henry Oliver Davies Harrison • 2026-09-13 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett




Omari Hardwick: Biography, Career, and Personal Life

Who Is Omari Hardwick?

Omari Hardwick is an American actor, poet, musician, and producer widely recognized for his portrayal of James “Ghost” St. Patrick in the Starz crime drama Power. His screen career spans film, television, and streaming projects, with credits including Kick-Ass, For Colored Girls, Army of the Dead, and Sorry to Bother You.

Born on January 9, 1974, Hardwick’s birthplace is listed as either Savannah or Atlanta, Georgia, depending on the source. Multiple biographies agree that he grew up in Decatur, Georgia. His full name is Omari Latif Hardwick.

Omari Hardwick’s Early Life and Education

Hardwick attended the University of Georgia on a football scholarship. Several biographies note that he initially pursued football before shifting his focus entirely to acting after his athletic path did not work out as planned. One source adds that he later studied acting in New York and moved to Los Angeles in 2000.

On his official website, Hardwick describes himself as an artist, poet, and activist, a self-characterization that aligns with his later work in spoken-word poetry and socially conscious projects.

Omari Hardwick’s Career Journey

Early Roles and Breakthrough

Hardwick began building his screen career in the early 2000s. Sources note an early debut in Bar-B-Q (2000) and a first major role in Spike Lee’s Sucker Free City. His feature film debut is cited as Circles, according to Essence.

During this period, he appeared in a range of projects, including Saved, Dark Blue, Miracle at St. Anna, The A-Team, Kick-Ass, For Colored Girls, Sparkle, Middle of Nowhere, I Will Follow, and Being Mary Jane.

Career Note

Hardwick’s early filmography shows a deliberate mix of independent dramas and mainstream studio productions. His collaboration with Spike Lee on Sucker Free City and later with Tyler Perry on For Colored Girls signaled his range as a performer comfortable in both auteur-driven and commercial settings.

Omari Hardwick as Ghost in Power

Hardwick’s breakthrough came with Power, where he starred for six seasons as James “Ghost” St. Patrick. The role transformed his career and made him a household name. His official site states that he won NAACP Image Awards for leading actor in a drama series in 2018, 2019, and 2020 for this role.

The character of Ghost symbolizes a pivot from conventional TV to auteur-driven cable storytelling. A nightclub owner and drug kingpin navigating dual identities, Ghost became one of the most discussed characters in prestige crime drama.

Performance Insight

The role demanded a balance of charisma, vulnerability, and menace. Critics and audiences alike pointed to Hardwick’s physical presence and emotional range as central to the show’s success across its six-season run.

Producing, Writing, and Poetry

Beyond acting, Hardwick has worked as a producer and writer. His official biography says he started BRAVELIFE PRODUCTION℠ in 2006. He has also released spoken-word poetry albums, with Wikipedia noting Grammy nominations for Concrete & Whiskey Act II Part 1: A Bourbon 30 Series and Pages.

Recent Work: 2020 to Present

Following Power, Hardwick expanded into high-profile streaming and film projects. He appeared in Sorry to Bother You (2018) and Army of the Dead (2021), both of which introduced him to broader audiences. He has also hosted the podcast Poetics, continuing his engagement with spoken word and creative conversation.

Omari Hardwick Filmography Highlights

The following titles are the most consistently cited across available sources:

  • Bar-B-Q (2000)
  • Circles (feature debut noted by Essence)
  • Sucker Free City (2004)
  • Saved (2006)
  • Dark Blue (sources vary on title; commonly cited as Dark Blue)
  • Miracle at St. Anna (2008)
  • For Colored Girls (2010)
  • The A-Team (2010)
  • Kick-Ass (2010)
  • Being Mary Jane (2013–)
  • Power (2014–2020)
  • Sorry to Bother You (2018)
  • Army of the Dead (2021)

Omari Hardwick’s Personal Life

Hardwick is married, and multiple sources confirm he has two children. His daughter’s name is mentioned in some profiles, though sources differ on formatting and specific details. IMDb and Wikipedia differ slightly on child-count formatting, but the biographical material consistently mentions two children.

Omari Hardwick’s Age, Height, and Ethnicity

Born in 1974, Hardwick is in his early fifties as of 2025. His height is frequently cited in entertainment databases, though the provided research does not include a confirmed figure. Regarding ethnicity, sources identify him as African American, with his Georgia upbringing central to his identity.

Omari Hardwick’s Net Worth

The provided search results do not include a reliable, sourced net worth figure. Estimates vary widely across entertainment-wealth databases, and these sources often differ in methodology. Without a confirmed figure from Hardwick or his representatives, any specific number should be treated as an estimate only.

Data Caution

Net worth figures for public figures are often speculative and change frequently. Only figures publicly disclosed by the individual or confirmed by reputable financial reporting should be treated as authoritative.

Omari Hardwick’s Wife and Family

Hardwick is married, but specific details about his wife and their relationship can be found in recent reputable interviews. The provided research confirms he has two children, though the sources do not consistently name them.

Omari Hardwick’s Awards and Recognition

His official site reports NAACP Image Awards for leading actor in a drama series in 2018, 2019, and 2020 for Power. Additionally, Wikipedia notes Grammy nominations for his spoken-word poetry albums.

“He is widely recognized for his role as James ‘Ghost’ St. Patrick in Power.”

Omari Hardwick’s Sources and Further Reading

For verified information, the following sources provide detailed profiles:

Omari Hardwick Quick Facts

Attribute Details
Full Name Omari Latif Hardwick
Date of Birth January 9, 1974
Birthplace Savannah or Atlanta, Georgia (sources vary)
Grew Up In Decatur, Georgia
Education University of Georgia (football scholarship)
Famous Role James “Ghost” St. Patrick in Power
Notable Awards NAACP Image Awards (2018, 2019, 2020)
Other Roles Poet, musician, producer, podcast host
Family Married with two children

Frequently Asked Questions About Omari Hardwick

What is Omari Hardwick’s most famous role?

He is best known for playing James “Ghost” St. Patrick in the Starz series Power.

Where is Omari Hardwick from?

He was born in Georgia, with sources listing either Savannah or Atlanta. He grew up in Decatur, Georgia.

What movies and TV shows has Omari Hardwick been in?

His credits include Kick-Ass, For Colored Girls, Army of the Dead, Sorry to Bother You, Miracle at St. Anna, Being Mary Jane, and Power.

What awards has Omari Hardwick won?

He won NAACP Image Awards for leading actor in a drama series in 2018, 2019, and 2020 for Power.

Is Omari Hardwick married?

Yes, he is married and has two children, according to multiple biographical sources.

What is Omari Hardwick’s net worth?

No reliable, sourced figure is available in the provided research. Published estimates vary widely and should be treated as speculative.

What is Omari Hardwick’s real name?

His full name is Omari Latif Hardwick.

Did Omari Hardwick play football?

He attended the University of Georgia on a football scholarship but later shifted to acting after his athletic path did not work out.

What poetry work has Omari Hardwick released?

He has released spoken-word poetry albums, with Grammy nominations for Concrete & Whiskey Act II Part 1 and Pages.


Henry Oliver Davies Harrison

About the author

Henry Oliver Davies Harrison

Henry Oliver Davies Harrison is Editor-in-Chief and a writer at PressOrbit, covering UK news, business and public affairs. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process, from research through to final approval, so that each article is accurate, clearly attributed and useful to readers.