Born "Omari Latif Hardwick," he grew up in Decatur, Georgia. Hardwick's parents gave him a name to set a precedent, "Omari" meaning "most high," and "Latif" meaning "gentle." He shares, "I in no way believe that I am the highest or most high, but I feel like my name gives me something to strive for." Growing up, sports were Hardwick's world, but early on he knew he had a passion for the arts. By the age of 14, Hardwick was writing poetry on a regular basis, a passion he would carry with him into adulthood. In high school, he excelled at basketball, baseball, and football, and went on to play football at the University of Georgia. Although a star on the field, Hardwick never gave up his passion for acting, and minored in theatre in college. He shares, "I hugely attribute sports to my success in entertainment business. Being on the field taught me dedication and discipline - I already came from a strict household when I was growing up, sports just took that to another level. Whenever I approach a set, I always feel as though the cast, crew, director, are all part of a team. I have always married athletics and art, two huge parts of my life." After graduation, Hardwick relocated to San Diego for a spot on the San Diego Chargers . Season 1 aired throughout 2009. In addition to acting, Hardwick is a founding member of Plan B Inc. Theater Group, and a co-founder of Los Angeles Actor's Lounge. He has big plans for his production company, Bravelife, in 2010 as well, and plans on expanding the company. Hardwick also continues to work on his poetry, and has written over 4,000 poems.
After winning a state football title at Marist in Atlanta, Georgia, Omari was a starting defensive back in college for the Furman Purple Paladins (1993-1994) before transferring and playing the same position for the University of Georgia Bulldogs (1995-1996). He is an accomplished poet and has finished in the top five of the US national Poetry Slam competition in 2003 and 2004. Co-founded the "Actors Lounge" at Los Angeles Greenway Theater where young actors perform dramatic sketches for audiences, directors and producers. Coached and mentored Denzel Washingtons son, John David Washington as a football player at Campbell Hall in Beverly Hills, California before he went on to become a standout at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Started out as an extra on sitcoms such as "In the House" and "Friends".
I grew up in a two-parent household. We all played sports, all sports, which cost a lot of money. My pops was an attorney; he went to College of the Holy Cross with Clarence Thomas. My mom worked a bit, then gradually came home and took care of us full time.
Poetry has, in a way, been my bridge to my acting career.
Poetry is almost like my foundation for everything. I almost feel I am a better actor and writer because of it. .
