with Everybody Plays The Fool. We suddenly went from rags to riches, but my parents split when I was six."My mom raised her three children without any real financial support from my dad. I don't want my children to have to go through something like that."

Gooding is currently filming Old Friends with Jack Nicholson, Greg Kinnear and Helen Hunt.

"Jack is one-of-a-kind. He's a little bit of everything from a grumpy, old man to a completely open, charming, funny guy.

"Jack has so many stories about old Hollywood that when he's in the telling mood, he can keep us all spellbound for those long, dull hours between takes."

In Old Friends, Gooding keeps his clothes on but his hair off. He shaved his head to play Tidwell.

"I was filming Jerry Maguire when I auditioned for Old Friends. (Director) James Brooks liked the bald look, so I have to shave my face and head every morning. The scary thing is I'm getting to like the look."

Gooding and Cruise have both received Golden Globe nominations for their performances in Jerry Maguire. There's even a buzz that Gooding could snag a best-supporting Oscar nomination.

He's taking all the hype in stride.

"I thought Lightning Jack was going to set my career on fire and look what happened. I can't afford to get that excited anymore."


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