Public Leadership in Neurology Award Honors Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Newswise — Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr., will be honored with the American Academy of Neurology Foundation's 2006 Public Leadership in Neurology Award because of his work to raise public awareness of multiple sclerosis. The award will be presented to Gooding at the American Academy of Neurology's 58th Annual Meeting in San Diego, the world's largest annual gathering of neurologists.

Gooding will be the keynote speaker at the AAN's Scientific and Career Milestones Awards Luncheon, Wednesday, April 5, 2006, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the San Diego Convention Center. The actor has appeared in the fundraising telecast QVC Cure by the Shore benefit for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and participates in other MS related events.

"We are pleased to present this award to Mr. Gooding for his good work on behalf of all people who live with multiple sclerosis," said Austin J. Sumner, MD, Chair of the AAN Foundation.

Gooding is best known for his Oscar-winning portrayal of the charmingly arrogant professional football player Rod Tidwell in Jerry McGuire. In addition to an Oscar, Gooding was also honored with the Screen Actors Guild Award, the Broadcasters Film Critics Award, and the Chicago Film Critics Award for this role. Gooding has gained recognition in supporting roles in such films as A Few Good Men, As Good as It Gets, What Dreams May Come, and Men of Honor. His breakout role was in the 1991 coming-of-age classic Boys N the Hood.

In 2002, Gooding received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame honoring his achievements as an actor. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.