Born in Anaheim and a graduate of San Jose State University, Omar Miller has lived in some classic California towns—and these days, he calls Los Angeles County home as he pursues a thriving acting career. Miller has won plenty of laughs opposite Walton Goggins on the CBS comedy The Unicorn and he’s also shined in MGM+’s Emperor of Ocean Park, portraying the younger version of Judge Oliver Garland (played by his uncanny look-alike Forest Whitaker).
Miller’s wide-ranging acting skills have earned him two NAACP Image Award nominations: in 2018, for his role as a retired pro athlete on HBO’s Ballers, and in 2023, for Apple TV+’s The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.
Miller’s enjoyed plenty of big-screen success as well, with roles in such blockbusters as Eminem’s 8 Mile, Spike Lee’s Miracle at St. Anna, and indie gem Naples to New York, a film based on a 1940s story penned by a young Federico Fellini.
His latest project: 2025’s Sinners, a supernatural horror film headlined by Michael B. Jordan. The film is “gonna be a whopper… This is a movie you want to see in the theaters,” Miller promised Deadline before its release.
Below, Miller even has a suggestion for a great theater to catch the movie in the Golden State, along with his top spots for shopping, dining, and watching a ballgame.
Where do you live? I live in Strong Beach, aka Long Beach.
Why there? It's a diverse city with a warm beach and world-class food.
Who or what is your greatest California love? It’s the feeling that I get when I touch down after being away for any amount of time. Doesn’t matter if it's in L.A., the Bay Area, San Diego, wherever. Nowhere feels like California on my skin. It feels like a warm hug from my favorite dog. Always encouraging and always full of possibility. I feel like there are no limits in Cali and I love that.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That one’s easy. That it doesn’t get cold. Bring your sweater because when the sun goes down in L.A., you’re going to need some blubber or some cover.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? That the weather is better than everywhere else. Microclimates are a gift from God. So, whatever it is that you prefer, California can provide.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? I love car culture, so my favorite splurge is going to the fairgrounds and buying car parts or maybe even a car at the Pomona auto swap meet.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? I grew up in Southern California but went to college in the Bay Area. So, for my money, the road trip goes from L.A. to the Bay up the coast. I like to stop in San Luis Obispo to see friends, Pebble Beach for some fancy golfing, San Jose for some tech advice from my college friends, Oakland for culture and various town business, all on my way to Napa Valley for some wine tasting and relaxation.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? Everyone should be able to visit the food and wine festival of their choice at least once per year.
What is your favorite way to play in California? I like to play it fast and loose. Indoor, outdoor, aquatic...Sign me up!
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I’m probably going to go with South Coast Plaza on this one.
Best California song? Dr. Dre, Tupac, and Roger Troutman on the “California Love” remix. You have a roadmap on do’s and don’ts for the state with three of the best to ever do it, and all on the same track.
How would your California dream day unfold? Wake up in Palm Springs, have brunch with my father, then catch a day game at Chavez Ravine to watch the champs whoop some ass, then head to the beach to ride bikes and catch the sunset before going to see Sinners at the Cinerama Dome.