Cuba Gooding Jr. To Play Dr. Ben Carson In 'Gifted Hands'

Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. has been cast to play Dr. Benjamin S. Carson in the new TNT Original movie 'GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY'. The movie, based on Carson's inspirational memoir, that will trace his journey from frustrated inner-city kid to director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

Carson's memoir describes his life as a child on the mean streets of Detroit. Carson faced difficulties early on, when his father abandoned the family. "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my mother," Carson wrote. Carson's mother pushed her son to become the best he could be through education. Carson recalled her saying over and over to him, "Bennie, if you can read, honey, you can learn just about anything you want to know. The doors of the world are open to people who can read."

With a new pair of glasses and encouragement to spend time at his local library, Carson dove into the world of books. His scholastic performance improved dramatically. He went on to college and medical school, refusing to give up on the dream he and his mother had for his future, even when prejudice and negative peer pressure threatened to stand in his way. Carson is now a best-selling author and director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, where he pours everything he has into helping young people overcome their medical limitations and fulfill their own dreams.

Carson was recently named a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President George W. Bush bestowed the honor on him at a ceremony in June. In the White House announcement, Carson was honored for working throughout his career "to improve the lives of those suffering from neurological disorders. His groundbreaking contributions to medicine and his inspiring efforts to help America's youth fulfill their potential have strengthened our nation."

There are concerns that Cuba Gooding, Jr. is not up to such a dramatic role, but if you saw him is "Men of Honor" you know he will be able to handle. People get accustomed to seing actors in certain roles that they don't give them a chance to branch out and expand their talents.