Background
Cundieff was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Christina and John A. Cundieff.
Cundieff was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Christina and John A. Cundieff.
He studied journalism at Loyola University in New Orleans and the philosophy of religion at the University of Southern California.
After graduating from University of Southern California in 1982, Cundieff performed stand-up comedy in Los Angeles while looking for opportunities to acting His first major role was a year-long run as Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives in 1985. In 1988, he played Big Brother Chucky in Spike Lee"s School Daze"".
Cundieff cites his experience working with Lee on the film as being what motivated him to pursue writing and directing in addition to acting.
While at University of Southern California, Cundieff was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, a historically African American fraternity.