Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer
Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Cedric the Entertainer
Caption	Cedric in 2016
Birth name	Cedric Antonio Kyles
Birth date	April 24, 1964
Birth place	Jefferson City, Missouri, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, comedian, producer, writer
Years active	1987–present

Cedric the Entertainer is an American actor and stand-up comedian known for his work in film, television, and stage. He gained prominence through stand-up circuits and ensemble projects, later branching into leading roles in comedy films, dramatic television, and voice acting. His career spans collaborations with prominent entertainers, filmmakers, networks, and producers across Hollywood and national touring venues.

Early life and education

Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, he grew up in a family connected to Jefferson City, with formative years influenced by regional culture and community institutions. He attended Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University), where he studied communications and participated in campus activities associated with performance and media. During his college years he linked with fraternities and local arts organizations, later moving to Los Angeles to pursue entertainment opportunities, integrating into networks connected to The Comedy Store, Acme Comedy Theatre, and touring circuits.

Career

His early career included appearances on stand-up stages that led to spots on television programs and collaborations with entertainers such as Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, and Eddie Murphy. He became widely known through ensemble television projects and film roles produced by studios like Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Miramax. He starred in television series developed by networks including Comedy Central, NBC, ABC, and HBO, and worked with creators such as Kenan Thompson, Damon Wayans, Tyler Perry, and Jerry Seinfeld in various formats. His film collaborations include directors and producers from projects associated with Jon Favreau, F. Gary Gray, George Lucas, and John Singleton. He has also contributed voice work in animated features distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and DreamWorks Animation. In production and development he partnered with firms like Happy Madison Productions, Imagine Entertainment, Overbrook Entertainment, and independent producers active in the Comedy Central Presents and festival circuits including Montreal Just for Laughs Festival and San Francisco Sketchfest.

Filmography

He appeared in comedies and family films released through major distributors: ensemble and supporting roles in titles associated with Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment, leading roles in projects with Universal Pictures, and voice performances in animated releases tied to Walt Disney Animation Studios. Notable collaborators across films include actors and directors from productions featuring Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Martin Lawrence, Denzel Washington, Adam Sandler, Ice Cube, Queen Latifah, Chris Tucker, Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Taraji P. Henson, Regina King, Don Cheadle, and Terrence Howard.

Television work

On television he held roles in scripted series and variety programs broadcast by NBC, ABC, Fox Broadcasting Company, and BET. He headlined and guest-starred on sitcoms developed alongside producers from 20th Television, CBS Studios, and Sony Pictures Television. He participated in awards telecasts produced by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Television Academy, and events presented at venues like The Hollywood Bowl and Madison Square Garden. His television presence included appearances on late-night programs such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and cable specials for HBO and Showtime.

Stand-up comedy and stage performances

He established a national reputation through tours promoted by agencies including William Morris Endeavor, CAA, and through festivals like Just for Laughs and Edinburgh Festival Fringe where comedians and performers share stages with peers like Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Chris Rock, Dave Attell, Amy Schumer, and Tig Notaro. His stage work extended to theatrical productions and benefit performances associated with nonprofit organizations and cultural institutions such as The Apollo Theater, Kennedy Center, and university performing arts centers across the United States.

Awards and recognition

His work has been recognized by industry organizations and award bodies including nominations and awards from the NAACP Image Awards, honors at comedy festivals such as Just for Laughs, and acknowledgments from media outlets including Entertainment Weekly, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter. He has received ensemble and individual recognitions tied to productions honored by the Screen Actors Guild, Critics' Choice Association, and festival juries at events like Sundance Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival.

Personal life

He has maintained residences in entertainment hubs including Los Angeles and Atlanta, Georgia, participated in philanthropic efforts with organizations such as United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and arts education programs connected to universities like Howard University and Spelman College. His personal interests intersect with athletic events and cultural initiatives at venues such as Staples Center and civic celebrations in municipalities including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Chicago.

Category:American comedians Category:American actors