Cedric the Entertainer has been a beloved figure in the comedy world since the 1980s, captivating audiences with his unique blend of humor and charisma. His journey from stand-up comedy to becoming a household name is not only inspiring but also filled with fascinating details that many fans may not know. As one of the most recognizable faces in comedy, Cedric has made a significant impact across various entertainment platforms, including television, film, and even on the golf course.
The story of Cedric the Entertainer is one of persistence, talent, and a deep love for making people laugh. Starting his career with stand-up performances, he quickly climbed the ranks, earning respect and admiration from both fans and peers alike. His notable roles in popular franchises like "Barbershop," "Ice Age," and "Madagascar" showcase his versatility and ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Behind the laughter lies a man with a rich personal history and a commitment to philanthropy. Cedric's journey is not just about his professional achievements; it also includes his dedication to giving back to the community and supporting various charitable causes. In this article, we will explore the untold truths behind Cedric the Entertainer's life, his passions, and the legacy he continues to build.
Table of Contents
- Biography
- Personal Details
- He’s All About the Hats
- He’s an Avid Golfer
- He Bought into the HVM Racing Team
- He Worked Interesting Jobs
- His Barbershop Character Caused Some Trouble
- He Was Awarded an Honorary Doctorate
- He’s a Generous Philanthropist
- He Threw Shade at Nicki Minaj
- He’s Had His Name for Decades
- He’s the Original King of Comedy
- Cedric the Entertainer is a Family Man
- Cedric the Entertainer is Worth Around $25 Million
Biography
Cedric the Entertainer, born Cedric Antonio Kyles on April 24, 1964, in Jefferson City, Missouri, is a renowned comedian, actor, and television host. Growing up in the suburbs of St. Louis, he developed a passion for performing at a young age. He honed his craft through local comedy clubs while pursuing a degree in Mass Communications at Southeast Missouri State University. His big break came in the 1990s when he became a cast member on "Def Comedy Jam," showcasing his unique style and charisma to a national audience.
| Full Name | Cedric Antonio Kyles |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | April 24, 1964 |
| Birth Place | Jefferson City, Missouri |
| Education | Southeast Missouri State University |
| Career Start | 1980s |
| Notable Works | "Barbershop," "Ice Age," "The Original Kings of Comedy" |
He’s All About the Hats
If you’ve seen a picture of Cedric the Entertainer on his Instagram or elsewhere, odds are, he was wearing a hat of some type. For the most part, men's hats went out of fashion in the 1960s, but that didn’t stop a young Cedric Antonio Kyles from becoming a hat aficionado while he was in school. When he was in junior high, "There were a group of guys in high school who were the dressers; they had style," he told Variety. All of those guys wore hats, and Cedric and his friends decided to emulate their look.
Before long, hats and Cedric the Entertainer became a packaged deal, and he continues to wear them in his private and public life. Cedric launched a designer hat line in 2011 to capitalize on his connection to the stylish accessory and his talent for design. This created an unintended problem that comes up in many relationships where one person collects something: Cedric's wife told him he had too many!
It’s not clear how many he has — he may not even know — but in an interview in April 2014, Cedric revealed he had a room devoted to his collection. He’s estimated that his hat room consists of over 200 hats. He also revealed that he’s not averse to taking a hat off his head, signing it, and handing it to a lucky fan.
He’s an Avid Golfer
Hats aren’t the only thing Cedric the Entertainer is into; the man is an avid golfer. On top of that, Cedric is a generous person, and he’s been holding an annual Cedric the Entertainer Celebrity Golf Classic since 2013. The tournament benefits a number of different charities, including the Kyles Family Foundation, which benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo, The Brotherhood Crusade of Los Angeles, and many more.
Of course, he doesn’t limit his golfing to his own charitable endeavors. He’s often spotted participating in various Celebrity Golf Tournaments, including the annual George Lopez Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament. In terms of skill, Cedric the Entertainer is a pretty good golfer. According to the comedian, his "handicap is about 21; my goal is to break 80." That’s not too terrible, and given the amount of time he spends on the links, he may one day hit that goal.
He Bought into the HVM Racing Team
Cedric the Entertainer's resume is filled with appearances in comedy specials, television series, and films, but that’s not the only place he’s invested his time and money. In 2005, he became a part-owner of the Champ Car series' HVM Racing team. When he bought into the team, it was known as CTE-HVM Racing, though these days, it’s called HVM Racing.
Cedric’s interest in IndyCar racing brought a celebrity presence to the team, and he made an impact. The cars that drove in 2006 sported a distinctive gunmetal grey coloration emblazoned on the side-pods with the logo for A Bird and A Bear, Cedric’s entertainment company. Whether it was Cedric the Entertainer's involvement or, more likely, the talent of the drivers, the team won big the year he bought into CTE-HVM Racing.
He Worked Interesting Jobs
Sometimes it’s difficult to look at an established celebrity like Cedric the Entertainer and see them outside of their profession. Still, it’s not as if stars come from a vacuum, and Cedric is no exception. Like many people working in entertainment, he had a wide range of jobs on his road to superstardom.
While Cedric the Entertainer was attending Southeast Missouri State University for a degree in Mass Communications, he worked for State Farm as an insurance adjuster. During an appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Cedric explained that he worked as a specialist who "spoke regular English in angry negro." During this time, Cedric worked a lot of hours at school, State Farm, and the clubs.
His Barbershop Character Caused Some Trouble
One of Cedric the Entertainer's early breakout hits came when he was cast to play Eddie Walker in "Barbershop." It's a role he returned to in both sequels, but that first appearance as Walker came with some controversy. According to Entertainment Weekly, the issue arose from some of Cedric's dialogue in a two-minute scene, where Eddie declares, "Rosa Parks ain't do nothin' but sit her Black a** down!"
The other characters in the barbershop immediately protest this declaration made against one of the United States' most important civil rights leaders, but Walker doesn't back down. In fact, he doubles down by attacking several prominent members of the African American community, including Rodney King, Jesse Jackson, and others. The scene is meant to show that all opinions are expressible
