In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sat down with comedy legends Cedric the Entertainer and Anthony Anderson to dive into their careers, friendship, and their unexpected leap into the world of barbecue. What started as a lighthearted conversation quickly turned into a powerful lesson in resilience, passion, and relentless hustle.
From Small Towns to Big Stages
Cedric the Entertainer grew up in Caruthersville, Missouri, eventually moving to St. Louis in his teens. His childhood was shaped by a family-oriented, education-driven environment—his mother was a school teacher with a master’s degree, who instilled a love for travel and curiosity in him early on. But like many, Cedric’s path to stardom wasn’t a straight line. He initially had dreams of becoming a lawyer. That was until a college counselor nudged him in a different direction, and he shifted toward media and the arts, earning a degree in mass media and broadcast. That pivot set the stage for the career he’s built.
On the other hand, Anthony Anderson knew from the jump that acting was his calling. By the age of nine, he understood that being an actor could allow him to be anything he wanted. He wasn’t waiting for the opportunity to fall in his lap—he sought out acting conservatories, performing whenever and wherever he could. Anderson was laser-focused from day one.
Grinding to the Top
For Cedric, his turning point came in the late ‘90s when he won a regional comedy competition in Chicago. This wasn’t just any win; it came with $3,000 and a feature in Jet magazine—a big deal in his community. More importantly, it gave him the confidence to bet on himself.
For Anderson, a key milestone was getting into a performing arts high school. Working alongside talents like Tammy Townsend and Wendy Raquel Robinson, he realized he had what it took to turn his dream into a career.
Facing the Inevitable Setbacks
The entertainment industry isn’t all laughs. Both Cedric and Anthony were brutally honest about the role self-doubt plays in their journeys. Cedric hit on a critical truth—rejection stings harder when you’ve tasted success. That’s why it’s non-negotiable to keep hustling, to maintain that work ethic, even when the chips are down.
Anderson backed that up, emphasizing that you can’t let one opinion dictate your career trajectory. The entertainment industry is wildly subjective, and setbacks aren’t excuses to quit—they’re signals to work harder, push forward, and prove everyone wrong.
A Friendship Built on Comedy and Hustle
While neither can pinpoint when they first crossed paths, Cedric and Anthony’s friendship has spanned over two decades. They clicked instantly—shared interests, similar backgrounds, and a mutual respect for each other’s grind.
AC Barbecue: The Next Chapter
Their latest venture? AC Barbecue. It’s more than just another celebrity-backed business. This was born out of a genuine love for cooking and entertaining. Golf trips with friends like George Lopez and Don Cheadle turned into impromptu cookouts, where Cedric and Anthony took charge of feeding the group. Backyard barbecues were part of their upbringing, and they’re now bringing that passion to nearly 20 Walmart stores across the country.
Eyes on the Future
Cedric and Anthony are both far from done. Anderson has a movie in the works with Viola Davis, and he’s gunning to bring back his game show, To Tell the Truth. He’s also working on a travel show with his mother, Tripping with Anthony Anderson and Mama Doris.
Meanwhile, Cedric’s entering the sixth season of The Neighborhood, and through his company, A Bird and a Bear Entertainment, he’s producing shows and creating platforms for the next generation of comedians. These guys are always evolving.
Real Talk for Aspiring Entertainers
When asked for advice, Cedric and Anthony didn’t sugarcoat it.
“Work hard. Never let anyone else determine your value. You know what you bring to the table. You get out what you put in. Be diligent, be respectful, and outwork everyone.” – Anthony Anderson
“You’re born with your own unique DNA. You’re the only you. Believe in your dreams because they’re valid. Stop waiting for validation from someone else. Your value comes from within.” – Cedric the Entertainer
These two aren’t just building businesses—they’re inspiring the next generation to take control of their destinies. Their story proves that hard work, self-belief, and relentless pursuit of your passion are non-negotiable. You either put in the work, or you don’t. The rest? It’s up to you.