The St. Louis native turned 55 this week. We pay homage here.
Cedric The Entertainer, born on April 24, 1964, is one of the most beloved public figures in Black America today. From the time he first appeared on stand up comedy showcases like Comic View and Def Comedy Jam, the favorite Uncle energy that he exudes in all of his endeavors has helped him remain a beloved actor and comedian.
His first acting role was in the classic WB series The Steve Harvey Show. It’s really hard for some of us who grew up laughing and relating to his comedy to believe that he’s been doing his thing long before he broke out from the pack.
Though we can readily remember Steve Harvey, Kevin Hart and, of course, Cedric the Entertainer for their longevity. There are scores of others who performed alongside him that aren’t even in the game anymore.
That alone makes him iconic. While on the Original Kings of Comedy Tour, and the subsequent movie produced and directed by Spike Lee, Cedric the Entertainer stood out among his contemporaries for the manner in which he used anecdotes and storytelling to reveal certain truths about American society as a whole, and black people in particular.
However, unlike others, he used profanity sparingly compared to his contemporaries. His role as Eddie Walker in Ice Cube’s classic “Barbershop” films helped reintroduce him to an audience that was largely in its infancy when he first rocked the mic on BET.
From television game show host on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, to having multiple successful sitcoms in which he was lead, Soul Man on TV Land and The Neighborhood on CBS and a regular on The Last O.G., Cedric the Entertainer continues to tickle our funny bones without the discomfort and controversy that often dogs successful black comedians.
There’s no need for manufactured controversies and shock jock tactics to garner attention when you’re as consistent as Cedric has been over the years.
In celebration of his success, and his recent birthday, here are some of Cedric’s funniest clips from stand up, film and television. In a world where the term “family friendly” is no longer commonplace or seen as necessary, Cedric the Entertainer’s approach is old school in every positive way.
Soul Man “Special Cookies”
On Soul Man Boyce unknowingly eats some “special” cookies and hilarity ensues.
Original Kings of Comedy “Space Shuttle”
Cedric the Entertainer jokes about white people folks’ love of space, and why black people will be right behind them if they go to Mars.
Black President
Cedric the Entertainer jokes about why black people can’t be president years before Barack Obama took office.
Black People Runnin’
Cedric talks about the black instinct that drives us to all haul ass when we see one or two people running.
The Neighborhood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DezcFHb1ylU
Cedric is introduced to his new neighbor on CBS’ The Neighborhood.
