As the curtain falls on Cedric the Entertainer’s hit CBS sitcom, The Neighborhood, after an impressive eight-year run, the comedian is setting his sights on a new venture: a return to Broadway. Having spent his final filming day on February 18 surrounded by his castmates, Cedric’s reflections on the moment were filled with nostalgia and a touch of sadness.
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Sitting down with PEOPLE for a Zoom interview shortly after the series finale, Cedric shared, “I don’t think it really hit us until the afterparty. I was looking around that room going, ‘This is the last day this group of people will be together in this capacity.’” The emotional weight of closing a chapter in his career is palpable, but life, as Cedric emphasises, continues onward.
Almost immediately after wrapping up the series, the 61-year-old father of three flew direct from Los Angeles to New York City to commence rehearsals for his role in the revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. Slated to open on April 25, the production features none other than Taraji P. Henson alongside Cedric, who sees this opportunity as a means to showcase a different facet of his talent beyond the familiar role of a television father.
Describing his journey back to the stage, Cedric remarked that preparing for the play has brought him closer to his roots in stand-up comedy. “It’s like riding a horse,” he explained. “You can feel the emotion of the horse, and that horse can feel your emotions. When you’re performing live you can tell when you’ve got the audience in the palm of your hand and when you’re losing them.”
Despite a career that spans nearly four decades, Cedric remains grounded, recognising that there’s always room to grow. “You can’t be riding off your old laurels talking about the Original Kings of Comedy days,” he stated, referencing the iconic tour he embarked on in 2000 alongside Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac. As the entertainment landscape shifts, he feels the need to evolve with it: “What’s funny now? You got to turn it up.”
His humble beginnings in Caruthersville, Missouri, where he was raised by a single mother, have shaped Cedric’s outlook on life. “I just keep it regular: say good morning, say goodnight, say goodbye,” he quipped, even as he acknowledged that his life now includes certain luxuries. Raised in a modest environment, the comedian attributes much of his grounded nature to his upbringing.
Cedric’s career took off after he won a comedy competition in 1987 while working as a State Farm Insurance claims adjuster. This victory ignited his passion for comedy, leading to his role on The Steve Harvey Show in 1996 and a successful film career, with appearances in titles like Barbershop and Ride. A significant milestone in his personal life was meeting his wife, Lorna Wells, on the set of his film, where she worked as a costumer. “She is one of these people that’s just so solid in her skin,” he reflected.
A realisation hit Cedric around 2008—long filming stints away from home were compromising his family life. He opted to switch back to television, allowing him to balance work with family responsibilities. “You just start to feel like you’re missing out on way too much life,” he noted, appreciating the flexibility television provided to ensure he didn’t miss milestones in the lives of his children, including Croix and Lucky, as they grew.
Life as a father has been fulfilling for Cedric, who remains closely connected with his now-adult children. He revels in his relationships with Tiara, from a previous relationship, and his “little grand-cookie,” a nine-year-old granddaughter named Kylo. “They’re all just their own unique little ecosystems,” he said, expressing delight in their connection, often providing advice, laughter, and wisdom in return.
Currently, Cedric’s calendar is brimming with projects. Alongside his Broadway show, he anticipates the release of an animated film, Swapped, on Netflix on May 1, and he has collaborated with Anthony Anderson on a barbecue cookbook set to launch on May 5. Despite the busy schedule, Cedric embraces the myriad of projects that allow him to showcase his talents. “I love the fact that in a Renaissance man kind of way, I get to do it all,” he concluded, embodying the vibrant spirit of an entertainer who continues to evolve and thrive.