Anthony Anderson | |
|---|---|
 Anderson in 2010 | |
| Born | (1970-08-15)August 15, 1970 (age 55) Compton, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Howard University (BFA) |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1995–present |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
Anthony Anderson (born August 15, 1970)[1][2] is an American actor, comedian, and television host. He is known for his leading roles in television shows such as Andre "Dre" Johnson on theABCsitcomBlack-ish (2014–2022) andNYPD DetectiveKevin Bernard on theNBC crime dramaLaw & Order (2008–2010, 2022). He has also acted in films such asBig Momma's House (2000),Barbershop (2002),Kangaroo Jack (2003),Agent Cody Banks 2 (2004),Hustle & Flow (2005),The Departed (2006),Transformers (2007), andScream 4 (2011).
Anderson starred in the short-lived sitcomsAll About the Andersons (2003–2004) andGuys with Kids (2012–2013). Anderson is also known for his work as a host and guest panelist on a variety of game shows. Anderson served as host of the ABC version of the game showTo Tell the Truth (2016–2022) and he currently the host of theFox game showWe Are Family (2024–). He hosted the75th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024. In 2025, he was named host ofNetflix’s reboot of talent competition seriesStar Search to debut the following year.[3]
Anderson was born inCompton, California.[1][2][4] His mother, Doris Bowman (née Hancox), was a telephone operator and actress. His stepfather, Sterling Bowman, was a native ofLittle Rock, Arkansas, who moved to Los Angeles to work in the steel mill industry before opening a chain of three clothing stores. Sterling died in 2022. Anderson has a younger half-brother, Derrick Bowman, who works as anICU nurse.[5][6] Growing up, Anderson's nickname was "Tugga" because he could not pronounce sugar.[7] According to aDNA analysis, Anderson descends from theBubi people ofBioko Island (Equatorial Guinea), and from theTikar,Hausa, andFulani people of Cameroon.[8][9]
Anderson has stated that his first attempt at stand-up comedy was a failure.[7] Although this experience was a blow to his ego, he met his future friend and fellow comedic actorGuy Torry there, who consoled him after the show and encouraged him to keep getting up on stage. He and Torry later acted together in the 1999 filmLife, alongsideEddie Murphy andMartin Lawrence.[10]
Anderson is an alumnus of theHollywood High School Performing Arts Magnet's Class of 1988. He initially enrolled atHoward University as a theater major but faced financial difficulties, leading him to leave after his junior year. Nearly three decades later, inspired by his son Nathan's acceptance to the university, he returned to Howard to complete hisBachelor of Fine Arts degree at theChadwick A. BosemanCollege of Fine Arts in 2022.[11]
Anderson's early television work includes a lead role as Teddy Broadis in the teen seriesHang Time, and many one-off guest appearances on shows such asNYPD Blue,Malcolm & Eddie,In the House, andAlly McBeal, as well as recurring roles on series like'Til Death andThe Bernie Mac Show. Anderson has worked as an actor, often in comedic roles, since his film debut inLiberty Heights (1999). In 2002, he voiced the character Ray Ray in an episode of theDisney Channel animated seriesThe Proud Family. He later reprised this role in a second-season episode of its revival seriesThe Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, which aired in 2023.[12] From 2003 to 2004, he was the central character in the short-lived seriesAll About the Andersons, which lasted for one season onThe WB. He also had leading film roles in the comedy filmsKangaroo Jack (2003),My Baby's Daddy (2004), andKing's Ransom (2005), with a supporting role in the family adventure filmAgent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004).
Anderson took supporting roles in the dramaHustle & Flow (2005), andMartin Scorsese's crime filmThe Departed (2006).[13] Additionally, Anderson had a supporting role inScary Movie 3 (2003) andScary Movie 4 (2006). He was originally set to return inScary Movie 5 (2013) withRegina Hall andKevin Hart.[14] Anderson joined the cast of the long-runningNBC crime drama television series,Law & Order in 2008. After three seasons (18, 19, and 20) as Kevin Bernard, he reprised the role upon the series' revival in 2022, concurrent with the final episodes ofBlack-ish.[15][16][17] In 2009, Anderson directed a one-minute short film featuring hisLaw & Order co-starJeremy Sisto. The short was made for the Responsibility Project, a joint initiative of NBC andLiberty Mutual Group. The short aired during theIn The House episode "Reality Bites" on October 16, 2009. In June 2010, he was cast in a minor role inScream 4.[18]
Before his work inLaw & Order, Anderson starred in two other crime series,Fox'sK-Ville (as one of the lead characters) andFX'sThe Shield.[19] He also starred in the sitcomGuys with Kids, which lasted a single season.[20][21] In 2013, Anderson signed on to host the celebrity-driven, family game show calledWall of Fame,[22] which was produced byEndemol USA forNBC. Eight one-hour episodes were taped at the time, but never aired. Anderson's seriesEating America with Anthony Anderson was a summer show in 2014. He visited different towns in America that host "food festivals" highlighting a specific type of food.[23] He was a frequent judge onIron Chef America, and was one of the few judges to taste dishes from all the Iron Chefs on the show. In theUltimate Bar Food battle, he served asbartender/sous-chef for Iron ChefBobby Flay oppositeMasaharu Morimoto and fellow judgeSimon Majumdar.[24]
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In 2014, Anderson began starring as Andre "Dre" Johnson on theABC sitcomBlack-ish,[25] which completed its eight-season run in 2022.[26] During its run Anderson received 11Primetime Emmy Award nominations and threeGolden Globe Award nominations.[27] In 2022, Anderson was not nominated as a producer or actor for its final season. He reacted to the news while guest hostingJimmy Kimmel Live! joking, "Can you believe that shit? Now I'm not saying the voters were stupid for not nominating me orBlack-ish orTracee, I'm just saying they're racist."[28] He also serves as executive producer on its spinoffsGrown-ish, which premiered onFreeform in 2018,[29] andMixed-ish, which ran on ABC for two seasons from 2019 to 2021.[30] He guest starred as Dre in episodes on both series.[31] From 2016 to 2022, he was the host ofTo Tell the Truth, which also aired on ABC.[32] In 2019, Anderson was a guest panelist inseason two ofThe Masked Singer. He later competed inseason ten as "Rubber Ducky" and was eliminated in the first episode when competing in Group A.[33] In October 2022, Anderson and his mother Doris began filmingAnthony Anderson and Mom: European Vacation to be aired on theE! network.[34]
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In November 2023, it was announced that Anderson and his mother Doris would host theFox game showWe Are Family, replacingJamie Foxx and his daughter,Corinne, who were originally set to host the show. It premiered on January 3, 2024.[35][36]
In December 2023, Anderson was named as the host of the75th Primetime Emmy Awards. The decision for Anderson to host was met with controversy due to his multiple allegations ofrape andsexual assault.[37][38] TheSexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) urged theEmmys and Fox, the network set to air the 2024 ceremony, to reconsider Anderson as host writing, "The entertainment industry has the power and responsibility to protect individuals from sexual violence...the Emmys and Fox to not only remove Anderson as host, but to also conduct their due diligence going forward when selecting hosts."[39] The telecast was met with mixed reviews and some criticism, in particular, regarding a recurring bit in which Anderson's mother interrupted acceptance speeches that went on too long. Some on social media cited the moment when Anderson's mother interrupted a speech given byJennifer Coolidge, who won forThe White Lotus, as being "rude" and "disrespectful".[40][41]
Anderson was married to Alvina Stewart from September 1999 to September 2023.[42] They have two children.[43] Their son Nathan starred as Tahj in theNetflix sitcomRichie Rich[44] and guest starred inBlack-ish. Stewart initially filed for divorce in September 2015 citing irreconcilable differences, after having been separated since April 2014.[45] They reconciled in January 2017 and she withdrew her petition. On March 25, 2022, she filed for divorce again, and it was granted by a judge the following year in September.[46]
Anderson hastype 2 diabetes and has been active in diabetes awareness.[47]
Playing for theAlzheimer's Association, in 2011, Anderson won $250,000 onWho Wants to Be a Millionaire.[48]
Anderson is an honorary member ofOmega Psi Phi fraternity; he was inducted on July 30, 2020.[49] In 2019, a star was named after Anderson in the International Star Registry.[50]
Anderson was accused ofraping a 25-year-old extra in a trailer on the film set ofHustle & Flow on July 27, 2004. The alleged victim accused Anderson and assistant director Wayne Witherspoon of forcibly removing her clothing, photographing her naked body, andsexually assaulting her. A witness claimed to have heard the alleged victim's screams and to have seen her run naked from the trailer, and she was treated atSt. Francis Hospital.[51] The charges were dropped on October 6, 2004, because the judge ruled that there was noprobable cause to try the case.[52]
Anderson was sued forsexual assault in September 2004 by another woman who claimed that Anderson madesexually suggestive remarks and thenassaulted her in his dressing room on the set ofAll About the Andersons.[53]
On July 20, 2018, it was revealed that he was being investigated by theLos Angeles Police Department for anothersexual assault allegation.[52] On September 4, theLos Angeles District Attorney's Office declined to press charges, citing lack of evidence after the alleged victim declined to be interviewed by the investigating officer.[54]
In 2003, a then 33-year-old Anderson interviewed the then 17-year-oldLindsay Lohan who was promotingFreaky Friday. Anderson was filling in forSharon Osbourne onThe Sharon Osbourne Show on Dec. 16, 2003.[55] In the interview Anderson asks Lohan about her dating habits, personal life and living withRaven-Symone. Anderson told Lohan, "Both of you are beautiful women" and that "Some men like [women] young. We ain't gonna mention no names, but I'm one of them."[56][57]
In 2025, the interview resurfaced and wentviral with many condemning Anderson's comments and noticing Lohan being visibly uncomfortable. In response Anderson's publicist released a statement saying, "This interview was clearly intended as comedy. He regrets if the humor was in poor taste and maintains the utmost respect for Lindsay".[58][59]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | In the House | Eddie | Episode: "Nanna Don't Play" |
| 1996–1998 | Hang Time | Teddy Brodis | 39 episodes |
| 1996 | In the House | Snacks | Episode: "Close Encounters of the Worst Kind" |
| 1998 | NYPD Blue | Vondell | Episode: "Weaver of Hate" |
| 2000 | Ally McBeal | Matthew Vault | Episodes: "Prime Suspect" and "The Oddball Parade" |
| 2001 | My Wife and Kids | Dr. Buchay | 2 episodes |
| The Weakest Link | Himself/Celebrity Guest | 1 episode | |
| 2002 | The Proud Family | Ray Ray (voice) | Episode: "Behind Family Lines" |
| 2003–2004 | All About the Andersons | Anthony Anderson | 16 episodes |
| 2004–2005 | The Shield | Antwon Mitchell | 15 episodes |
| 2005 | The Bernie Mac Show | Bryan Brown | 4 episodes (season 5) |
| Veronica Mars | Percy "Bone" Hamilton | Episode: "Lord of the Bling" | |
| Entourage | Himself | Episode: "Neighbors" | |
| Chappelle's Show | Shirtless Man | Episode 2.9; "Don't Pitch Me" sketch | |
| 2006 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Lucius Blaine | Episode: "Fat" |
| 2006–2007 | 'Til Death | Cofeld | 6 episodes |
| 2007 | K-Ville | Marlin Boulet | 11 episodes |
| 2008–2010, 2022 | Law & Order | DetectiveKevin Bernard | Series regular (seasons 18–21) |
| 2008 | Samantha Who | Rafael Grace | Episode: "Out of Africa" |
| 2010 | Golf in America | Host | 10 episodes |
| 2010–2013 | Treme | Derek Watson | 4 episodes |
| 2011 | Shameless | Marty Fisher | Episode: "Three Boys" |
| Family BrainSurge | Himself | ||
| Who Wants to Be a Millionaire | Himself | Contestant | |
| 2012 | Psych | Chef Thane Woodson | Episode: "True Grits" |
| Raising Hope | Neighbor | Episode: "Inside Probe (Part 1)" | |
| The Soul Man | Sweet Brown Taylor | Episode: "Revelations" | |
| 2012–2013 | Guys with Kids | Gary | 18 episodes |
| 2013 | Hell's Kitchen | Himself | Episode: "Winner Chosen"[a] |
| Real Husbands of Hollywood | Episode: "Rock, Paper, Stealers" | ||
| Chopped | Episode: "Celebrity Holiday Bash" | ||
| 2013–2014 | Hollywood Game Night | 2 episodes | |
| 2014 | Rake | Reggie Jarvis | Episode: "Three Strikes" |
| Celebrities Undercover | Himself | ||
| Eating America with Anthony Anderson | Himself/Host | Food Network show; also executive producer (8 episodes) | |
| 2014–2022 | Black-ish | Andre "Dre" Johnson Sr./Narrator | Lead role; also executive producer |
| 2015, 2019 | Celebrity Family Feud | Himself | Episodes: "Anderson vs. Braxton", "Black-ish vs.The Goldbergs" |
| 2015 | Carnival Cravings with Anthony Anderson | Himself/Host | Food Network show; also executive producer (6 episodes) |
| 2015–2018 | Blaze and the Monster Machines | Pirate Pegwheel (voice) | 3 episodes |
| 2016 | Lip Sync Battle | Himself | Episode: "Tracee Ellis Ross vs. Anthony Anderson" |
| Richie Rich | Bulldozah | Episode: "Rapper'$ Delight" | |
| The $100,000 Pyramid | Himself/Celebrity Guest | Episode: "Anthony Anderson vs.Sherri Shepherd" | |
| Doc McStuffins | Stanley (voice) | Episode: "Welcome to McStuffinsville" | |
| 2016–2022 | To Tell the Truth | Himself/Host | |
| 2017–2022 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Himself/Guest Host | 3 episodes; fill-in forJimmy Kimmel[b] |
| 2017 | The Gong Show | Himself/Judge | Episode: "Dana Carvey/Tracee Ellis Ross/Anthony Anderson" |
| Drop the Mic | Himself | Episode: "Halle Berry vs.James Corden / Anthony Anderson vs.Usher" | |
| Animal Nation with Anthony Anderson | Himself/Host | 10 episodes | |
| Funny You Should Ask | Himself | 2 episodes | |
| 2018–2023 | Grown-ish | Andre "Dre" Johnson Sr. | 8 episodes; also, executive producer |
| 2019 | Mixed-ish | Episode: "Becoming Bow"; also executive producer | |
| Live in Front of a Studio Audience | UncleHenry Jefferson Himself | Episode: "Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons" "All in the Family and Good Times"[61] | |
| The Late Late Show with James Corden | Himself/Guest Host | December 11, 2019 | |
| 2020 | Extreme Makeover: Home Edition | Himself | Guest[62] |
| #KidsTogether: The Nickelodeon Town Hall | Television special | ||
| Who Wants to Be a Millionaire | Contestant | ||
| Mo Willems: Don't Let the Pigeon Do Storytime! | Himself/Guest Host | September 17, 2020 | |
| 2022 | Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music & Laughter | Himself | Television special[63] |
| Harry & Meghan | Cameo | ||
| The Drew Barrymore Show | Guest | ||
| 2023 | The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder | Ray Ray (voice) | Episode: "The Soul Vibrations" |
| Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge | Himself/Celebrity Guest | Episode: "Monster Bug vs. Buckaroo" | |
| The Masked Singer | Rubber Ducky | Season 10 contestant; Eliminated in first episode | |
| 2024 | We Are Family | Himself/Host | |
| 75th Primetime Emmy Awards | Television special | ||
| Lopez vs Lopez | Todd Cheeks | Episode: "Lopez vs Wedding" |
| Year | Title | Voice role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Scarface: The World Is Yours | Drug Dealer Brenton | |
| 2007 | Def Jam: Icon | Troy Dollar | Voice and likeness |
| 2012 | Diablo III | Monster voice effects | |
| 2014 | Diablo III: Reaper of Souls |
| Year | Title | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Breakout | Foo Fighters | promotingMe, Myself & Irene because the song's featured on the film's soundtrack |
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| National | |
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| Other | |
