The Robertson Treatment – Cedric the Entertainer

(Sep. 17, 2002) With sell-out concerts, a hit television series and successful movies all under his belt, comedian Cedric The Entertainer is riding high in Hollywood. Best known to millions as the loveable Coach Robinson on "The Steve Harvey Show," the St. Louis native has parlayed that success into a career that's leaving an indelible mark on the face of comedy. To put it simply, brutha man is HOT!!!

A former insurance agent, Cedric began his career as a contestant in the "Johnny Walker National Comedy Contest" where his unique style of humor began to gain him a following. After spending a few years headlining comedy tours across the country, Cedric answered Hollywood's call in with a hosting gig for BET's "Comic View" before joining the cast of "The Steve Harvey Show" in 1996. Two-years later, he expanded his career into film via roles in "Ride," "Big Momma's House" and "Kingdom Come" but struck pay-dirt when the film version of successful comedy tour with D.L. Hughley, Steve Harvey and Bernie Mac -- "The Original Kings of Comedy" earned the highest box office grosses for a film of its genre.

Since then, the 38-year old comedian has been busy with a string of commitments, which are poised to make him into a household name. Starring in the new MGM comedy, "Barbershop" Cedric steals the film from a high-voltage ensemble cast that includes, Ice Cube, Eve, Sean Patrick Thomas, Anthony Anderson and newcomers Jazsmin Lewis and Michael Ealy.

"I play Eddie, a somewhat rambunctious, semi-retired barber who comes to the shop everyday to get some hell started," Cedric says about the film. "Eddie is that guy who is always willing to give an opinion. And as the eldest barber in the shop he feels it's his obligation to explain to the younger guys what being a barber is really all about and the role that they play within the community."

Next up, Cedric will tackle his greatest challenge with his very own TV series. The new show, "Cedric The Entertainer Presents," is a cross between the venerable variety shows created by Flip Wilson and Carol Burnett.

Although Cedric is enjoying his fame, he is taking it all in stride.

"I'm just taking things one day at a time," he says. "It's such a great feeling to be able to share my love for making people laugh. You know I'm just an ordinary guy telling jokes, but right now I feel like I'm living on top of the world."

"Cedric The Entertainer Presents," premieres tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 18 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. - Tina Conant

Meanwhile ....

* As predicted by this column last year the Latinization of Hollywood is going full-throttle. Case in point, the romantic comedy "Papi Chulo," which is currently filming in and around Los Angeles. Featuring some of today's hottest Latin stars, the film revolves around three women who turn the tables on an irresistible lothario who has been three-timing them.

* New Star to Watch: Atlanta-based comedian Arnez J., who this fall will host BET's "Comic View." The former Harlem Globetrotter has quickly become one of the industry's funniest newcomers, and word around Tinseltown is that he's the next comic to watch.

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