Anthony Anderson
Template:Short description Template:About Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox person Anthony Anderson (born August 15, 1970)<ref name="hollywood">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="bio">Template:Cite web</ref> is an American actor, comedian, and television host. He is known for his leading roles in television shows such as Andre "Dre" Johnson on the ABC sitcom Black-ish (2014–2022) and NYPD Detective Kevin Bernard on the NBC crime drama Law & Order (2008–2010, 2022). He has also acted in films such as Big Momma's House (2000), Barbershop (2002), Kangaroo Jack (2003), Agent Cody Banks 2 (2004), Hustle & Flow (2005), The Departed (2006), Transformers (2007), and Scream 4 (2011).
Anderson starred in the short-lived sitcoms All About the Andersons (2003–2004) and Guys with Kids (2012–2013). Anderson is mainly 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 show To Tell the Truth (2016–2022) and he currently the host of the Fox game show We Are Family (2024–). He hosted the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024.
Early life
Anderson was born in Compton, California.<ref name="hollywood" /><ref name="bio" /><ref name=tvg>Template:Cite magazine</ref> His mother, Doris Bowman (née Hancox), was a telephone operator and actress. His stepfather, Sterling Bowman, was a native of Little 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 an ICU nurse.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="CIOU">Template:Cite web</ref> Growing up, Anderson's nickname was "Tugga" because he could not pronounce sugar.<ref name="Bonnie Hunt">Template:Cite interview</ref> According to a DNA analysis, Anderson descends from the Bubi people of Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea), and from the Tikar, Hausa, and Fulani people of Cameroon.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:CbignoreTemplate:Dead YouTube link</ref>
Anderson has stated that his first attempt at stand-up comedy was a failure.<ref name="Bonnie Hunt"/> Although this experience was a blow to his ego, he met his future friend and fellow comedic actor Guy 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 film Life, alongside Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Anderson is an alumnus of the Hollywood High School Performing Arts Magnet's Class of 1988. He initially enrolled at Howard 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 his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts in 2022.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>
Career
1995–2004: Early roles and sitcom
Anderson's early television work includes a lead role as Teddy Broadis in the teen series Hang Time, and many one-off guest appearances on shows such as NYPD Blue, Malcolm & Eddie, In the House, and Ally McBeal, as well as recurring roles on series like 'Til Death and The Bernie Mac Show. Anderson has worked as an actor, often in comedic roles, since his film debut in Liberty Heights (1999). In 2002, he voiced the character Ray Ray in an episode of the Disney Channel animated series The Proud Family. He later reprised this role in a second-season episode of its revival series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, which aired in 2023.<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref> From 2003 to 2004, he was the central character in the short-lived series All About the Andersons, which lasted for one season on The WB. He also had leading film roles in the comedy films Kangaroo Jack (2003), My Baby's Daddy (2004), and King's Ransom (2005), with a supporting role in the family adventure film Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004).
2005–2014: Film and television roles
Anderson took supporting roles in the drama Hustle & Flow (2005), and Martin Scorsese's crime film The Departed (2006).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Additionally, Anderson had a supporting role in Scary Movie 3 (2003) and Scary Movie 4 (2006). He was originally set to return in Scary Movie 5 (2013) with Regina Hall and Kevin Hart.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Anderson joined the cast of the long-running NBC 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 of Black-ish.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2009, Anderson directed a one-minute short film featuring his Law & Order co-star Jeremy Sisto. The short was made for the Responsibility Project, a joint initiative of NBC and Liberty Mutual Group. The short aired during the In The House episode "Reality Bites" on October 16, 2009. In June 2010, he was cast in a minor role in Scream 4.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Before his work in Law & Order, Anderson starred in two other crime series, Fox's K-Ville (as one of the lead characters) and FX's The Shield.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also starred in the sitcom Guys with Kids, which lasted a single season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2013, Anderson signed on to host the celebrity-driven, family game show called Wall of Fame,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which was produced by Endemol USA for NBC. Eight one-hour episodes were taped at the time, but never aired. Anderson's series Eating 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was a frequent judge on Iron Chef America, and was one of the few judges to taste dishes from all the Iron Chefs on the show. In the Ultimate Bar Food battle, he served as bartender/sous-chef for Iron Chef Bobby Flay opposite Masaharu Morimoto and fellow judge Simon Majumdar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2014–2022: Black-ish and involvement in game shows
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In 2014, Anderson began starring as Andre "Dre" Johnson on the ABC sitcom Black-ish,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which completed its eight-season run in 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During its run Anderson received 11 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe Award nominations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2022, Anderson was not nominated as a producer or actor for its final season. He reacted to the news while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! joking, "Can you believe that shit? Now I'm not saying the voters were stupid for not nominating me or Black-ish or Tracee, I'm just saying they're racist."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> He also serves as executive producer on its spinoffs Grown-ish, which premiered on Freeform in 2018,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Mixed-ish, which ran on ABC for two seasons from 2019 to 2021.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He guest starred as Dre in episodes on both series.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> From 2016 to 2022, he was the host of To Tell the Truth, which also aired on ABC.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2019, Anderson was a guest panelist in season two of The Masked Singer. He later competed in season ten as "Rubber Ducky" and was eliminated in the first episode when competing in Group A.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In October 2022, Anderson and his mother Doris began filming Anthony Anderson and Mom: European Vacation to be aired on the E! network.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2023–present: We Are Family and controversy
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In November 2023, it was announced that Anderson and his mother Doris would host the Fox game show We Are Family, replacing Jamie Foxx and his daughter, Corinne, who were originally set to host the show. It premiered on January 3, 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In December 2023, Anderson was named as the host of the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards. The decision for Anderson to host was met with controversy due to his multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) urged the Emmys 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."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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 by Jennifer Coolidge, who won for The White Lotus, as being "rude" and "disrespectful".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Personal life
Anderson was married to Alvina Stewart from September 1999 to September 2023.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> They have two children.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Their son Nathan starred as Tahj in the Netflix sitcom Richie Rich<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and guest starred in Black-ish. Stewart initially filed for divorce in September 2015 citing irreconcilable differences, after having been separated since April 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="separation">Template:Cite web</ref>
Anderson has type 2 diabetes and has been active in diabetes awareness.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Playing for the Alzheimer's Association, in 2011, Anderson won $250,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Anderson is an honorary member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity; he was inducted on July 30, 2020.<ref>Omega Psi Phi Inducts George Clinton, D.L. Hughley, Anthony Anderson, and Ted Ginn, Sr. as Honorary Members</ref> In 2019, a star was named after Anderson in the International Star Registry.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Rape and sexual assault allegations
Anderson was accused of raping a 25-year-old extra in a trailer on the film set of Hustle & Flow on July 27, 2004. The alleged victim accused Anderson and assistant director Wayne Witherspoon of forcibly removing her clothing, photographing her naked body, and sexually 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 at St. Francis Hospital.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The charges were dropped on October 6, 2004, because the judge ruled that there was no probable cause to try the case.<ref name="Variety">Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Anderson was sued for sexual assault in September 2004 by another woman who claimed that Anderson made sexually suggestive remarks and then assaulted her in his dressing room on the set of All About the Andersons.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On July 20, 2018, it was revealed that he was being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department for another sexual assault allegation.<ref name="Variety"/> On September 4, the Los 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2003 Lindsay Lohan interview
In 2003, a then 33-year-old Anderson interviewed the then 17-year-old Lindsay Lohan who was promoting Freaky Friday. Anderson was filling in for Sharon Osbourne on The Sharon Osbourne Show on Dec. 16, 2003.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the interview Anderson asks Lohan about her dating habits, personal life and living with Raven-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."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2025, the interview resurfaced and went viral 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".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Alien Avengers | Alley Hood #2 | TV movie |
| 1999 | The Breaks | Inmate #1 | |
| Life | Cookie | ||
| Trippin' | Z-Boy | ||
| Liberty Heights | "Scribbles" | ||
| 2000 | 3 Strikes | Guard | [1] |
| Romeo Must Die | Maurice | ||
| Big Momma's House | Nolan | ||
| Me, Myself & Irene | Jamaal Baileygates | ||
| Urban Legends: Final Cut | Stan Washington | ||
| 2001 | Kingdom Come | Junior Slocumb | |
| See Spot Run | Benny | ||
| Exit Wounds | T.K. Johnson | ||
| Two Can Play That Game | Tony | ||
| 2002 | Barbershop | J.D. | |
| 2003 | Kangaroo Jack | Louis Booker | |
| Cradle 2 the Grave | Tommy | ||
| Malibu's Most Wanted | P.J. "Tree" | ||
| Scary Movie 3 | Mahalik | ||
| 2004 | My Baby's Daddy | "G" | |
| Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London | Derek Bowman | ||
| Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle | Burger Shack Employee | ||
| 2005 | Hustle & Flow | Key | |
| King's Ransom | Malcolm King | ||
| Hoodwinked! | Bill Stork (voice) | ||
| 2006 | Scary Movie 4 | Mahalik | |
| The Last Stand | Jay | ||
| The Departed | Trooper Brown | ||
| Arthur & the Invisibles | Koolomassai (voice) | ||
| 2007 | Transformers | Glen Whitmann | |
| 2009 | Steppin: The Movie | Uncle Trevor | |
| Matumbo Goldberg | Matumbo Goldberg | Short | |
| 2010 | The Back-Up Plan | Dad | |
| A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures | Ray (voice) | ||
| 2011 | Scream 4 | Deputy Perkins | |
| The Big Year | Bill Clemens | ||
| 2012 | Goats | Coach | |
| 2013 | Pororo, The Racing Adventure | Fufu (voice) | |
| The Power of Few | "Junkshow" | ||
| Grudge Match | Mr. Sandpaper Hands | ||
| 2014 | The Town That Dreaded Sundown | Ranger "Lone Wolf" Morales | |
| 2016 | Hot Bot | Agent Frazier | |
| Barbershop: The Next Cut | J.D. | ||
| Slope of the Curve | Himself (voice) | Short | |
| 2017 | Small Town Crime | Mr. Banks | |
| The Star | Zach (voice) | <ref name="The Star">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Ferdinand | Bones (voice) | ||
| 2019 | Beats | Romelo Reese | |
| 2023 | You People | Barber #1 | |
| 2025 | G20 | Derek Sutton | |
| TBA | Untitled Chris Rock film | Filming |
Television
| 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 | Detective Kevin Bernard | Series regular (seasons 18–21) |
| 2008 | Samantha Who | Rafael Grace | Episode: "Out of Africa" |
| 2010 | Golf in America | Host | 10 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 |
| 2010–2013 | Treme | Derek Watson | 4 episodes |
| 2013 | Hell's Kitchen | Himself | Episode: "Winner Chosen"Template:Efn |
| 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 for Jimmy KimmelTemplate:Efn |
| 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 | Uncle Henry Jefferson Himself |
Episode: "Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons" "All in the Family and Good Times"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| The Late Late Show with James Corden | Himself/Guest Host | December 11, 2019 | |
| 2020 | Extreme Makeover: Home Edition | Himself | Guest<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| #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<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| 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" |
Video games
| Year | Title | Voice role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Scarface: The World Is Yours | Drug Dealer Brenton | |
| 2007 | Def Jam: Icon | Troy Dollar | voice role and likeness |
| 2012 | Diablo III | Monster voices | |
| 2014 | Diablo III: Reaper of Souls | Monster voice effects |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Breakout | Foo Fighters | promoting Me, Myself & Irene because the song's featured on the film's soundtrack |
Awards and nominations
References
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External links
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