What is Cedric the Entertainer Net Worth, and what is his salary?
He began his career in stand-up comedy, where he quickly gained recognition for his engaging storytelling and magnetic stage presence. Audiences were drawn to his performances, and he soon became a prominent figure in the comedy circuit.
In the early stages of his career, he gained recognition for his standout performance as Cedric Jackie Robinson on “The Steve Harvey Show.” His dynamic rapport with Steve Harvey didn’t just contribute to the show’s popularity; it also cemented his position as a comedic powerhouse in the realm of television.
Cedric demonstrated his wide range as a performer during the “Kings of Comedy” tour, where he, alongside Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac, delivered uproarious performances that had audiences rolling in laughter. The tour’s immense popularity even spurred a movie adaptation, “The Original Kings of Comedy,” directed by Spike Lee.
Early Life
Cedric Antonio Kyles, known as Cedric the Entertainer, was born on April 24, 1964, in Jefferson City, Missouri. His mom, Rosetta, was a teacher, and his dad, Kittrell, worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He has a younger sister, Sharita Kyles Wilson, who teaches communication at Pepperdine University in California. Cedric grew up in Caruthersville, Missouri, then moved to Berkeley, Missouri, after junior high. He went to Berkeley High School near St. Louis, Missouri. After high school, he went to Southeast Missouri State University and got a degree in communication. Before becoming a comedian, he worked as an insurance adjuster and substitute teacher.
Journey in Comedy and Acting
Cedric’s acting journey took flight in 1995 when he secured his debut role as The Cowardly Lion in “The Wiz” production at the Apollo Theater in New York. However, it was his portrayal of Steve Harvey’s buddy, Cedric Jackie Robinson, in “The Steve Harvey Show” that truly put him on the map. This breakthrough opened doors to a plethora of opportunities, leading him to grace the silver screen in a string of notable films including “Ride” (1998), “Serving Sara” (2002), “Barbershop” (2002), “Intolerable Cruelty” (2003), “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” (2004), “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” (2004), “Johnson Family Vacation” (2004), “Man of the House” (2005), “Madagascar” (2005), “Be Cool” (2005), “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” (2008), and “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” (2012).
Additionally, in 2008, he made a triumphant return to stage acting, captivating audiences with his performance in the Broadway revival of David Mamet’s “American Buffalo.”
edric the Entertainer:
From Comedy Royalty to Television Star
Beyond the realm of cinema, Cedric has carved out a thriving path in the world of comedy. He’s toured extensively as a key member and headliner of the Kings of Comedy, sharing the stage with luminaries like Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac.
Director Spike Lee caught their eye-catching performances and immortalized their comedy routine in the film “The Original Kings of Comedy” (2000), with Cedric playing himself. In 2002, Cedric ventured into the sketch comedy realm with his own show, “Cedric the Entertainer Presents,” which, despite an initial renewal by Fox, unfortunately canceled after its first season. Nonetheless, Cedric continued to shine with his HBO comedy special, “Cedric The Entertainer: Taking You Higher.
In addition to his acting and comedy pursuits, Cedric has also delved into television hosting, primarily taking the helm of game shows. In 2011, he led the game show “It’s Worth What?” on NBC, produced by Merv Griffin. Then, from September 2013, Cedric assumed hosting duties for the iconic game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” starting with its 12th season.
However, he bid farewell to the show after the 2013-14 season, with Terry Crews succeeding him as host. Furthermore, from 2012 onwards, Cedric headlined the television series “The Soul Man,” where he portrayed the main character until its conclusion in 2016 after a successful five-season run.
Additional Endeavors and Ventures
Personal Life
Cedric is happily married to Lorna Wells, and they have two children together: Croix, born in 2000, and Lucky Rose, born in 2003. He also has a daughter named Tiara from a previous relationship. Beyond his family life, Cedric is deeply engaged in his community, actively supporting causes through his Cedric the Entertainer Charitable Foundation Inc. Each year, he awards a scholarship to a deserving graduating senior from his high school.
In May 2015, Cedric received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Fine Arts and Humanities from Lincoln University of Missouri, the same institution where his parents studied. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi, he was honored in 2018 when the city of St. Louis renamed the street in front of the Kappa Alpha Psi Alumni House as Cedric The Entertainer Way in recognition of his contributions.
Real Estate
In February 2004, Cedric invested $2.95 million in a lavish estate spanning 10,000 square feet across 4.63 acres in Chatsworth, California. Today, this impressive property likely commands a value between $5-7 million. Additionally, Cedric owns a charming 6,500 square foot residence in Studio City, California, which he acquired in May 2019 for $2.75 million. Presently, this home is estimated to be valued at around $4 million.
In his hometown of Missouri, Cedric also possesses a 5,300 square foot dwelling nestled in the town of Florissant, currently valued at approximately $600,000. However, the exact details regarding the purchase price and date of this property remain undisclosed.