LA Times: There’s ‘an enemy out there,’ says Cedric the Entertainer. And he’s ready to fight back

On November 17, 2020

It wasn’t easy for Cedric the Entertainer to be Cedric the Quarantined.

The veteran comedian and actor has thrived on a busy schedule, whether traveling around the country performing stand-up in large venues, filming TV and film projects or executive producing and starring in his CBS comedy, “The Neighborhood,” which returns Monday for its third season.

But like the rest of Hollywood, Cedric has cut back on show business because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And although he was glad to take a break from work, he stayed active in other ways, engaging with the Black Lives Matter movement, participating in seminars with various leaders and contributing to organizations participating in the nationwide civil rights campaign that gained momentum throughout spring and summer.

Cedric was also able to do some performing, hosting CBS’ new clip series “The Greatest #AtHome Videos” from his house.

But when it became safe enough to return to work on “The Neighborhood,” he jumped at the chance. Cedric plays opinionated auto repair shop owner Calvin Butler, who is less than pleased when a white family moves into the predominantly Black neighborhood where he resides.

“When we got the call that we could come back, it was very exciting,” he said.

And while the emphasis of the Season 3 opener, airing Monday, is still on humor, the episode takes on a serious tone when Trey (Malik S.), a friend of the Butler family, is arrested and beaten by police.

In addition to his TV work, Cedric can be seen in “The Opening Act,” a comedy streaming on Amazon Prime and other services which stars Jimmy O. Yang as Will O’Brien, a struggling comedian who hopes that his emcee gig at an out-of-town comedy club opening for arrogant sitcom star Billy G. (Cedric) will pave the way to becoming a successful comic.

In addition to his TV work, Cedric can be seen in “The Opening Act,” a comedy streaming on Amazon Prime and other services which stars Jimmy O. Yang as Will O’Brien, a struggling comedian who hopes that his emcee gig at an out-of-town comedy club opening for arrogant sitcom star Billy G. (Cedric) will pave the way to becoming a successful comic.

In an interview from his Chatsworth home, Cedric talked about returning to “The Neighborhood,” taking on acting roles that are more dramatic and the 20th anniversary of “The Original Kings of Comedy,” the Spike Lee-directed film that chronicled the blockbuster comedy tour featuring Cedric, Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and the late Bernie Mac.

Read the full article here: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2020-11-16/cedric-the-entertainer-the-neighborhood-cbs-the-opening-act

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