52 www.blackeoejournal.com Black EOE Journal
COVER STORY
But his entertainment career didn't start off so lucratively. "Some of the biggest hurdles I had were not getting into a room," he said. "Who says this role has to be white? Why can't it be African- American, why can't it be Latino, why can't it be Asian-American?" In what Oprah would call an "aha" moment, it struck him. He was sitting across tables from people who couldn't comprehend his questions, let alone come up with answers. It was nearly impossible to jump-start a conversation about equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. "I have to build my own table and seat," he said. "We don't have to sit at other people's tables. We can invite people to our table." Anderson learned how to overcome the systemic biases of the industry and society at large from mentors, such as the legendary Bill Duke. "The thing Duke taught us about was ownership and real power." He was surrounded by crazy talent and work ethic as a student at Howard University in the 1980s. Sean Puffy Combs was there. Denzel Washington spoke to one of Anderson's classes. "I realized that I was in the right place at the right time," he said. As host of To Tell the Truth , an American staple that originally aired in 1956, Anderson keeps things loose and fun. Celebrity guests have included Snoop Dogg, Mike Tyson and Jalen Rose. His witty, pull-no-punches mother, Doris, has become a fan favorite as the scorekeeper. "If you ask her, she's the star," Anderson said. Anderson cherishes creating more opportunities to work with his mother. He's working on a T-Mobile commercial campaign and a reality show featuring the two touring Fvspqf! boe! fohbhjoh! jo! ti.pvu.pg.xbufs! activities. Imagine mom and son skiing in Sweden, or folk dancing in the British Isles... In a trifecta of television achievements, Anderson also has been a regular judge on Iron Chef America . His past television work includes a lead role in the TV series Hangtime , and starring in the Bernie Mac Show . He had several guest roles on NYPD Blue , Malcolm & Eddie , In the House and Ally McBeal . He was the prime character in All About the Andersons , based on the true story of Anderson moving back home after graduating from college. A struggling actor, he spent most of his time eating, leading his father to padlock the refrigerator. Ijt!mn!dsfejut!bsf!jnqsfttjwf-!bt!xfmm/ He has starred in Liberty Heights , Kangaroo Jack , My Baby's Daddy , Hustle & Flow , Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London and King's Ransom . But it was black-ish -which debuted in 3125uibu!nbef!Boefstpo!b!dvmuvsbm!jovfodfs! by inviting Americans into an African- American family's home in a groundbreaking way. Anderson's character, Dre Johnson, is husband to Rainbow (Ellis Ross), son to Pops )Gjticvsof*! boe! b! gbuifs! pg! wf! mjwjoh! jo! b!
PHOTO BY JC OLIVERA/GETTY IMAGES
Anderson speaks onstage during The Alliance For Children's Rights 28th Annual Dinner Honoring Karey Burke and Susan Saltz at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 05, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California.
PHOTO BY JERRITT CLARK/GETTY IMAGES
Compton Councilwomen, Emma Sharif and Tana McCoy, Compton Mayor Aja Brown, Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, Clayton Kershaw, Nichol Whiteman and Anderson break ground at the Los Angeles Dodgers foundation, Kershaw's challenge, and the city of Compton host Dodgers Dreamelds groundbreaking at Gonzales Park on February 12, 2020 in Compton, California.
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