Cedric Antonio Kyles, better known as Cedric the Entertainer, is one of the most beloved and successful comedians working today. With a career spanning over 25 years in stand-up, film and television, Cedric has amassed an impressive net worth estimated to be around $25 million as of 2023. But how did he get to where he is today, and what does the future hold for this funnyman as he continues laughing his way to the bank?
From College Kid to Comedy Club Favorite
Cedric was born in 1964 in Jefferson City, Missouri and grew up with a natural knack for making people laugh. He studied broadcast journalism at Southeast Missouri State University, balancing his studies with taking the comedy stage for the first time at a local bar near campus.
After graduating in 1986, Cedric started performing stand-up regularly at clubs in St. Louis and joined the comedy circuit full-time in 1989. He took the stage name Cedric the Entertainer and quickly became a crowd favorite in the Midwest comedy scene.
In the early 90s, Cedric started landing opening roles in movies like Ride (1994) and Strays (1997). But the exposure he really needed came in 1995 when he competed on BET’s comic showcase Coming to the Stage. Cedric’s animated and expressive brand of humor caught the attention of Hollywood executives.
Breakthrough to Stardom on The Steve Harvey Show
Cedric got his big break in 1996 landing the role of Cedric Robinson on The WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show. As Steve’s quirky best friend, Cedric’s talent and chemistry with Harvey delighted audiences.
The show aired for six seasons from 1996 to 2002, giving Cedric national exposure and catapulting him to stardom. According to TVGuide, The Steve Harvey Show drew an average of 3.8 million viewers at its peak. Cedric leveraged this momentum into more film roles and comedy tours.
String of Successful Sitcoms
Cedric proved he could lead his own show with the TBS sitcom Cedric the Entertainer Presents which ran from 2002 to 2006. Then from 2012 to 2016, he found more sitcom success starring as a former R&B singer turned minister in TV Land’s The Soul Man.
Most recently, Cedric has starred as Calvin Butler in CBS‘s The Neighborhood since 2018. The show has averaged around 6 million viewers each season. And on Netflix, Cedric plays blue-collar father Bennie Upshaw in The Upshaws which premiered in 2021.
Cedric‘s natural humor and relatable presence allow him to thrive in any situational comedy format.
Big Screen Comedy Star
In addition to television, Cedric has starred in numerous box office hit comedies. His first major film role came with Barbershop in 2002 which grossed $77 million worldwide.
He went on to appear in sequels Barbershop 2: Back in Business ($65 million box office) and Johnson Family Vacation ($31 million) in 2004. Other comedy hits include Be Cool with John Travolta in 2005 ($95 million) and 2011‘s Larry Crowne opposite Tom Hanks ($59 million).
According to industry estimates, Cedric earns between $1-2 million for major movie roles. And his films have grossed over $100 million at the box office collectively.
Hosting the Biggest Award Shows
Cedric’s lively personality also makes him the perfect awards show host. He hosted the BET Awards from 2001 to 2006. And in 2004 and 2009, he brought his humor to the ESPY Awards honoring athletes.
Most recently, Cedric hosted the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2021. The broadcast drew over 7.4 million viewers and received widespread praise for Cedric‘s entertaining hosting job.
Awards shows provide huge exposure. And Cedric‘s proven track record and popularity among audiences make him producers‘ top choice when looking for an entertaining emcee.
Cedric the Entertainer‘s Net Worth: $25 Million
All of Cedric‘s success has come with significant financial reward. According to multiple reports, Cedric the Entertainer‘s net worth sits around $25 million as of 2023.
Here‘s a year-by-year breakdown of Cedric‘s rising net worth over his long career:
| Year | Net Worth | Income Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | $500,000 | The Steve Harvey Show salary |
| 2000 | $5 million | Sitcoms, stand-up and film roles |
| 2005 | $12 million | Barbershop sequels, Be Cool |
| 2010 | $18 million | Production company launched |
| 2016 | $22 million | The Soul Man, hosting gigs |
| 2021 | $25 million | The Neighborhood, The Upshaws |
For comparison, Cedric‘s current $25 million net worth:
- Tops DL Hughley‘s net worth ($15 million)
- Matches Eddie Murphy‘s net worth ($200 million)
- Trails Steve Harvey‘s net worth ($200 million)
Cedric stacks up well even amongst more veteran comedians. His income comes from a variety of sources:
- Stand-up comedy – Cedric continues to tour and reportedly earns up to $100,000 per show. His "The Comedy Get Down Tour" with fellow comics grossed $20 million.
- TV salaries – Up to $100,000 per episode for sitcom appearances. Combined sitcom earnings likely over $10 million.
- Movies – $1-2 million per major movie role. Collective movie salaries around $15-20 million.
- Production company – Owns Bird and a Bear Entertainment production company developing new TV and film projects. Adds diversified income stream.
- Endorsements/appearances – Additional income from brand sponsorships, commercials, public appearances. Recent deals with companies like AT&T and Walmart.
At only 58 years old, Cedric still likely has plenty left to give in his entertainment career. Conservative projections estimate his net worth could reach $40 million in the next 5-10 years if he continues his current trajectory.
Lasting Legacy in Comedy
Now entering his fourth decade in comedy, Cedric the Entertainer has proven his staying power as an elite comic. His ability to continually connect with diverse audiences is unmatched.
Cedric has directly influenced and opened doors for the next generation of Black comedians. Stars like Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, and Kenan Thompson all followed a similar path through stand-up before crossing over to TV and movies.
Industry observers credit Cedric with helping accelerate this trend of multi-talented Black male comedians finding huge success in all areas of entertainment. His legacy as a pioneer is firmly cemented.
Through his production company, Cedric plans to keep creating new opportunities for emerging performers. He says, "There‘s so much talent I want to help showcase."
Beyond show business, Cedric dedicates time to giving back to the community. He has been involved with organizations like the Steve Harvey Foundation and Turning Point Academy that help youth from underserved communities.
What‘s Next for the Veteran Funnyman?
As he approaches his 40th year in comedy in 2029, Cedric shows no signs of slowing down. He continues headlining sold-out stand-up shows and churning out new movies and sitcoms. CBS recently renewed The Neighborhood through 2024.
Sources close to Cedric hint he may eventually look to follow Steve Harvey‘s footsteps into daytime TV as a syndicated talk show host or game show emcee.
No matter what comes next, Cedric figures to continue leaving audiences in stitches. His blend of humor, humility, and heart has made him one of the most beloved comedians of his generation.
And the laughter isn‘t slowing. At only 58 years old and still performing at his peak, we can expect Cedric the Entertainer‘s net worth to keep on growing right along with that infectious smile.
