This summer, Cedric The Entertainer’s legacy in show business was cemented with a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. On Saturday, December 15, he will be honored with his own street in St. Louis.
“What an extraordinary and mind-blowing honor,” said Cedric, who currently stars in the CBS sitcom “The Neighborhood,” alongside Tichina Arnold. “I just could not have ever even dreamed this one up!”
Thanks to 19th Ward Alderwoman Marlene Davis, the corner of Olive and Vandeventer – right outside the fraternity house of his beloved Kappa Alpha Psi – will be known as “Cedric The Entertainer Way.”
“It’s surreal and at the same time it’s an exceptionally cool affirmation that far and beyond my career successes, the charitable work and the giving back I am committed to doing has meant so much to the people and city of St Louis, my hometown,” Cedric said.
Local city officials, members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, members of Grand Arts District, Emily Pulitzer and more are expected to attend the unveiling ceremony – where December 15 will be proclaimed Cedric The Entertainer Day in the city of St. Louis.
“His leadership, drive, and extraordinary philanthropy … served to benefit and inspire the entire community,” said St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson. “Thus, ensuring he’ll always hold legendary status among the people of St. Louis. “Standing as the physical manifestation of that fact, will be the street bearing his name as an enduring part of ‘The Neighborhood’ – an especially apt note considering the title of his No.1-ranked TV series.”
Cedric became a household name when he was tapped to host the second season of BET’S Comic View – following in the footsteps of fellow future “King of Comedy” D.L. Hughley, who served as the hit urban comedy series’ inaugural host.
Soon after, he co-starred with fellow comic Steve Harvey on the hit WB sitcom “The Steve Harvey Show.” In 2000, Cedric starred alongside Harvey, Hughley and the late Bernie Mac in the record-breaking “Kings of Comedy” Tour, which also spawned a blockbuster film of the same name.
Cedric went on to film and television success in films such as “The Honeymooners,” the “Barbershop” franchise, “Johnson Family Vacation,” “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” and “Be Cool” to name a few.
“Wherever Cedric goes, he speaks so warmly about his hometown of St Louis. I have been fortunate enough to know him for over 25 years,” Steven Schankman, president of Contemporary Productions. Schankman co-produced “Kings of Comedy,” which is the biggest comedy tour in history and had a hand in the process of getting a street named after his colleague and friend.
“After attending the extraordinary ceremony in Los Angeles earlier this year where Cedric received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I knew St. Louis would also want to tribute him in an especially public and permanent way as well,” Schankman said. “Working jointly with the Mayor’s Office and Board of Aldermen, we are extremely happy to name a street in Cedric’s honor.”
Cedric will spend the morning being honored. That same evening, he will jump right into giving back. Cedric’s annual SSM Health Foundation fundraising charity Gala, newly titled “A Not So Silent Night with Cedric The Entertainer” will be held in the Khorassan Ballroom at the Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis at 7 p.m. on Saturday, featuring performances by Cedric and The Fabulous Motown Revue.
Proceeds from the event will help support Women’s Health programs at SSM Health Foundation via The Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion, named in honor of Cedric’s late mom; empowering SSM Health to continue to impact patients and their families served in the greater St. Louis region.
“We welcome Cedric back to his own with this heartfelt endorsement,” said Krewson.
“A Not So Silent Night with Cedric The Entertainer” will take place at 7p.m. on Saturday, December 15 in the Khorassan Ballroom at the Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis. For tickets or more information, email EventSTL@ssmhealth.com.
