With the debut of “Barbershop” in 2002, moviegoers were introduced to what would become a Black cinematic universe.
The film focused on the relevance of communal gathering via the lens of a local institution, the Black barbershop. It depicts the difficulties of entrepreneurship, the necessity of relationships, an examination of gender justice, and an outspoken recognition of African cultural norms.
One of the most notable characters in the film was “Eddie,” played by Cedric The Entertainer. The daring and opinionated onscreen uncle we all grew to adore, on the other hand, almost didn’t come to life in the same way.
Cedric The Entertainer, born Cedric Antonio Kyles, began his career as a stand-up comedian before becoming the host of BET’s “Comic View.” From there, he went on to co-star on the WB’s “The Steve Harvey Show,” as well as co-headliner on the comic tour and film “The Kings of Comedy,” alongside Steve Harvey, DL Hughley, and the late Bernie Mac.
Cedric has also appeared in films such as “Kingdom Come,” “The Honey Mooners,” and “Johnson Family Vacation.”
Celebrity Net Worth estimates that the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. member has a net worth of $25 million due to his outstanding comic abilities and recognized acting capabilities.
Cedric’s success is evident, as he has brought laughter to many people’s homes and hearts over the course of his career. Although he is still considered a living legend and icon in the entertainment business, it was not his stand-up that propelled him to success. His part as Eddie in “Barbershop” paid $150,000 and changed the course of his career.
According to a story from Shadow and Act in May 2022, Cedric The Entertainer claimed on the FAQ Podcast that he initially read for the character of J.D., filled by Anthony Anderson. Cedric, on the other hand, was more interested in playing Eddie, the shop’s senior statesman.
“In my mind, I knew I wanted to be this old man because I…just used to do all these old characters. I was like, ‘I know that old man.’ So when I was in the read, they was like, ‘Yo, you want to do the old man?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll do the old man,” Cedric said on the podcast.
And once he got in the role, he rocked it and made far more money in the second and third installments of the “Barbershop” series.
“This was one of those things, like a choice, knowing a character is for you, and it has changed my career for sure,” Cedric said. “The first ‘Barbershop,’ that was one of those things that change your career. The first ‘Barbershop,’ I got like $150,000, and the second one was way, way, way over there,” Cedric explained.