Anthony Anderson

Emmy & Golden Globe Nominated Actor

Anthony Anderson

Emmy & Golden Globe Nominated Actor

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Biography

Anthony Anderson is an award-winning actor with over 100 film and television credits across more than 30 years in the entertainment industry. He is best known as the star and executive producer of ABC’s black-ish, the Peabody Award-winning sitcom that wrestled with big questions and delivered even bigger laughs for eight seasons. Beyond Hollywood, Anderson is a dedicated philanthropist and vocal advocate for education, mental health, and diabetes awareness.

Anderson caught the acting bug at age nine while watching his mother rehearse for a local production of A Raisin in the Sun. Determined to become an actor, he honed his craft while his community rallied around him to ensure he didn’t succumb to the harsh streets of Compton. He studied theatre at Howard University but dropped out during his junior year due to financial hardship. That setback didn't stop his career progress or educational pursuits. Anderson returned to the West Coast and made a name for himself as a working actor. In 2022, more than 30 years after leaving college, he graduated from Howard University with a BFA in theatre arts. His journey is a reminder that dreams have no expiration date.

With gratitude to the village that raised him, Anderson is an active philanthropist in his hometown, working to provide access and opportunity to youth facing similar challenges. Since 2016, he has hosted the Annual Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic, a two-day charity event benefiting nonprofit organizations that support health, wellness, and mentorship for youth and marginalized communities. Anderson has partnered with Los Angeles Mission, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the City of Compton for holiday food giveaways, as well as the United Negro College Fund to create scholarships. He also proudly serves on the GOOD+ Foundation’s Fatherhood Leadership Council and was inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Alumni Hall of Fame.

After losing his father to type 2 diabetes-related complications and managing the disease himself for more than 20 years, Anderson has become a vocal advocate for diabetes awareness. His philanthropic efforts often benefit the American Diabetes Association, and he was the face of Novo Nordisk’s Get Real About Diabetes campaign. He is especially passionate about raising awareness of early intervention for diabetes and mental health issues in Black communities, where support often isn’t received until it’s too late.

Anderson’s career has been built with intention and unwavering dedication. He first gained recognition as a comedic actor in films like Me, Myself & Irene, Kangaroo Jack, and the Scary Movie franchise. But to avoid being typecast as the “fat, funny guy,” he pursued more dramatic roles that showcased his range, leading to celebrated performances in movies such as Hustle & Flow, The Departed, Netflix’s Beats, and Amazon’s G20. On the small screen, Anderson brought his talents to series including K-Ville, The Shield, and four seasons of Law & Order as Detective Kevin Bernard.

The success of black-ish propelled Anderson into the mainstream spotlight. For his work as lead actor and producer, he received 11 Emmy nominations, three Golden Globe nominations, four Screen Actors Guild nominations, and eight consecutive NAACP Image Awards. In 2020, Anderson was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Building on the success of black-ish, he also executive produced the prequel mixed-ish on ABC and the sequel grown-ish on Freeform.

Anderson is also a highly sought-after host with credits including awards shows, Food Network adventures like Eating America with Anthony Anderson and Carnival Cravings, and game shows like We Are Family and To Tell the Truth, which he hosted for eight seasons with his mother, the beloved and comical Mama Doris. He is also a frequent guest host for Jimmy Kimmel Live.

When Anderson takes the stage as a keynote speaker, audiences are captivated by his powerful life story, one of resilience, perseverance, and triumph. Balancing candor and humor, he reveals the many setbacks he has faced in his education, career, and physical and mental health, sharing how he has risen above these obstacles and inspiring audiences to overcome adversity in their own lives. Anthony Anderson works in partnership with APB Speakers for speaking engagements worldwide.

Anthony Anderson’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and a reminder that we each achieve success on our own unique timelines.

Speech Topics

An Evening with Anthony Anderson

Behind Anthony Anderson’s more than three decades in entertainment is a story of persistence, reinvention, and never allowing other people to define what is possible. In this candid and entertaining conversation, the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, comedian, producer, and television host shares stories from a career spanning Me, Myself & Irene, Hustle & Flow, The Departed, Law & Order, G20, and eight seasons starring in and executive producing the Peabody Award-winning black-ish. Anthony reflects on the cultural impact of the series, his evolution as a television host, and the unforgettable adventures he has shared on screen with his mother, Mama Doris. Beyond Hollywood, he opens up about returning to Howard University to complete his degree more than 30 years after first enrolling, his commitment to building generational wealth and creating opportunities for others, and the determination that carried him from Compton to a lasting career in entertainment. He also speaks personally about health, family, loss, and his experience living with type 2 diabetes. Filled with humor, heart, and behind-the-scenes stories, this conversation reveals the experiences and values that have shaped both Anthony’s career and the man audiences have come to know beyond the screen.

Audiences will learn:

Behind-the-scenes stories from Anthony’s career across film, television, comedy, and hosting
How persistence, reinvention, and education have shaped his path to success
Why family, health, and creating opportunities for others remain central to his life and legacy

Mental Illness: Raising Awareness & Combating the Stigma

Silence can make mental health struggles feel even more isolating. As an advocate for mental health awareness, Anthony Anderson challenges the stigma, cultural expectations, and misconceptions that can prevent people from asking for help or speaking honestly about what they are experiencing. Drawing from his work in entertainment and health advocacy, Anthony explores why these barriers can be especially powerful for men and communities of color, where vulnerability is not always encouraged. With humor, compassion, and candor, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing when someone may be struggling, creating space for honest conversations, and treating mental health with the same seriousness as physical health. Anthony encourages audiences to replace judgment with empathy and help build communities where seeking support is understood as a sign of strength.

Audiences will learn:

How to challenge stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental illness
Why vulnerability and seeking support are important parts of emotional well-being
How families, workplaces, and communities can create stronger cultures of mental health support

Wealth-Building in Underserved Communities: Creating Opportunity and Generational Change

Wealth can change more than an individual life. It can expand what is possible for families, communities, and future generations. Drawing from his experience growing up in Compton and building a successful career as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur, Anthony Anderson explores the importance of financial literacy, ownership, and long-term economic empowerment in historically underserved communities. Anthony shares personal lessons about investing in yourself, creating multiple pathways to opportunity, and using professional success to open doors for others. He also examines the responsibility that comes with access, challenging audiences to think beyond personal achievement and consider how resources, mentorship, and representation can create broader economic impact. With humor and candor, Anthony offers a practical and personal perspective on building a legacy rooted in opportunity, independence, and generational change.

Audiences will learn:

Why financial literacy and ownership are essential to building generational wealth
How education, entrepreneurship, and strategic decision-making can expand economic opportunity
How reinvesting in people and communities can create lasting impact beyond individual success

Getting Real About Life with Diabetes

A diabetes diagnosis changes daily life, but it does not have to define what comes next. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2002, Anthony Anderson shares the lessons he has learned while managing his health alongside a demanding career and becoming a public advocate for diabetes awareness. With humor and honesty, Anthony opens up about the realities of making healthier choices, staying consistent, working with healthcare professionals, and leaning on family and support systems along the way. He also addresses the misconceptions and stigma surrounding diabetes, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by the disease, and encourages people to become more informed and proactive about their health. Anthony’s message is ultimately one of empowerment: managing diabetes is an ongoing journey, and taking ownership of your health can help you continue pursuing the life you want.

Audiences will learn:

Why education, medical care, and self-advocacy are important parts of managing diabetes
How sustainable habits and strong support systems can make everyday health management more achievable
How greater awareness and open conversation can help reduce stigma surrounding type 2 diabetes

Empowering Young Men of Color: Defying Expectations and Building a Legacy

Potential can be easy to overlook when the world has already decided what someone is capable of becoming. Growing up in Compton, Anthony Anderson learned early how powerful mentorship, education, and community can be in helping young Black men see possibilities beyond the expectations placed on them. Drawing from his journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable entertainers, Anthony shares candid stories about navigating stereotypes, building confidence, and creating opportunities in spaces where representation matters. He also explores the importance of positive male role models and a broader definition of masculinity grounded in vulnerability, accountability, and self-respect. With humor and personal insight, Anthony challenges young men of color to take ownership of their futures, invest in their growth, and build a legacy that creates opportunity for those who come next.

Audiences will learn:

How to challenge stereotypes and take ownership of their identity and future
Why mentorship, community, and positive role models can change the trajectory of a life
How education, personal growth, and opportunity can become part of a lasting legacy

Men's Health & Wellness: Breaking the Silence and Taking Control of Your Health

Too many men wait until something is wrong before making their health a priority. Drawing from his personal experience living with type 2 diabetes and his years of health advocacy, Anthony Anderson challenges the cultural expectations that can make men reluctant to seek care, ask questions, or talk openly about what they are experiencing. With humor and candor, Anthony explores the importance of preventive care, regular screenings, healthier daily choices, and honest conversations about both physical and mental well-being. He also addresses the health disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color and the importance of becoming an informed advocate for yourself and the people you love. Anthony’s message reframes taking care of your health as an act of strength, responsibility, and investment in the future.

Audiences will learn:

How to challenge stigmas that prevent men from prioritizing physical and mental health
Why preventive care, screenings, and sustainable lifestyle choices matter
How to become a stronger advocate for their own health and the well-being of their families

Testimonials

“Anthony Anderson was an incredible addition to our HPE Networking Inaugural CISO Advisory Board Meeting. Anthony brought his signature humor and warmth to the event, making it a real treat for everyone in attendance. He was incredibly gracious and generous with his time, going above and beyond to engage with our guests and continuing the conversation well beyond the scheduled program. His genuine enthusiasm and willingness to spend extra time with our group made the experience even more memorable.”

- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

"It was fantastic. Anthony took pictures with EVERY student in the audience. The post event reception was first-class and Anthony even committed to helping one of the Alphas get an internship with ABC. He was really blown away by the kids and we even popped into a student game watch party at the hotel, after the event was over....the kids went wild."

- Syracuse University