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Anderson’s evolution

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Whatever actor Anthony Anderson does in front of the camera, viewers can count on it to be unforgettable.

For nearly 20 years, Anderson has had stand out roles on television and in films, easily making audiences laugh in comedy formats such as ā€œThe Bernie Mac Showā€ and ā€œBarbershop,ā€ and taking them on a range of emotions with dramatic roles on programs like ā€œLaw & Orderā€ and ā€œThe Shield.ā€

Recently, the actor, comedian and writer stopped in Indianapolis to serve as emcee for the annual United Negro College Fund Masked Ball, which included singer Chaka Khan and raised funds for college students.

During his visit, Anderson talked to the Recorder about his career. Last weekā€™s appearance was his first visit to Indianapolis, and he noted that residents live up to Indianaā€™s reputation of having Hoosier hospitality.

ā€œYou definitely have hospitality in abundance,ā€ said Anderson, laughing.

Born and raised in Compton, Calif., Anderson said as a child, he wanted to be an actor, a lawyer or a player for the Dallas Cowboys football team.

ā€œI realized that if I chose acting, I could be all those things and whatever else I wanted to be,ā€ he said.

While pursuing his acting career, Anderson attended the High School for the Performing Arts, where he was trained by actors such as Indiana native Avery Brooks, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. He earned first place in the NAACPā€™s ACTSO Awards with his performance of the classic monologue from ā€œThe Great White Hope.ā€

That performance, along with his dedication to his craft, earned him an arts scholarship to Howard University.

In giving advice to aspiring actors, Anderson said ā€œeducation is keyā€ and that everyone is blessed with talent, they just need to find a place where they can hone and showcase it.

ā€œIt is also important to believe in yourself and to be true to who you are,ā€ Anderson said. ā€œBill Cosby once said, ā€˜I donā€™t know what the keys to success are, but I know the key to failure is trying to please everyone.ā€™ā€

Anderson first gained attention as one of Jim Carreyā€™s sons in ā€œMe, Myself, and Irene,ā€ and soon appeared in popular films such as ā€œScary Movie 3,ā€ ā€œBarbershop,ā€ ā€œKangaroo Jack,ā€ ā€œExit Wounds,ā€ ā€œTwo Can Play That Game,ā€ and ā€œMalibuā€™s Most Wanted.ā€

Anderson also has had major roles on network and cable television, playing recurring characters on the shows ā€œLaw & Order,ā€ ā€œThe Bernie Mac Show,ā€ ā€œThe Shieldā€ and ā€œGuys With Kids.ā€

In 2008, he was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for his role in ā€œLaw & Order.ā€

Some of his most memorable roles can be found in the Dream Worksā€™ blockbuster ā€œTransformers,ā€ and Martin Scorseseā€™s Oscar winning feature, ā€œThe Departed,ā€ alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson.

Anderson said the passion that comes in his acting, whether it involves comedy or drama, comes from actual situations in his life.

ā€œYou can only go to the well as deep as life experiences have taken you,ā€ he said.

Anderson said his favorite role was as Antwon Mitchell on ā€œThe Shield,ā€ which was a departure from the mostly comedic appearances he had made up to that time.

ā€œBefore then I had been typecast as the comedy relief of things, but I was able to show another side of myself in ā€˜The Shield,ā€™ā€ Anderson said. ā€œThat was the first role where I actually called my friends and associates and asked them to watch and tell me what they thought.ā€

Currently, Anderson can be seen in the HBO drama ā€œTreme,ā€™ā€ which is set in New Orleans right after Hurricane Katrina. Early next year he will be featured as host of the new NBC game show ā€œWall of Fame,ā€ which he describes as an updated version of ā€œHollywood Squaresā€ where contestants can win up to $150,000.

Although Anderson seeks to be a well-rounded actor, humor will always remain an essential part of both his work and his existence.

ā€œItā€™s imperative we maintain our sense of humor, because thatā€™s what keeps us sane,ā€ he said. ā€œIf we canā€™t laugh in the face of our ordeals, we can go crazy. Laughter can change everyoneā€™s entire mood.ā€

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