American comedian and actor Anthony Anderson was born on August 15, 1970 in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in Compton and is an alumnus of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, as well as Howard University. His mother, Doris, was a telephone operator and actress, while his father, Sterling Bowman, owns a chain of clothing stores.
From 1995 to 2000, Anthony Anderson starred in the NBC television show Hang Time. His other television roles include minor ones in JAG, In the House, Malcolm and Eddie, and two episodes of Ally McBeal. In 2000, he had his breakout film role by starring as Maurice in Romeo Must Die. That year, he starred in Big Momma’s House and alongside Jim Carrey in Me, Myself and Irene. This was followed by playing T.K. Johnson in 2001’s crime thriller Exit Wounds. He was also seen in See Spot Run and Kingdom Come that year. In 2002, Anderson landed a role in Barbershop, alongside Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer. His next project was being cast in Kangaroo Jack in 2003. He also appeared on television in the series My Wife and Kids and was a guest on Mad TV. He was then given his own show, a sitcom on the WB titled All About the Andersons. It was cancelled after one season.
Anthony Anderson continued to appear in films like Scary Movie 3 and Cradle 3 the Grave, as well as in 2004’s Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London. He also had a small role in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. Anderson also lent his voice to the character of Detective Bill Stork in the animated feature Hoodwinked! He was then given enormous critical acclaim for his performance in the series The Shield. He began as a co-star but eventually returned for the show’s subsequent seasons. He also had a supporting role in award-winning film The Departed in 2006. He reprised his role as Mahalik in Scary Movie 4 that year as well. Anderson was also cast in the live-action Transformers film. He was next given a regular television role in the FOX drama K-Ville, where he played Marlin Boulet. He also replaced Jesse L. Martin in the NBC crime drama Law & Order in 2008, and later that year became a guest star on the series Samantha Who? Since then, he has signed on for roles in Steppin: The Movie, Around the World in 50 Years 3D, and Mama Black Widow.
