The man behind the laughter
Cedric the Entertainer draws a crowd of hundreds, says his talents always came naturally
By: Michelle Oyola
Issue date: 5/4/06 Section: News
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About 400 people attended the event titled "The Business Side of Entertainment.." Rhone and Cedric (Cedric Kyles) both grew up in St. Louis and met each other at Southeast Missouri State University. Rhone serves as Cedric's manager. The pair talked about how they became successful.
Cedric is known for his stand-up comedy, such as "Original Kings of Comedy," and films, including "Barbershop" and more recently "Johnson Family Vacation." Rhone was on the cover of the August 2000 issue of "Money Magazine."
Kimberly Lesko, School of Business and Technology administrator for external affairs, said the pair came to Webster because Benjamin Akande, School of Business and Technology dean, is friends with Rhone. Lesko said Cedric and Rhone provide a unique perspective on the entertainment industry.
"We see all of the entertainment, but we don't know about what goes on behind the scenes," Lesko said.
Akande introduced Cedric, who came unto the stage with a big smile. He said the pair have paved the way for younger stars and have further broken the color barrier.. Cedric and Rhone were greeted with a standing ovation.
The stage had three chairs, and Rhone, Cedric and Akande joked like friends during the talk. Akande began the evening by asking Cedric and Rhone how they teamed up and became successful.
Cedric said after he graduated from college, he felt lost. He didn't like the work place. But Cedric said he always felt he had the ability to entertain, and he entered a local comedy competition and won $50. He slowly built his name by performing at night while working as a claims adjuster for State Farm Insurance during the day.
"I needed dental at the time," Cedric said. "I could use a little teeth whitening."
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