Cedric the Entertainer: makes his directorial debut with indie film while acting roles continue to roll in

Jet, April 21, 2008 by Margena A. Christian

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Cedric the Entertainer is adding another act to his already extensive Hollywood resume: director.

Known for his work as a comedian and actor in film, television and commercials, Cedric is set to make his directorial debut with the indie comedy Chicago Pulaski Jones.

"They say 'timing is everything,' and it seems to be the right time and project for me to take a shot at directing," said Cedric.

The story centers around a champion dancer, Chicago Pulaski Jones, played by Kel Mitchell of "Keenan & Kel" TV fame, who finds himself fighting to avenge his uncle's murder through a new martial art form called dance-fu. The movie is slated for release in 2009.

"Growing up in this business, I've fallen in love with the art of storytelling," said Mitchell, who came up with the original story. "I like to create films that stretch the imagination and am flattered that someone I look up to can bring my vision to life."

The film, written by Mitchell and Janis Woody, will also star Cedric, Tommy Davidson and Gary Sturgis. In addition, Cedric and longtime manager/producing partner Eric C. Rhone will executive produce under their production company, A Bird And A Bear Entertainment. The company's first project was 2004's Johnson Family Vacation (JET, April 12, 2004).

"Our primary goal is to create and produce quality commercially driven projects," said Rhone. "Chicago Pulaski Jones fits the bill."

Currently Cedric stars in a crime thriller, Street Kings, opposite Forest Whitaker, Keanu Reeves and Common. More recently he starred in Martin Lawrence's ensemble comedy flick Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (JET, Feb. 11).

Also noted for his voice-over work in Charlotte's Web, Dr. Dolittle 2 and Madagascar, Cedric will lend his vocal talent to Madagascar 2, due out in November.

The busy entertainer will also appear in the upcoming film Cadillac Records, a period piece that deals with the rise and fall of Chicago's Chess Records.

"It's a movie basically about the label that was the birth of the blues and on to rock 'n' roll," said Cedric. "This record label signed Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley as well as Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. Jeffrey Wright, Adrien Brody and Beyonce will have a small role. It's going to be a hot little movie."