Cedric the Entertainer turns 40 with regal party

Jet, May 24, 2004

There was only one way for actor-comedian Cedric the Entertainer, one of the original Kings of Comedy, to usher in his 40th birthday. He had an affair befitting royalty!

Hundreds of family members and friends from near and far packed Pearl Restaurant in West Hollywood to extend birthday greetings to one of America's most lovable performers.

"It was fun," Cedric tells JET. "Off the chain. It was truly a party fit for a king."

The low-key performer was at first reluctant to throw himself a big affair, but gentle persuasion from the queen of his heart, wife Lorna, swayed his decision. He was delighted he did.

"He makes 40 look great," Sharita Kyles Wilson, Cedric's younger sister, tells JET. "The party was ultra fabulous in every way. It was great to see so much music and laughter. It brought out the celebration in everybody and lightened everyone's soul for the night."

From beginning to end, the party's theme was majestic. Guests received invitations that were made like scrolls.

The cake, created by the Cake Divas in Los Angeles, was made like a castle and decorated with pictures of Cedric. More ornate than most wedding cakes, the palace-like work of art was created with layers of red velvet and layers of white cake with chocolate filling.

Party thrones for a king and a queen were set up inside for guest to take pictures. Those who wanted quiet could visit the VIP room of enjoy the patio where imported cigars of choice were rolled at the cigar bar.

A big fan of "old school" soul music, guests were treated to the sounds of Grammy Award--winning performer Raphael Saadiq, who performed classic Tony Toni Tone hits from his former group as well as songs from his solo career. The group Sugar Free also performed, while top DJ Funkmaster Flex controlled the turntables for the evening.

One of Cedric's favorite up-and-coming comedians, Rodney Perry, who appeared in Johnson Family Vacation with Cedric, served as the host for the night.

Guests dined on exquisite appetizers courtesy of Pearl. But Cedric, probably one of Hollywood's few heavyweights known for his engaging and down-to-earth personality, also "kept it real" with Popeyes for those who preferred chicken and biscuits.

Among the guests were Nia Long, Garcelle Beauvais, Shaun Robinson, Alex Thomas, Tommy Davidson, Dondre Whitfield and his pregnant wife, actress Salli Richardson, Joe Torry, Morris Day, Kym Whitley, Tamala Jones, Dave Winfield, Bill Bellamy, Judge Mablean Ephraim, Robi Reed-Humes, Stan Lathan, Boris Kodjoe, Tichina Arnold, Arnelle Simpson, Mari Morrow and Bishop Don "Magic" Juan.

Cedric is known for his work on TV's "The Steve Harvey Show," in the movies Barbershop, Barbershop 2: Back in Business and Johnson Family Vacation and in the Bud Light commercials.

This week Cedric co-hosts the TV special "Motown 45" along with music icon Lionel Richie.

Upcoming projects will include a remake of "The Honeymooners"; the movie Back To School, a remake of a Rodney Dangerfield classic; Be Cool (aka Get Shorty 2); and Lemony Snicket's: A Series Of Unfortunate Events co-starring Jim Carrey, Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep.