Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard – Episode: Anthony Anderson
Host: Armchair Umbrella (Dax Shepard)
Guest: Anthony Anderson
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Introduction
In this captivating episode of "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard," host Dax Shepard welcomes Emmy-nominated actor and comedian Anthony Anderson alongside co-host Monica Padman. The trio embarks on an in-depth conversation exploring Anthony's illustrious career, personal triumphs, unique achievements, and the challenges he has overcome throughout his life.
Career Highlights
Anthony Anderson begins by sharing his diverse acting portfolio, highlighting roles from popular TV shows and blockbuster films. He reminisces about his time on "Black-ish," his appearances on "Law & Order," and memorable roles in "Kangaroo Jack," "Romeo Must Die," and "Scary Movie 3." Anthony expresses pride in his recent project, the action-packed movie "G20," alongside acclaimed actress Viola Davis, currently available on Prime Video.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [00:38]:
"Of course. Black Ish, Kangaroo Jack, Romeo Must Die. Barbershop, Scary Movie 3. He has a new movie on prime video right now with Viola Davis called G20."
Guinness World Records
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Anthony's impressive Guinness World Records. He proudly recounts setting the record for hitting a golf ball the furthest with the longest usable golf club—a remarkable 106 feet using a 36-foot club. Anthony shares the exhilarating moment when a marching band unexpectedly celebrated his achievement.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [04:13]:
"I hit a golf ball the furthest with the longest usable golf club in the world, 36ft. And one inch was length of the club."
Anthony also discusses his son's record for putting on the most t-shirts in 30 seconds, emphasizing the fun and dedication involved in breaking such unique records.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [05:43]:
"My son Nathan was in the Guinness book of world records for putting on the most T-shirts in 30 seconds. It was almost one a second."
Personal Stories and Celebrity Interactions
The conversation takes an entertaining turn as Anthony shares anecdotes about his interactions with celebrities. He narrates a memorable encounter with Lionel Richie, where Richie approached him on an airplane, leading to an impromptu conversation that Anthony humorously tries to replay during the podcast.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [14:21]:
"I'm doing a podcast, and I was hoping that you would pick up the phone because we're here talking about you. You mad Dax on a plane with his wife Kristen, and you walked up and said, hi, I'm Lionel Richie."
Another standout story involves Anthony's playful competition with Michael Jordan during the G20 summit. Anthony describes challenging Jordan to a game of dominoes, leading to a lighthearted yet competitive exchange that left a lasting impression.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [58:03]:
"I can say that. And we laugh about it to this day."
Early Life and Education
Anthony delves into his formative years growing up in Compton, discussing the prevalent gang culture and the influence it had on his life by association. He reflects on attending the LA County High School for the Performing Arts as part of the inaugural class in 1985, detailing the challenges and resilience required to navigate such an environment.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [25:15]:
"I had to walk through all of that. I went to the High School for the Performing Arts."
Family and Legacy
The episode touches deeply on Anthony's family background. He honors his father's entrepreneurial spirit in the clothing business and shares the heart-wrenching loss of his youngest brother and father due to car accidents. Anthony emphasizes how these personal tragedies fueled his passion for raising diabetes awareness, a condition that ultimately took his father's life.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [39:51]:
"I lost him on Valentine's Day. I was doing the Shield, and I got a call in the middle of the night from his nurse and said, we lost your dad."
Return to Education
Anthony narrates his inspiring journey of returning to Howard University in 2022 to complete his degree, fulfilling a promise to be the first in his family to graduate college. He speaks fondly of the support from faculty and peers, including classmates like Taraji P. Henson and Phylicia Rashad, making his graduation a truly full-circle moment.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [48:08]:
"So my son gets accepted. His mother and I met at Howard in 1989. Yeah. So you're a double legacy kid. You got to go to Howard."
Hosting and Industry Insights
Anthony shares his extensive experience hosting on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", holding the record for the most appearances on the show. He discusses his aspirations for his own talk show and reflects on the challenges and rewards of hosting, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships within the industry.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [35:52]:
"I've never questioned my ability because I know what I can do."
Memorable Anecdotes
The conversation is peppered with hilarious and memorable stories, including Anthony's encounter with Michael Jordan playing dominoes and inadvertently winning against the basketball legend. These stories not only showcase Anthony's charm and humor but also highlight his ability to connect with some of the most influential figures in the entertainment and sports industries.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [60:53]:
"I whipped Michael Jordan's ass in dominoes."
Closing Reflections
As the episode draws to a close, Anthony reflects on the balance between professional success and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, the impact of personal loss on his life's mission, and his continued dedication to making a positive difference through his advocacy work.
Notable Quote:
Anthony Anderson at [41:30]:
"They over index, right? Yeah, very much so. Because I lost my father to complications of diabetes."
Conclusion
This episode of "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard" offers a profound and entertaining glimpse into Anthony Anderson's life. From his groundbreaking achievements and heartfelt family stories to his encounters with celebrities and relentless advocacy work, Anthony embodies the resilience and multifaceted spirit that the show seeks to celebrate. Listeners gain not only inspiration from his journey but also a deeper understanding of the person behind the accolades.
Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and are approximations to highlight notable moments and quotes within the episode.