The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Interview Only: Actor Anthony Anderson Hypes New Barbecue Brand, Gives Healthy Advice, and Battles Mercenaries
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Guest: Anthony Anderson
Duration: Approximately 35 minutes
Podcast Platform: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

Stephen A. Smith opens the episode by introducing Anthony Anderson, emphasizing his acclaimed role as Andre Johnson on the hit ABC sitcom Blackish and his appearance in the upcoming Prime Video original movie, G20. Anderson is warmly welcomed, highlighting their personal friendship and mutual respect.

Discussing G20: Anthony's Upcoming Role

Timestamp: [01:08]

Stephen A. Smith delves into Anthony Anderson’s new role in G20, describing it as a "wild ride" alongside esteemed actors like Viola Davis and Anderson’s real-life daughter, Marcia Martin.

Stephen A. Smith:
"Explain the premise in your character, please." ([02:11])

Anthony Anderson:
"I'm the first man you know. Viola Davis is the President of the United States. I'm her husband and I'm the first man of the United States, man." ([02:11])

Key Points:

• Anderson portrays the First Gentleman, providing support to Viola Davis's presidential character.
• The movie is set against the backdrop of the G20 World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, where the summit is attacked by terrorists.
• Both Anderson and Davis's characters are ex-military, adding depth and action to the storyline.

Notable Quote:

Anthony Anderson:
"We kick a lot of butt, get a lot of butt kick. We're both ex military in this film, so it makes sense for us to do what we're doing. And it's action packed and it's fun." ([02:46])

Exploring Anthony's Acting Career and Favorite Roles

Timestamp: [03:36] to [21:06]

Stephen A. Smith and Anthony Anderson reminisce about Anderson's diverse acting career, touching upon both his comedic and serious roles. Anderson reflects on his enjoyment of acting, the fulfillment he gains from working with talented individuals like Viola Davis, Anthony Starks, and his daughter Marcia Martin.

Anthony Anderson:
"I enjoy going to work. You know, this is something that I've always wanted to do since I was 9 years old. And I've been blessed with the gift... it's my responsibility to share this gift that I've been blessed with with the world." ([05:48])

Highlighted Roles:

• Law & Order
• Two Can Play That Game alongside Morris Chestnut and Vivica Fox
• The Departed with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson
• Romeo Must Die, Me, Myself & Irene, Kangaroo Jack

Notable Anecdote:

In discussing Two Can Play That Game, Anderson shares a personal connection:

Anthony Anderson:
"My 25-year-old son was going through the same thing that Morris Chestnut's character was going through just a few months ago... he needed to see this movie so you can understand me." ([17:53])

Introduction to AC Barbecue: Anthony’s New Venture

Timestamp: [22:38] to [25:26]

Anthony Anderson introduces his new barbecue brand, AC Barbecue, co-founded with Cedric the Entertainer. The brand focuses on bringing barbecue to a fast-casual setting, emphasizing community and cultural roots.

Anthony Anderson:
"We're rooted in culture and fueled by community. That's what AC BBQ is all about. Just bringing everybody together to celebrate and to love on one another through the spirit of barbecue." ([24:26])

Key Highlights:

• AC Barbecue products include sauces, rubs, and various barbecue essentials.
• Partnerships with Sodexo Magic have placed AC BBQ kitchens in several HBCUs and universities, including the University of Cincinnati, Jackson State University, and Howard University.
• Plans to open the first restaurant at the Westfield Mall in Century City.
• Upcoming collaborations with other fast-food franchises to expand the brand’s reach.

Educational Journey and Achievements

Timestamp: [25:26] to [28:20]

Stephen A. Smith discusses Anderson's educational background, particularly his journey with Howard University. Anderson shares the significance of finally obtaining his degree from the renamed Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts in 2022 after initially leaving due to financial constraints.

Anthony Anderson:
"It took 35 years in the making. I started Howard University as a freshman in 1988 and left after my junior year due to financial reasons. I was finally able to go back and receive my degree in 2022." ([27:11])

Achievements:

• Distinguished Alumni Award from Howard University.
• Partnership with the United Negro College Fund to raise scholarship funds for HBCU students.
• Establishing the Anderson Family Foundation, focusing on scholarships at Howard University to support students facing similar financial challenges.

Personal Health Advocacy: Battling Type 2 Diabetes

Timestamp: [29:07] to [32:30]

Anthony Anderson opens up about his personal battle with Type 2 Diabetes, diagnosed at age 29, and the loss of his father to diabetes complications. He emphasizes the importance of awareness and proactive management within the black community.

Anthony Anderson:
"I go out to the communities and I talk to the communities, but in particular black men, because we are the ones that rarely go to the doctors... My father had gone unchecked for over 20, 25 years, and we lost him because of that." ([31:00])

Initiatives:

• Get Real about Diabetes campaign in partnership with Novo Nordisk.
• Advocating for lifestyle changes and regular medical check-ups to prevent complications.
• Sharing his story to inspire others to take control of their health.

Future Aspirations and Mission

Timestamp: [32:30] to [34:10]

Anderson discusses his aspirations to create more opportunities for himself and others in the creative industry. He aims to direct, create, and collaborate with a diverse range of storytellers to bring authentic narratives to the forefront.

Anthony Anderson:
"I want to continue to make opportunities for creatives and storytellers... telling, you know, and being your authentic self and being in that space." ([33:12])

Humorous Interactions and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [34:10] to [35:30]

The conversation concludes with light-hearted banter between Stephen A. Smith and Anthony Anderson. Jennifer Lewis, referred to humorously as Anderson’s "second mother," makes a cameo appearance, adding a comedic touch. Stephen humorously mentions his own career moves, including an upcoming appearance on Law & Order, eliciting a playful response from Anderson.

Stephen A. Smith:
"I have been asked to appear on Law and Order. I'll take it out there. I was like, what, what?" ([34:20])

Anthony Anderson:
"Let me know. I'll run lines with you. If that's what you need, Steven, we can do it." ([34:57])

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with mutual expressions of pride and support between Stephen A. Smith and Anthony Anderson. Anderson’s multifaceted career—from acting to entrepreneurship and advocacy—are celebrated, leaving listeners inspired by his dedication to community, culture, and personal growth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Anthony Anderson:
  "We kick a lot of butt, get a lot of butt kick. We're both ex military in this film, so it makes sense for us to do what we're doing. And it's action packed and it's fun."
  [02:46]

• Anthony Anderson:
  "I enjoy going to work... it's my responsibility to share this gift that I've been blessed with with the world."
  [05:48]

• Anthony Anderson:
  "We're rooted in culture and fueled by community. That's what AC BBQ is all about."
  [24:26]

• Anthony Anderson:
  "It took 35 years in the making. I started Howard University as a freshman in 1988 and left after my junior year due to financial reasons. I was finally able to go back and receive my degree in 2022."
  [27:11]

• Anthony Anderson:
  "We have our First Amendment right... to be my authentic self, live in my truth, and speak my truth from my position and my perspective."
  [08:31]

• Anthony Anderson:
  "I was the first person diagnosed with diabetes in my family... My father had gone unchecked for over 20, 25 years, and we lost him because of that."
  [31:00]

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers an in-depth look into Anthony Anderson’s professional endeavors, personal challenges, and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. From his latest film project to his entrepreneurial ventures and health advocacy, Anderson exemplifies resilience and purpose, making this episode both informative and inspiring for listeners.