Cedric The Entertainer Revisits Iconic Super Bowl Commercials

Cedric The Entertainer stars in Bud Light’s Legends Super Bowl commercial.

Courtesy of Bud Light

Many of us know Cedric The Entertainer for his comedic timing in some of Black Hollywood’s favorite comedies, including Barber Shop and Johnson’s Family Vacation. But true fans may recall him starring in several of Bud Light’s commercials in the early 2000s. This year, ahead of Super Bowl LV, the Missouri native is reuniting with the brand to star in a best of Bud Light ad  featuring rapper Post Malone and other fan favorites from throughout the years. For(bes) The Culture caught up with Cedric The Entertainer while on set to reflect on his iconic Bud Light commercials and discuss what it was like reuniting with the brand.

For(bes) The Culture: Why was it important for you to reunite with Bud Light this  year?

Cedric The Entertainer: When this idea came about to actually reunite and have these legends—all these great characters that have shown up in Bud Light commercials throughout the years to come together to save Bud Light—it was brilliant. I was more than happy to get involved and ready to do it. People are gonna love it.

For(bes) The Culture: What was it like reuniting with Bud Light for this project?

Cedric The Entertainer: Being a St. Louisan and growing up in St. Louis, Bud Light, Budweiser and the Anheuser-Busch family always had a more personal connection to me. And then we had such a great, successful run doing commercials all those years. It was like getting back in the family. You realize you’re working with people that feel like family to you. 

For(bes) The Culture: What are you most excited for fans to see when this commercial airs?

Cedric The Entertainer: Post Malone and I had only met over Zoom and today was our first time actually being in each other’s presence, and there was a brotherhood and kindred spirit, and some laughter and fun that I think people will see on screen. And hopefully if you get any behind-the-scenes footage, you’ll see, like, ‘Oh, man, those guys had a blast that day. That was awesome.’

For(bes) The Culture: Bud Light has been vocal about supporting Black-owned businesses in recent months. Why do you feel that’s important?

Cedric The Entertainer: There was a lot of civil unrest going on, but the idea of big corporations identifying with their audience on every level is just extremely important. I think that corporate responsibility to jump right in and do some really cool things, some unique things, I thought that Bud Light was able to do. The Thursday Night shout outs during the NFL games, recognizing Black-owned businesses in regular cities, Cleveland, Nashville, Philly, just shouting people out, and having their business get some national recognition was brilliant and a great idea. It was really smart and the kind of thing that we don’t normally get exposed to. 

For(bes) The Culture: What has been your favorite Bud Light commercial to date and why? 

Cedric The Entertainer: For me, it’s the first one, what is known as “The Date.” I just thought it was a fun idea. It felt really authentic to how someone feels when they have a date when you get a little hyped and don’t realize that you messed up. And so, that one is the one that, of course, set off our relationship, and it still is one of the top Super Bowl commercials of all time. 

For(bes) The Culture: What has been your favorite memory working with Bud Light throughout the years?

Cedric The Entertainer: My favorite one was the Super Bowl in Miami. We had a whole bus that went to the stadium, and we had these great seats. I believe the guy ran a touchdown on the first play. It was just crazy, like, mayhem, and you’re in Miami, and it’s all rock and roll, and Pitbull’s there. It was a good time.