For more than two decades, Cedric Yarbrough has been a fixture across film, television, and stage with nearly 100 series regular, recurring, or guest star credits to his name, including his breakout role as Deputy S. Jones in the beloved Comedy Central mockumentary-style sitcom, ‘Reno 911!‘ His versatility and gift of comedy have kept him busy ever since.
A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Yarbrough has amassed an amazing resume of television titles throughout his career, including ‘Reno 911‘, ‘The Boondocks‘, ‘The Bernie Mac Show‘, ‘Black Dynamite‘, ‘Carol’s Second Act‘, ‘The Goldbergs‘, ‘Key & Peele‘, ‘The Neighborhood‘, ‘Speechless’, ‘The Soul Men‘, and more.
In the world of film, Cedric has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy – Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Melissa McCarthy.
He has also voiced classic characters on several hit animated shows such as ‘Bojack Horseman’, ‘Family Guy’, ‘Mike Tyson Mysteries’, and his memorable role as Tom Dubois, among others, in the legendary
series ‘The Boondocks‘.
Yarbrough is currently starring in the Goodman Theatre’s smash summer musical ICEBOY! alongside Emmy Award winners Megan Mullally (‘Will & Grace’) and Nick Offerman (‘Parks and Recreation’) in addition to strong performances from Grey Henson in the title role, as well as Sarah Stiles and Alex Goodrich.
N’DIGO recently caught up with the multi-hyphenate performer to learn how he developed his love and passion for acting, his early strategy on the link between education and acting, and the special pride he has in shaping his character, Floyd Richards, in ICEBOY!.
N’DIGO: What are three words those who know you best would use to describe you?
Cedric Yarbrough: Versatile. Private. Caramel-Coloured.
Did you always know you’d be an actor, or did you dream of doing something else as a child?
I think I always knew. My mother was the type to wake us up as kids at 2 am to join her with a bowl of perfectly buttered, freshly popped popcorn and watch one of her favorite movies like To Sir With Love or Twelve Angry Men or Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Watching her love of film definitely was a kick-starter to my passion for acting and cinema. I remember judging Gary Coleman‘s performance in ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ like.”…I dunno. I just don’t believe him.” And my love for animation and voice-over work was birthed by watching “SchoolHouse Rock“. It was the marriage of cartoons, music, and voice work. I still love all three.
Who was the first person you saw on screen that inspired you to pursue acting?
It had to be Dustin Hoffman in ‘Tootsie‘. That was the first time I understood that acting was a job. How the character, ‘Michael Dorsey,’ was going around trying to get work, and that the actor Dustin Hoffman was portraying him. What an amazing job! I realized, I think I want to do that!
How did you get started on your journey into becoming a working actor in film, television, and stage?
I got started by being educated. I didn’t know a whole lot, but I knew if I wanted to be taken seriously, I needed an education. I knew I had to really commit and learn as much as possible. I went to a community college and then transferred to a major state school, Minnesota State University. There, I would learn Shakespeare, August Wilson, Chekov, Tennessee Williams, Stephen Sondheim, musicals, dance, theatre history, and voice work. I tried to learn as much as possible for the long game. That way, I’d always be employed. That strategy has helped me out a bit.
Please tell us a little about ICEBOY!.
ICEBOY! tells the story of 1930’s Broadway star Vera Vimm, played by the wonderful Megan Mullally, who is at the top of her game—until she bids and wins at an auction, a 40,000-year-old Neanderthal discovered frozen in the Arctic. As Iceboy (Grey Henson) thaws, he unexpectedly becomes a theatrical sensation, inspiring Eugene O’Neill (Nick Offerman) and challenging Vera for center stage.
Tell us about your character, Floyd Richards.
I play Vera Vimm’s successful playwright boyfriend, Floyd Richards, who wants to be considered a formidable foe to ‘O’Neill’. Believe me, it’s not your typical musical.
The cast looks like you’re really having fun delivering your performance each night. What is it like to work within such a great comedic ensemble for you?
I feel fortunate that in my career, I’ve been able to work with the best of the best. In this production, I get a chance to share the stage with amazing performers like Mullally & Offerman, Grey Hanson, as well as Sarah Stiles and Alex Goodrich. Remember at the end of the movie ‘Antwone Fisher‘? At the risk of sounding pompous and entitled, I feel at home playing with this talented cast.
Do you have a pre-show routine you must do before taking the stage?
I like to get to the theatre about a little over an hour earlier to settle in, check my props, and drop off my water bottle in the right wing. Meditating and remembering what performers and performances inspired me. The cool thing about doing an absolutely new musical is that I get to shape this character. I’ve done plays and musicals before where you sorta have to put on the ‘clothes’ or actions of the actors that did the role before. This production is like the little baby bear bed, and it fits JUUUST right. No one has done this role before. Being committed to being brilliant on the stage each show is a real thing for me.
Whenever you visit Chicago, what are some of your must-haves or must-do things?
For me, Chicago can be described as BIC and AIC, or Before Iceboy Chicago and After Iceboy Chicago. Before, I would run around with friends and go to clubs, and there was a lot of nightlife. Now that I’ve actually been able to live here, I’ve been able to see the real beauty of the city. When you see us in LA walking, it’s because we’re exercising. In Chicago, walking is a way of life. I get to walk to my job here! I walk to the theatre for a performance, or I walk to one of my animation recording jobs. I’ve enjoyed the Shedd Aquarium, architecture tours, and the Obama Presidential Library, just to name a few. I’ve been able to appreciate Chicago in a more substantial way. It’s one of the best cities in the world.
Something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m naturally shy.
Best acting advice you’ve ever been given?
There are two. The best advice I’ve received about acting may sound elementary, but it’s listening. Listening and not just waiting for my cue to speak is key to great acting. It will make you ‘act’ accordingly.
The second is to be brilliant every time. It certainly applies to a musical like ‘ICEBOY!‘. There are people here who may have never seen me perform live before. Or have ever seen me in anything? I owe it to myself, but also to those patrons who came to see this amazing show. What I love is that the local Chicago talent that was cast in the show is just as committed. There are some amazing and professional actors here, and the Goodman Theatre is top-shelf.
Best advice to aspiring actors?
Go to school. Learn how to be an actor.
Favorite quotes or affirmations?
“To thine own self, be true.”
What’s next for Cedric Yarbrough?
I just hope to continue to be a working actor. It’s what I’ve always wished to be. I think it’s an amazing thing to make people laugh, cry, and to think. I get to do that with acting. I also like that when people see me, they are usually quite happy that I’m there. Being a working actor means I get to pay my damn bills and maybe help support a family member or a friend. I get to be a responsible human being. I get to be someone people can depend on. And I like that people know if I’m in something, chances are they’re going to really love that project.
ICEBOY! is currently playing at the Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago on an extended run through August 9th. For more information on the show, please visit www.GoodmanTheatre.org/ICEBOY!
