Anthony Anderson made a name in Hollywood as both an actor and a producer. With his amassed fortune, he decided to teach his children the value of money the same way he had to and cut them from his account.
Anthony Anderson made many fictional characters come to life with his talent for acting. His most famous role remains to be Andre "Dre" Johnson in the ABC sitcom "Black-Ish." He also starred in "All About the Washingtons" and appeared on "Richie Rich."
Despite his many successes, his greatest achievement is his role as a father to his two children, Nathan Anderson and Kyra Anderson, whom he shares with his wife of 23 years, Alvina Stewart. Here's a glimpse into the actor's life and career.
Alvina Stewart and Anthony Anderson attend the 23rd annual Keep Memory Alive 'Power of Love Gala' benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center | Source: Getty Images
Becoming an Actor
Anthony was just a baby when he made his acting debut in a Compton, Los Angeles community play as a baby who cried on cue. In an interview, Anthony quipped that his mother pinched his thighs to make him cry, but it made him a star regardless of what happened.
His love for acting came early, and even before high school, he was already auditioning for roles. At the age of nine, he knew that becoming an actor was his career path. In a previous interview, he recalled watching his mother rehearse for the production "A Raisin in the Sun." He said:
"I said [at] that moment, 'That is what I'm going to do with the rest of my life.' So, since the age of nine, I've been preparing myself for not only where I am, but where I see myself going in my career."
Working for His Dreams
However, Anthony's life was not always a bed of roses. He didn't grow up privileged and had to make ends meet, which taught him a lot about finances. He said:
"I overcompensated because of my background. I wanted to give [my children] everything I didn't have. But I can't spoil my kids. I had to say, 'Wait a minute – am I creating a monster? I can't keep freely giving you things."
Anthony strongly believes in handwork, which fuelled his decision to cut his two children off from his bank account. The "Black-Ish" actor made it known that he and his kids discussed planning for the future and financial literacy.
Anthony Anderson and son Nathan Anderson attend the premiere of New Line Cinema's "Barbershop: The Next Cut" | Source: Getty Images
Following His Father’s Footsteps
His son, Nathan, makes money the same way his father does – acting. At the age of eight, Nathan told his father that he wanted to act. Although Anthony supported his boy, he informed Nathan that he had to work hard for his dreams as an actor and in everything he does.
His firstborn was like a practice for the next, making him realize if he was too harsh.
Anthony also prepared his son for rejection, which he faced at 14. Nathan auditioned for a role in his father's famous show, "Black-ish," but did not get the part as he wasn't fit to play an awkward kid. Still, he kept going and landed several roles in the years that followed.
Anthony and Nathan's enviable bond is an inspiration to so many fathers and sons in the world. The father-son pair are frequently spotted at different red carpet events and game nights.
The actor and his son have been photographed at several gatherings, including the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards and a 2015 basketball game between Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Most importantly, Anthony is supportive of Nathan's choice of career.
Kyra’s Career
Meanwhile, Kyra has no interest in being an actress and is currently enjoying her career as a doula. According to Kyra, she always envisioned herself doing work that centered around wellness, black healing, empowerment, and nourishment.
In a post, she shared her first Doula experience with her Instagram fans and followers, tagging it as "beautiful and intense." She expressed gratitude for having an excellent first client and how they could support each other.
However, Kyra wasn't always as independent. In her early teenage years, she was a spoiled brat. "We were staying in a hotel once, and she was complaining that there was no room service," Anthony previously shared. "I told her, 'This is what you were born into. These gifts are because of my hard work.'"
Raising Nathan and Kyra
According to the actor, raising Nathan and Kyra was different. His firstborn was like a practice for the next, making him realize if he was too harsh. As an example, his daughter wasn't allowed to have a phone at 16, but his son had one at 14.
The things he taught them were pretty different, given that one was a girl and the other a boy. During an interview, Anthony said:
"We teach our sons to go out and conquer, and we teach our daughters not to be conquered. There's a dichotomy there. [...]."
Marrying Alvina
Anthony shares his kids with his wife, Alvina Stewart. During their college years at Howard University, the couple met and decided to tie the knot in the years that followed. However, their relationship also faced hardship, and in 2015, Alvina filed for divorce.
However, their divorce was later called off, and the two patched things up. In 2017, Anthony and Alvina made their red carpet debut after calling off their divorce. Anthony was nominated for two SAG Awards, which he, unfortunately, did not win.
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