Cedric the Entertainer Embraces Broadway Challenge with 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone'

The veteran actor says the August Wilson play is an 'opportunity to stretch' beyond his TV comedy roots.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 5:00pm

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Cedric the Entertainer is set to take on the role of Seth Holly in the Broadway revival of August Wilson's play "Joe Turner's Come and Gone." The veteran actor told People magazine that the part is an "opportunity to stretch and do something totally different than being a TV dad," drawing parallels to his early days as a stand-up comedian. Cedric will star alongside Taraji P. Henson, who plays his wife Bertha Holly in the production that centers on the stories of Black travelers navigating uncertain paths in the aftermath of the Great Migration.

Why it matters

Cedric the Entertainer is best known for his comedic roles on TV, so taking on a dramatic stage part in an acclaimed August Wilson play represents a significant career shift for the actor. The production also shines a spotlight on Wilson's exploration of the African American experience in the early 20th century.

The details

In the play, Cedric's character Seth Holly runs a Pittsburgh boardinghouse with his wife Bertha, providing shelter to Black travelers. The story focuses on the arrival of Herald Loomis, who is searching for his lost wife while also embarking on a journey of self-discovery after years of forced labor. Performances of "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" begin on March 30 at the Barrymore Theatre on Broadway.

  • Cedric the Entertainer is set to take the stage in the Broadway revival of "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" in late March 2026.
  • The play's performances will begin on March 30, 2026 at the Barrymore Theatre.

The players

Cedric the Entertainer

A veteran actor and comedian known for his TV roles, who is taking on the dramatic part of Seth Holly in the Broadway production of "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

Taraji P. Henson

An acclaimed actress who will play the role of Bertha Holly, Seth's wife, in the Broadway revival.

Herald Loomis

The central character in "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" who arrives at the Pittsburgh boardinghouse searching for his lost wife and embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

August Wilson

The renowned American playwright who wrote "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," exploring the African American experience in the early 20th century.

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What they’re saying

“It's like riding a horse. You can feel the emotion of the horse, and that horse can feel your emotions. When you're performing live you can tell when you've got the audience in the palm of your hand and when you're losing them.”

— Cedric the Entertainer

What’s next

Performances of "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" starring Cedric the Entertainer and Taraji P. Henson will begin on March 30, 2026 at the Barrymore Theatre on Broadway.

The takeaway

Cedric the Entertainer's transition from TV comedy to a dramatic stage role in August Wilson's acclaimed play represents an exciting career evolution, showcasing the versatility of the veteran actor and the continued relevance of Wilson's exploration of the African American experience.