Comedian Cedric 'The Entertainer' Named New Host of WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE

Stand-up comedian and popular film and television actor Cedric "The Entertainer" has been named the new host of WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, joining the long-running game show beginning with its 12th season in national syndication this Fall, it was announced today.

"We are thrilled to announce that Cedric 'The Entertainer' will be at the helm as our new host of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,'" said Janice Marinelli, president, Disney-ABC Domestic Television. "With his deep roots as a successful stand-up comedian and actor, Cedric will bring his fresh approach and unpredictable fun to the show."

"Cedric 'The Entertainer' is the perfect person to take the 'Millionaire' franchise to the next level," added Vicki Dummer, executive Vice president, Times Square Studios. "An immensely talented performer with widespread appeal, Cedric will no doubt infuse his gregarious personality and humor into the show."

"I'm truly looking forward to hosting 'Millionaire,'" Cedric stated. "The show is a modern day game show GIANT, and the team at Disney-ABC has been great at putting the right elements together over 11 seasons. I'm excited to entertain all those who watch and play as season 12 launches ... It's going to be a good time every day!!"

Cedric replaces Meredith Vieira, who launched the weekday version of The Game show in 2002 and remained host for 11 seasons, through 2013.

Cedric The Entertainer is perhaps most widely known for his work on the record-breaking "Kings of Comedy" tour with Steve Harvey, the late Bernie Mac, and D.L. Hughley. The highly successful tour led to the hit film "The Original Kings of Comedy," which was directed by Spike Lee. Other film credits include "Barbershop" (2002), "Ice Age" (2002), "Intolerable Cruelty" (2003), "Johnson Family Vacation" (2004), "Madagascar" (2005), "Be Cool" (2005), "Charlotte's Web" (2006), "Talk to Me (2007), "Street Kings" (2008), "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" (2008), "Larry Crowne" (2011), "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" (2012), and the current comedy-horror spoof, "A Haunted House" (2013), among others.

Cedric's first televised stand-up comedy appearance was in 1987 on "It's Showtime at the Apollo," which led to appearances on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" and BET's "ComicView" in the early '90s, and eventually to his own headlining comedy special on HBO in 2006, "Cedric The Entertainer: Taking You Higher."

He transitioned from stand-up comedian to television actor in 1996, making his acting debut on The WB's "The Steve Harvey Show." Cedric co-starred on the show alongside fellow comedian Steve Harvey for six seasons and won four consecutive NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Coach Cedric Robinson.

Currently Cedric can be seen in the TV Land sitcom which he co-created entitled "The Soul Man," starring as Reverend Boyce "The Voice" Ballentine, a spin-off character that originated from a guest appearance on "Hot In Cleveland."

In 2008 Cedric made his debut on Broadway with co-star John Leguizamo in a revival of David Mamet's "American Buffalo." And, marking yet another career highlight, he was chosen to host the White House Correspondents' Dinner in 2005.

The ever-busy Cedric produces feature films through his production company, A Bird and A Bear Entertainment. Additionally, in 2011 the creative comedy star launched the WHOCED designer hat line collection, with items inspired by Cedric's own personal sense of style.

A native of St Louis, Missouri, Cedric has been married to his wife, Lorna, for 12 years and together they have two children, Croix and Lucky Rose. Cedric also has an adult daughter named Tiara.

"Who Wants To Be A Millionaire"

"Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" is in its 11th season in national syndication. Every weekday, contestants are given the extraordinary chance to win life-changing money by answering entertaining pop culture and general knowledge trivia questions. As America's richest game show, "Millionaire" continues to be the only game show to offer a $1-million prize to each and every contestant. With its fresh and fun new format, the randomization of the questions ensures that no two games are alike and that each path to $1-million is unique and unpredictable. "Millionaire" is produced by Valleycrest Productions Ltd. and is distributed by Disney-ABC Domestic Television. Rich Sirop is the executive producer.