Anthony Anderson Teases What to Expect from the ‘black-ish’ Series Finale | PaleyFest

Anthony Anderson loves his craft. That’s crystal clear when talking to him on the black-ish red carpet at PaleyFest. It isn’t the awards or recognition that fuel him, it’s the opportunity to do what he loves, and be at the top of his game.  

In fact, Anderson believes it’s his duty to share his gift. That’s why he loves being a part of black-ish.

“We didn’t step into our roles [on black-ish] for recognition. We stepped in as actors doing what we love to do. I believe that’s what my energy was put on this earth to do, to entertain. And so it’s my responsibility to share this gift that I have. To be recognized for it is a feather in the cap, but it’s not like any of us are losing any sleep at night if we aren’t being recognized.” 

Motive or not, black-ish certainly has been widely recognized for not only being a hilarious sitcom, but for making a difference on screen and behind the scenes. Look no further than the multitude of incredible women of color directors who have lent their hand in helping craft black-ish.

The show has even given some of those women their first big directing gig. When I asked Anderson what, exactly, he learned from having those women on set, he was self-deprecating in his appreciation. 

“I learned patience. I saw them being patient with not only me — because I bounce off the walls sometimes — but with all of us, and the process of what we’re doing.” 

Anderson went on to break down what it’s like to be a director coming to visit a well-established, lived-in set like the one on black-ish.

“We’ve worked together every day for eight years, and they come in and work with us for five days. It’s baptism by fire, for them. So I saw patience, compassion, and understanding in these women. They put on their hardhat, and did what they had to do to work with a group of people such as us because we’re kind of crazy.”

From what I can see, it feels more like a hilarious and talented group than a crazy one. A found family who together, create a show everyone will miss dearly after the series finale airs on April 26th.

I asked Anderson to describe that finale in one word. It wasn’t an easy task, but he did the best he could. 

“One word? I don’t think one word can encapsulate what you should expect. All I’m going to say is expect the unexpected. There are some changes that happen in this finale episode, that you don’t expect. So expect the unexpected.”

Sounds like I’ll need to bring my tissues. 

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*Additional reporting by Janelle Ureta.

black-ish airs Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC. 

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