Actor Anthony Anderson on Getting Naked & Battle with Diabetes

As folks make New Year’s resolutions for 2025 to be healthier, Anthony Anderson, the iconic actor known for his roles in Black-ish and Law & Order, sits down with radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers for Radio One in a candid conversation about his mission to raise awareness around diabetes and cancer

Even though Anderson was raised by his stepfather, Sterling Bowman, he says “He was the only father I knew or cared about,” the actor shares. “He raised me as any father would, with love, patience, understanding and discipline. About 10 years ago, he passed away from type 2 diabetes complications. That was really tough, especially knowing that if my dad had taken better care of himself, he might still be here. That was a real wake-up call for me.”

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His Diabetes Battle

Anderson’s passion for health advocacy is deeply personal. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 25 years ago at the age of 29, he was the first in his family to face the disease. However, his diagnosis uncovered a troubling family history—his father, undiagnosed for 25 years, suffered from the same condition. Anderson’s efforts eventually convinced his father to seek medical attention, but sadly, complications from diabetes claimed his father’s life.

The experience was a wake-up call. “That’s why I share my testimony,” Anderson said. “We need to get over our machismo and egos, go to the doctor, and have small procedures done to ensure we catch things early.”

Anderson says he was a big boy when he was young, “I like to think that I was fat and fine. But I started needing midday naps, I was lethargic. I had this constant thirst and every time I drank something I had to go to the restroom. And every time I went to the restroom, I had to go back and drink something. And every time I drank something, I had to go back to the restroom. So that was the cycle for me. And I went to the doctor and they diagnosed me as being a type two diabetic and there were changes that I needed to make. Those changes were diet and exercise. I made those changes over time. It wasn’t easy. It was a transition that I needed to make. But I saw what would happen to me if I didn’t do it. And so I made the changes that I needed to make to live a healthy lifestyle while having type two diabetes.”

Partnering with Novo Nordisk, Anderson has launched the Get Real About Diabetes campaign, The website offers resources and encouragement for those navigating the challenges of diabetes. The campaign focuses on educating African-American men, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.

Getting Naked on Camera:  Letting it ALL hangout

In addition to his diabetes advocacy, Anderson has turned his attention to cancer awareness. He recently executive produced and participated in The Real Full Monty, a bold TV special where Anderson and other celebrities stripped naked to raise awareness about testicular, prostate, and colorectal cancer.

“Cancer affects us all,” Anderson said, reflecting on the loss of his biological father and three of his siblings to cancer in a span of just 18 months. “If I can strip myself of my clothes in front of a live audience, men should be able to strip their egos and get these screenings done.”

The special featured stars like Taye Diggs, James VanDerBeek, and Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Jones, who shared their own stories about cancer’s impact on their lives. Anderson’s hope is that these stories will inspire men to prioritize regular screenings and early detection.

Who Needed Extra Cloth to Cover Their Full Nakedness

Kansas City Chiefs Chris Jones apparently needed extra material to cover his goodies. “Chris is six foot 12. He is a defensive end for the Kansas City Cheese. He does have three Super Bowl championships. Yeah, he’s a big guy everywhere,” laughs Anderson.

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Being Single and Bad Habits

“I’m single and yes ladies can slide in my DMs and I’ll slide back.” He jokes.

And as for bad habits?

“I try not to have bad habits. My vices are travel, golf and tequila. The doctors don’t like the tequila but you still gotta live a little.” he laughs.

Bringing the Message Home

For Anderson, health advocacy isn’t just about medical advice—it’s about creating a cultural shift. “We’ll take our cars to get an oil change every 3,000 miles, but we won’t do the same for our bodies,” he noted. His goal is to challenge that mindset and encourage routine doctor visits, which can make all the difference in preventing and managing chronic conditions.

What’s Next

While Anderson’s health-focused efforts are front and center, his career continues to thrive. Fans can look forward to seeing him alongside Viola Davis in the upcoming action film G20, where Davis plays the President of the United States and Anderson her husband. Set to debut on Amazon Prime, the movie is packed with intrigue and action as the G20 Global Summit comes under attack.

Reflecting on his time filming in Cape Town, South Africa, Anderson said, “Living there for six months was incredible. I loved immersing myself in the community.”

A Final Word

Before signing off, Anderson offered a final piece of advice: “Go to the doctor. Twice a year, if possible. Whether it’s diabetes, cancer, or any other condition, catching it early can save your life.”

Article by Jazmyn Summers. You can hear her every morning on “Jazmyn in the Morning” on Sirius XM Channel 362 Grown Folk Jamz and subscribe to Jazmyn Summers’ YouTube. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.