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 12^th season in national syndication this fall.

"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.

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