Anthony Anderson opens up about his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis and resilience on the new season of TV One's 'Uncensored', showcasing a deeply personal journey.
In an industry that often glamorizes success without delving into the personal battles faced along the way, ‘Uncensored’ on TV One stands out as a beacon of candor. As the show returns for its seventh season, it kicks off with a poignant episode featuring comedian and actor Anthony Anderson. Known widely for his role in ‘Black-ish,’ Anderson’s journey is much more turbulent than the polished roles he portrays.
Anderson unveils a deeply personal aspect of his life in a preview clip from the forthcoming episode. At 30, the actor received a life-altering diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Reflecting on the symptoms that led to his diagnosis, Anderson described a series of unsettling changes in his daily routine, including excessive water consumption and uncharacteristic lethargy.
“I was taking meetings all around town. I’m not feeling like my normal self. I was lethargic. I’m taking mid-day naps. I would sit on the couch, and I would fall asleep during the commercials. Things like that never happened to me before,” Anderson recounts. His vivid retelling of consuming five gallons of water in one night underscores the seriousness of his health scare.
The episode also touches upon Anderson’s early confrontations with life choices. Growing up in Compton, California, during the height of the crack epidemic, Anderson faced the seduction of the illegal economy. In the episode, he speaks candidly about opting out of drug dealing—a path he briefly considered out of financial necessity but ultimately rejected, acknowledging the dire consequences he witnessed among peers.
“To be honest, I tried selling weed. I was asked to sell crack, but I saw where it took friends and people that were in my neighborhood, either to the penitentiary or the cemetery,” he shared, this decision rooted in his fear of disappointing his parents and of their disciplinary repercussions.
The upcoming season promises more than just Anderson’s revelations. It is set to feature exclusive interviews with other high-profile guests like Keke Palmer, Blair Underwood, and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins. Each episode is a testament to resilience, exploring how personal adversities and pivotal decisions shape public personas.
As ‘Uncensored’ returns, it reiterates its mission to present celebrated figures as they truly are—complex individuals grappling with the universal trials of health, dreams deferred, and paths not taken. Anthony Anderson’s narrative serves as a compelling reminder of the multifaceted journeys successful figures endure, beyond the acclaim and spotlight.
Readers will draw inspiration from Anderson’s ability to transform struggle into lasting strength—a journey that continues to unfold. The season premiere of ‘Uncensored’ airs Thursday, February 19th at 8/7 p.m. CT on TV One.
