For more than two decades, Emmy-nominated actor and producer Anthony Anderson has brought humor and heart to screens big and small. From his critically acclaimed role in Black-ish to his early days on Law & Order and memorable comedic performances in films like Barbershop and Kangaroo Jack, Anderson has built a career rooted in authenticity and connection. But behind the jokes and red carpet appearances lies a personal fight that has transformed his life: his ongoing battle with type 2 diabetes.
Diagnosed at 29, Anderson has now spent nearly half his life navigating the challenges of the disease. Now at 54, he’s not only managing his health more intentionally than ever before—he’s using his platform to raise awareness, especially within the Black community, where diabetes continues to have a disproportionate impact. For Anderson, the mission is deeply personal, shaped by a family history that includes both loss and resilience.
A Diagnosis That Hit Close to Home
Before his diagnosis, Anderson was unaware of the storm quietly building inside his body. While promoting a film and dealing with an intense travel schedule, he began noticing troubling symptoms—persistent fatigue, extreme thirst, frequent urination. “I thought I was just tired from the grind,” he recalls. “I’d been flying all over the country for weeks, barely sleeping. But the signs didn’t go away.”
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Eventually, he went to the doctor and received life-changing news: his blood glucose was over 230 mg/dL—well above the normal range. “That’s when I knew something was wrong,” Anderson says. The diagnosis forced him to reflect on his past—and the family legacy of diabetes that he had yet to fully comprehend.
What he discovered was sobering: his father, Sterling Bowman, had unknowingly lived with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes for decades. By the time it was identified, the damage was irreversible. Complications from the disease eventually took his life. “We didn’t know what was going on,” Anderson admits. “He hadn’t been going to the doctor regularly, and by the time we figured it out, it was too late.”
That devastating loss became a defining moment for Anderson. “Seeing what my father went through changed everything for me,” he says. “It was a wake-up call. I didn’t want to end up like that. I had to take control of my health—not just for myself, but for my family.”
Committing to Change
Since his diagnosis, Anderson has approached diabetes management with a mix of honesty, discipline, and humor. “At first, I thought I could just tough it out or make small tweaks,” he says. “But this disease doesn’t play around. You either get serious or you suffer.”
Anderson began prioritizing his health, making regular doctor’s visits, monitoring his glucose levels, and embracing a healthier lifestyle. Over the years, he’s developed a routine centered around consistency and balance. “It’s not about being perfect,” he says. “It’s about doing your best every day and not giving up when things get hard.”
One of the biggest lessons for Anderson was learning that his lifestyle needed to evolve. He revamped his approach to food—reducing processed sugars, increasing vegetables, and learning how to enjoy the foods he loves in moderation. “I’m a foodie, and I love to cook,” he laughs. “So I had to get creative. I make meals that taste good but don’t spike my blood sugar.”
Exercise also became a non-negotiable. Whether it’s walking, biking, lifting weights, or even just dancing around the house, Anderson commits to moving his body daily. “You’ve got to find something you enjoy, or it won’t stick,” he says. “It’s not about being a gym rat—it’s about being active and keeping your body in motion.”
A Family Affair
Anthony Anderson’s diabetes journey isn’t one he walks alone. Not long after his diagnosis, his mother, Doris Bowman—known affectionately as “Mama Doris” by fans—was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Instead of letting the disease divide them, they turned it into a shared mission.
“We hold each other accountable,” Anderson says with a smile. “She checks on me, I check on her. We compare numbers, recipes, and we even go on walks together when we can. It’s a partnership.”
Their commitment to one another has had a ripple effect throughout the family. Anderson’s brother, who works as a trauma nurse in Los Angeles, serves as another layer of support and education. “It takes a village,” Anderson says. “This is a family thing. We’ve all made changes to support each other.”
That sense of unity and shared responsibility is what drives Anderson to speak out publicly. He wants to break the cycle—one that often includes a lack of access, understanding, and preventative care in Black communities.
Speaking Up for the Black Community
African Americans are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes compared to white Americans, and they’re more likely to experience serious complications. Anderson knows that part of the problem is cultural. “We were raised not to complain, not to go to the doctor unless something was really wrong,” he says. “But diabetes doesn’t wait for you to feel pain. You have to be proactive.”
Through interviews, campaigns, and social media, Anderson has become an advocate for early detection, self-awareness, and education. He emphasizes that making small, consistent changes can dramatically alter the course of someone’s life.
“It starts with a doctor’s visit,” he says. “Then you take it one step at a time. Swap the soda for water. Take a walk after dinner. Learn your numbers. Every little bit counts.”
