Anthony Anderson executive produces and stars in ABC’s “Black-ish,” and on Wednesday, the hilarious actor visited Access Hollywood Live to chat about the new show – as well as criticism the series has received for its name.
Most notably, Donald Trump took to Twitter to throw shade at “Black-ish,” Tweeting, “How is ABC Television allowed to have a show called ‘Blackish’? Can you imagine the furor of a show, ‘Whiteish’! Racism at highest level?”
“We have those shows. They’re called ‘Modern Family.’ They’re called ‘The Middle.’ They’re called everything that’s on TV right now,” Anthony told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover regarding Donald’s Tweet. “There’s been a lack of a presence of a positive black family on network television. And that was one of the reasons we decided to create this show.
“He hasn’t seen the show. And I know Donald – we’re friendly. Had he seen the show, he would realize this title has nothing to do with what he’s talking about,” he continued. “So I would advise him to watch the show, and then we can have an intelligent conversation about it.”
The idea for the show came to Anthony thanks in part to his young son.
“My 12-year-old came home one day and said, ‘I don’t feel black.’ For a while my son – not only was he the only chocolate drop in his class, he was the only chocolate drop in his grade for three years at the private school he attends. So I understand where he’s coming from,” he said. “His black experience as a 12-year-old was much different than the black experience that I had as a 12-year-old growing up in Compton.”
And just because Anthony no longer lives in Compton doesn’t mean he doesn’t remind his children of his less-than-posh upbringing!
“I take ’em to the hood! My mama still live in the hood! I take ’em to Titi house. I say, ‘You gonna spend the weekend at Titi house,'” he said with a laugh.
“Black-ish” recently tackled the issue of spanking, and when asked if he personally believes in spanking when it comes to raising children, he replied, “I do.
“You spare the rod, you spoil the child. I grew up with spanking and I think I turned out all right!” he said. “I’m not advocating beating your child, or anything like that, but you have to discipline your child. Timeouts and sitting in the corner? That doesn’t work.”
Catch Anthony, along with Tracee Ellis Ross and Laurence Fishburne, on “Black-ish” – Wednesdays at 9:30 PM on ABC.
— Erin O’Sullivan
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