“I was a male stripper who worked my way through college under the assumed stage name of ‘Steak Sauce,’” Cedric the Entertainer says during a call from Los Angeles. “Ladies, get your singles ready. I'm coming back!”

He's kidding. We think. Although he hasn't been doffing clothing lately, the actor and comedian has been everywhere these days — from Budweiser commercials to a plethora of films. He'll star in this month's “Man of the House” with Tommy Lee Jones and has a role in “Be Cool,” the sequel to the John Travolta vehicle “Get Shorty,” coming in early March. In July, he'll star in “The Honeymooners” as Ralph Kramden, a working-class New York bus driver.

“My grandmother really loved the show,” Cedric says of the classic TV comedy from the ’50s. “She was a big fan of Jackie Gleason, so I can remember watching it. When I got the role, I got the box set and started watching it. It's still really enjoyable. Even to this day, it's very funny television.”

Movie roles have been pouring in for Cedric over the last couple of years. The comedian, who made a name for himself as one of the "Original Kings of Comedy" alongside Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey and D.L. Hughley, credits his role in “Barbershop” for putting him on the map.

“People really enjoyed the character and saw what I could do in the movie, and that's when I think the movie roles really started opening up,” Cedric says.

Though he's had the chance to portray a lot of fun characters, Cedric says he's looking forward to delving into a more serious role.

“I think I would love to have the opportunity to play something a little more dramatic,” he says. “We're developing a movie on the life of Louis Armstrong, which is going to be a pretty tough role for me and serious to do. That's in development right now. I'm looking forward to doing that. I was a big fan of his music and his style and the things that he brought to music. That's going to be interesting.”

In addition to the upcoming film roles, Cedric says he's looking into developing a couple of TV shows with his production company, Bird and a Bear Entertainment. He also has his eye on the late-night television circuit.

“I did hear that David Letterman was talking about stepping down in a few years,” he says. “I may go for that job. ‘Late Night With Cedric the Entertainer.’ I like it! The thing about me is that you're supposed to come on at 11p.m. but I'd probably show up right around 11:15 p.m.”

Cedric the Entertainer
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
Where: Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive
How much: $44
Information: and www.tempeimprov.com