Check out our interview with “Grey’s Anatomy” & Michael Bay’s highly anticipated film “Ambulance” actor Cedric Sanders.
Cedric can be seen in an incredible recurring role in Season 18 of the award-winning medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” playing Simon Clark. The series focuses on a group of young doctors at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital who began their careers at the facility as interns. Simon is a patient struggling in a long-term battle with a serious illness and uses humor to distract himself from how serious his condition really is. He is a kind and devoted husband and father-to-be.
He can also now be seen in a strong supporting/meaty role in Michael Bay’s highly anticipated film, Ambulance. Needing money to cover his wife’s medical bills, a decorated veteran (Jake Gyllenhaal) teams up with his adoptive brother (Vahya Abdul-Mateen II) to steal $32 million from a Los Angeles bank. However, when their getaway goes spectacularly wrong, the desperate thieves hijack an ambulance that’s carrying a severely wounded cop and an EMT worker. Sanders plays Officer Mark Ranshaw, a patrol officer for the LAPD, who’s partner is the injured cop in the ambulance that gets kidnapped by Gyllenhaal and Abdul-Mateen II. Throughout the film he is determined to save his partner, single handedly if he must, even if it means risking his life without backup.
On the small screen Cedric has lent his talent to multiple hit television shows like “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU” with Emmy nominated actor Andre Braugher, “Life Support” with Queen Latifah, “NCIS,” “Bones,” “9-1-1” and a series regular role on the ABC drama “Mind Games” opposite Steve Zahn and Christian Slater.
Follow Cedric on IG @mrcedricsander
Hi Cedric, please tell us a little about you?
Well.. I was born and raised in Anchorage Alaska. I am the second of four kids and we are all 15 months apart. So our house was pretty exciting without many dull moments.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Stubborn, Genuine, Loyal
How did you get started into acting?
I grew up in church so my love of the arts started with singing. I sang all the time growing up. In church, school choirs or school musical productions. It was high school as the lead in one of the musicals I was bitten by the acting bug and never turned back.
How has this changed your life?
Acting has changed my life because it has influenced how I view people and the world. I actually take people in when I see them or meet them. I pay attention to every detail of a person or situation without even trying and I think that makes one more present. Being an artists also a “release” that has been a great outlet in many tough moments and hard times in my life.
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
I think the best part is experiencing a character you can really sink your teeth into and then having the opportunity to see the affect it has on others who also experience it. I think the worst part is not being appreciated, overworked, and underpaid for your work.
How do you prepare for a role?
For me in preparing for a role, I create a very detailed back story that often goes deeper than what has been provided. Every role is different, but for television roles especially, I create my own backstory. I write a 4-6 page biography depending on how big the role or arc of the character is. I start from what year they were born or where they were born, to where they attended high school, or college. I even decide what sport they played if they played a sport, or specific things in their youth that happened. This story id for no one else but me and I read it over a few times and sit with it. That’s where I start. Doing this helps me with my question of “why?” Why does my character do this? Why does my character do that?
Tell us about Season 18 of the award-winning medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy?”
Season 18 of course introduces new recurring characters and requires some very important choices to be made by Grey and several of your favorite people at Grey/ Sloan Memorial Hospital.
And about your role as Simon Clark?
My character Simon comes in the last four episodes of the season and is a devoted husband and father-to-be who is depleted from a long term battle with an aggressive cancer. Simon often uses humor to distract himself from how serious his condition really is. His lifelong dream is to be a dad and will fight as hard as he can to see that dream come true.
Now let’s talk about your work in Michael Bay’s highly anticipated film “Ambulance?”
I play Officer Mark Ranshaw in Ambulance. Mark is an LAPD officer who is determined to save his injured and kidnapped young rookie partner Zach. Mark is relentless and willing to risk his life without back up to get the bad guys. I love Mark. He’s a badass and hero, and was so much fun to play.
What other projects you have been part of?
My very first big screen film was American Gangster opposite Denzel Washington. It was exciting because I was just starting out in the business and to be on set with Mr. Washington and legendary directory Ridley Scott really set the bar. I also had the honor of guest starring in all three Law &Order installments; Law and Order, Criminal Intent and Special Victims Unit.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I like roles that move people. Role that people can really relate to or connect to. People like to see themselves and relate to someone. Every role I play does not have to do that, I mean I also want to be a marvel super hero because.. well..who doesn’t!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing and hearing how it has moved and affected people! This last job I did on Grey’s Anatomy was definitely my favorite role so far and the response from fans or even people who don’t usually watch it, has been mind blowing.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
Don’t compare yourself to other actors. You are you. There is only one you! Sooner or later others will wake up and see that.
How would your best friend describe you?
Unknowingly funny, sarcastic, and loyal.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
ALASKA to HOLLYWOOD: The journey of a brown boys dream from a small-town to the Big Screen.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t take yourself so seriously CED! Enjoy every day, and don’t rush the days just to get to the next. That is important because life is so short and you don’t want to not be present daily trying to get to the next.
What’s next for Cedric Sanders in 2022?
I have no idea at this moment, but I have a feeling it will be amazing! So living in this moment!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Salmon with a nice fresh salad.
And your favorite cheat food?
French Fries, extra crispy.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is waking up every day knowing I am doing what I desire to do and actively working in that or toward that the best I can. Confidently knowing I am loved. So I would say purpose and love.
Best advice ever given?
Do the things you have to do so you can do the things you want to do.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself with a 10 year old son. I can’t even believe that! Maybe a little one. Hopefully reading scripts and deciding which offer I will take as well as creating space for other artists as a producer and content creator. I also want to be speaking all over the world sharing my story and experiences.
Favorite song? Why?
“Smile” I sing the song all the time. I just think it’s a beautifully written and composed song.
What do you think of social media?
I think social media has its benefits and I also think it could be dangerous. I love how you can spread a positive message or advertise or share your work to so many people at one time. I don’t like how it can be used for bullying, spreading hate and make people feel bad about themselves or have this false view of reality.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram: @mrcedricsanders or Facebook: Cedric Sanders
Favorite Book: THE WIZARD OF OZ / MEASURE OF A MAN
Favorite Quote: “Do the things you have to do, so you can do the things you want to do.”
Favorite Movie: Coming to America
Favorite Tv Series: Breaking Bad
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite Travel Destination: RIVIERA MAYA, CANCUN MEXICO
Favorite Sports Team: LA LAKERS
Photo Credit: Rowan Daly
