If you’ve ever watched Cedric the Entertainer glide across a stage or lead a sitcom like The Neighborhood, you know the man has a presence that fills the entire room. He’s loud, he’s funny, and he’s been a staple in Hollywood for decades. But honestly, behind that signature fedora and the booming laugh, there’s a much quieter force that’s been holding down the fort since the 90s.
We’re talking about Lorna Wells.
While most Hollywood marriages seem to have the shelf life of a carton of milk, Cedric and Lorna have been married since 1999. That’s over a quarter-century. In “industry years,” that’s basically an eternity. People always ask what the secret is, but if you look at Lorna, it’s pretty clear: she’s the one who keeps his feet on the ground while his career stays in the clouds.
Who is the woman behind the "King of Comedy"?
Lorna Wells isn’t your typical "Hollywood wife" who's desperate for a reality show or a blue checkmark. In fact, she’s famously private. Cedric has joked before that she actually hates being on his Instagram. You’ve probably seen his posts where he calls her his "Queen" but adds a disclaimer that he might get in trouble for even posting her photo.
She’s a "real OG from LA," as Cedric puts it. She didn't meet him when he was a global superstar; she met him when he was just a guy with a lot of jokes and a dream.
How they actually met (It wasn't a red carpet)
Forget the fancy gala stories. These two met back in the mid-90s. At the time, Cedric was hosting Comic View on BET, a gig that really put him on the map. Lorna wasn't an actress or a model—she was working behind the scenes. She has a background in the wardrobe and costume departments for shows like Muppets Tonight and City Guys.
Working in production meant she saw the "real" version of the industry, not just the glitz. Cedric once let it slip on the Tamron Hall Show that she allegedly spotted him at a mall and was impressed. Whether it was the mall or the set of Def Comedy Jam (where she also worked in 1995), the sparks flew. They dated for a few years before finally tying the knot on September 3, 1999.
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Building a family away from the cameras
One thing you'll notice about Cedric—whose real name is Cedric Antonio Kyles—is that he is incredibly intentional about his kids. He’s mentioned in interviews that growing up in a single-parent household made him want to be the kind of dad who was actually there.
Lorna and Cedric have two children together:
- Croix Kyles: Born in 2000, just a year after they got married. He’s an artist and animator now.
- Lucky Rose Kyles: Born in 2003. She’s got her own vibe going with a podcast and a lot of her dad's personality.
Cedric also has an older daughter, Tiara Soria Kyles, from a previous relationship. The way Lorna has integrated into this family dynamic is something Cedric praises constantly. It’s not a "step-family" vibe; it’s just one big unit.
The pivot from film to TV for the kids
A lot of people don’t realize that Cedric’s move into long-running sitcoms was a strategic family move. He told Brooke Shields on her podcast that he didn't want to be a "Rolling Stone" dad, constantly away on film sets for months at a time. He and Lorna decided that TV allowed for a more "normal" schedule.
Think about that. A guy at the height of his movie career decided to shift gears just so he could be home for dinner and basketball games. That doesn't happen without a strong partner like Lorna supporting those priorities.
The circle of trust: Jackson, Johnson, and Kyles
If you want to know who someone really is, look at their friends. Lorna and Cedric aren't hanging out with the "flavor of the week" influencers. Their inner circle is heavy hitters who have also mastered the art of long-term marriage.
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We’re talking about Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson, and Magic and Cookie Johnson.
These three couples are often spotted vacationing together or celebrating the Fourth of July on a yacht. When your "marriage goals" examples are people who have been together for 30 or 40 years, it rubs off on you. Lorna fits right in with that group—low-key, powerful, and fiercely protective of her family.
Why most people get Lorna Wells confused
If you Google "Lorna Wells," you might get a little confused. There’s another very prominent Lorna Wells out there—the wife of Christian music star Tauren Wells.
- Cedric’s Lorna: Working in Hollywood wardrobe since the 90s, LA native, mother of two (plus one), married in 1999.
- Tauren’s Lorna: A worship leader and pastor from Texas, mother of four boys, much younger.
Make sure you’re looking at the right one! Cedric’s Lorna is the one you’ll see on the occasional red carpet looking elegant but slightly like she’d rather be anywhere else. She doesn't need the spotlight; she is the spotlight for her family.
Keeping the spark alive for 25+ years
So, how do they do it? Honestly, it seems to come down to one thing: the "Hollywood" stuff stays outside.
Cedric told BET that the rest of the industry has nothing to do with them as a couple. They don't compete. They don't try to be a "power couple" for the sake of the blogs. They just wake up and choose each other.
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"She is a real OG... her love is sincere, direct, and purposeful, and she makes sure that I return that." — Cedric the Entertainer
It’s that "direct and purposeful" part that sticks out. In a world of fake personas, Lorna seems to be the one person who tells Cedric the truth.
What we can learn from their relationship
If you’re looking for a takeaway from the Kyles' marriage, it’s probably the value of privacy. In 2026, everyone wants to share every meal and every argument online. Lorna Wells has shown that you can be the wife of one of the most famous men in the world and still maintain your own peace.
She isn't defined by his fame. She’s the foundation that allows him to have it.
Actionable Insights for Maintaining a Strong Partnership:
- Set Boundaries with Social Media: You don't have to post your partner to prove you love them. Sometimes, keeping things private makes them more sacred.
- Value the "Boring" Times: Cedric’s shift to TV shows that being present at home is more valuable than a bigger movie paycheck.
- Surround Yourself with Longevity: Hang out with couples who have "made it" long-term. Their habits will become your habits.
- Respect the "Quiet" Partner: Not everyone needs to be the entertainer. A solid "anchor" is what allows the "sail" to catch the wind.
Cedric the Entertainer might be the one making us laugh, but Lorna Wells is the one making sure he has a happy home to return to when the curtain falls. That’s the real entertainment.
Next Steps: If you want to see the family in action, you can check out Croix Kyles’ animation work on Instagram or catch Cedric’s latest episodes of The Neighborhood, where he often incorporates the family values he and Lorna have built over the last two decades.