Anthony Anderson’s home has been broken into. The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns facing celebrities in Los Angeles, where burglary rates have increased in affluent neighborhoods.
The ‘Black-ish’ actor wasn’t at the property in the Encino area of Los Angeles when three people got into the abode on Sunday (18.05.25) but cops are currently investigating the incident. Encino, known for its celebrity residents, has experienced a surge in high-profile break-ins targeting entertainment industry figures in recent months.
Los Angeles police are investigating a break-in at an actor’s home. https://t.co/sZ64A1pueV
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) May 21, 2025
Anthony confirmed to KABC it was his primary home that was broken into, and he was in Palm Springs for a fundraiser for his foundation, raising money for students at his former college Howard University when he heard the news. The foundation supports student scholarships and educational opportunities for underserved communities.
Police say no one has been arrested yet and it is not clear if anything was stolen. Law enforcement sources indicate that celebrity home burglaries often involve organized crews that conduct extensive surveillance before striking, typically when residents are known to be away.
Detectives within the LAPD told the outlet burglary crews often don’t know whose home they are in but it is often highly likely they belong to celebrities because they target large and expensive houses. Statistics show that homes in upscale neighborhoods are frequently targeted by professional burglary rings in the Los Angeles area.
The 54-year-old actor graduated from university in 2022 after originally having dropped out when he was young due to financial reasons, but was inspired to return to school after his son Nathan was accepted into Howard University in Washington, D.C. Howard University, a historically black university, has produced numerous notable alumni including prominent politicians, actors, and Supreme Court justices.
And Anthony later admitted completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts was one of his “proudest” moments, though he was also hit with anxiety before collecting his diploma. The college was renamed to honor the late actor who was also a Howard University graduate.
“As my name was being called, some school official would come over to me and say, ‘We’re sorry to inform you at this late moment but you’re one credit short, so we’re not going to be able to let you walk across the stage’, or that I failed my final exam in one of my classes,” he said he was worried. Adult learners returning to complete their degrees face unique challenges and often experience significant anxiety about academic performance.
Afterwards, the ‘We Are Family’ host went out clubbing with a “bunch of 22 year olds” and his son and refused to be out-partied by his fellow graduates. The celebration represented a milestone achievement for Anderson, who had balanced his acting career with academic pursuits.
“I celebrated by going to a club called ‘Brooklyn’ on U street with my son, my best friend Jerry a.k.a. ‘Skinnyboy’ and several HU 2022 graduates,” he told People magazine. The Brooklyn club, located in Washington D.C.’s vibrant U Street corridor, is a popular destination for Howard University students and alumni.
“We partied ’till 4am – and for the record, I still got it! I was not going to be out-partied by a bunch of 22-year-olds! Between you and me, I felt it the next morning, but that night I partied like a rock star.” Anderson’s enthusiasm for celebrating his academic achievement resonated with many non-traditional students who return to complete their education later in life.
The break-in at Anderson‘s home occurs amid increased security concerns for celebrities in Los Angeles. Recent high-profile incidents have prompted many entertainment industry figures to invest in advanced security systems and hire private security personnel. Home security companies report increased demand from celebrity clients.
Celebrity homes in areas like Encino, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood Hills have become frequent targets for sophisticated burglary operations. These crimes often involve detailed planning, with perpetrators monitoring social media and public appearances to determine when properties are unoccupied.
Law enforcement agencies have established specialized units to address celebrity-targeted crimes, recognizing the unique challenges these cases present. The LAPD works closely with private security firms and celebrity management teams to prevent such incidents.
Anderson‘s experience underscores the vulnerability that public figures face, even when engaged in charitable activities. His foundation work at Howard University demonstrates his commitment to giving back to the community that supported his educational journey, but unfortunately also made his whereabouts publicly known during the time of the break-in. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by high-profile individuals in major metropolitan areas.
