The Wayans family stands as a prominent dynasty in Hollywood, celebrated for their extensive contributions to comedy and entertainment. Similar to other influential families in the industry, such as the Coppolas and Barrymores, the Wayans family boasts numerous members who have made significant impacts across various facets of Hollywood. From acting and comedy to directing and screenwriting, the famous names within the Wayans family have collectively shaped iconic movies and television shows that resonate with audiences worldwide.
The Wayans family’s creative influence is evident in the creation of popular TV series like In Living Color and The Wayans Bros., as well as blockbuster movies such as Little Man, the hilarious Scary Movie franchise, and the comedic hit White Chicks. Beyond their family-driven projects, individual Wayans family members have also showcased their talents in a diverse range of productions. Their versatility and range are apparent in everything from high-budget action films to beloved mainstream sitcoms and independent arthouse projects, consistently proving the depth of talent within the Wayans lineage.
| Family Member | Born | Notable Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Keenan Ivory Wayans | 1958 | In Living Color, Scary Movie, White Chicks |
| Damon Wayans Sr. | 1960 | The Last Boy Scout, My Wife and Kids, Lethal Weapon |
| Damon Wayans Jr. | 1982 | Dance Flick, New Girl, Happy Endings |
| Kim Wayans | 1961 | In Living Color, My Wife and Kids, Dance Flick |
| Damien Dante Wayans | 1980 | Dance Flick, My Wife and Kids, Malibu’s Most Wanted |
| Shawn Wayans | 1971 | The Wayans Brothers, Scary Movie, White Chicks |
| Marlon Wayans | 1972 | The Wayans Brothers, Scary Movie, Requiem for a Dream |
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Howell and Elvira Wayans: The Foundation of the Family (Born 1936 and 1938)
The Wayans Family’s Patriarch and Matriarch
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Howell and Elvira Wayans are recognized as the parents and foundational figures of the extensive Wayans family. In contrast to their children’s careers in the spotlight, Howell and Elvira Wayans did not have direct involvement in Hollywood. Howell Wayans worked diligently as a supermarket manager, while Elvira Wayans dedicated her life to social work, as detailed by The U.S. Sun. Though they have passed away, Elvira in 2020 and Howell in 2023, their legacy endures through their children and grandchildren.
Despite not being part of the entertainment industry themselves, Howell and Elvira were instrumental in nurturing the talents of their children. The Wayans family members frequently acknowledge their parents’ profound influence and unwavering support throughout their careers. Raising ten children in a modest neighborhood in Harlem, New York City, Howell and Elvira Wayans cultivated a family that would leave an indelible mark on Hollywood.
Keenan Ivory Wayans (Born 1958)
Eldest Son and Pioneering Force
Keenan Ivory Wayans is widely recognized as a driving force behind the Wayans family’s success in entertainment. He is celebrated for his roles as creator, writer, and director of some of the most memorable projects associated with the Wayans name. Often seen as the trailblazer, Keenan paved the way for his siblings, providing opportunities that launched their careers. Notably, he conceptualized, wrote, and starred in the groundbreaking sketch comedy series, In Living Color, which became a pivotal platform for Black comedic talent.
Beyond family projects, Keenan also ventured into action cinema, starring with Steven Seagal in The Glimmer Man, showcasing his versatility outside of comedy.
In Living Color was instrumental in catapulting Damon Wayans Sr. to stardom, alongside other comedic talents like Jim Carrey and David Alan Grier. The show subsequently featured his siblings Kim Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Marlon Wayans, further cementing the family’s presence in comedy. Keenan also facilitated the family’s entry into film, writing and directing the blaxploitation parody I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, which featured numerous Wayans family members.
Keenan’s collaborations with his brothers Shawn and Marlon are particularly notable, directing iconic comedies such as White Chicks, Little Man, and the first two installments of the Scary Movie franchise. His writing credits also include Dance Flick, co-written with Shawn and Marlon, and nephew Damien Dante, which starred another nephew, Damon Wayans Jr. Keenan also made a guest appearance on Damon Wayans Sr.’s sitcom My Wife and Kids, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the Wayans family’s projects.
Damon Wayans Sr. (Born 1960)
Comedy Star and Versatile Actor
Damon Wayans Sr. quickly rose to prominence as one of the most recognizable names in the Wayans family during the early 1990s. His breakout role on In Living Color and a successful stand-up comedy career established him as a leading comedic figure. Damon was the first among the Wayans siblings to achieve mainstream success with his own projects. He demonstrated his writing and acting talents in Major Payne, where he starred as Major Benson Winifred Payne, Blankman, portraying the titular superhero Blankman/Darryl Walker, and Mo’ Money, as Johnny Stewart.
Damon Sr. expanded his acting portfolio with roles in buddy action movies alongside major stars, including Bulletproof with Adam Sandler and The Last Boy Scout with Bruce Willis. Later in his career, he transitioned to television, starring in the hit sitcom My Wife and Kids as the memorable Michael Kyle and in the action series Lethal Weapon as Roger Murtaugh. Currently, Damon Sr. is set to return to television in the sitcom Poppa’s House, alongside his son Damon Wayans Jr., marking another family collaboration.
Damon Wayans Jr. (Born 1982)
Television Star and Modern Comedy Talent
Damon Wayans Jr. has carved out a successful career in television, beginning with an eight-episode stint on his father’s sitcom My Wife and Kids as John. His first acting credit was actually portraying a younger version of his father in Blankman, initiating his journey in entertainment. Damon Jr.’s first leading movie role came with Dance Flick, where he played the main character, Thomas. This role paved the way for opportunities outside of family projects, leading to roles in The Other Guys with Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell, and voicing Wasabi in Disney’s animated film Big Hero 6.
However, Damon Jr. is perhaps best known for his sitcom roles, particularly as Brad in the acclaimed Happy Endings and as Coach in New Girl. While Damon Jr. has focused on projects outside of his family’s productions in recent years, such as Let’s Be Cops, The Harder They Fall, and Players, he is set to reunite with his father in Poppa’s House, playing a father-son duo, continuing the Wayans family tradition of on-screen collaborations.
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Kim Wayans (Born 1961)
Versatile Actress and Writer
While male members of the Wayans family often receive considerable attention, Kim Wayans has maintained a consistent and impressive career over several decades. Like her siblings in the first generation of Wayans performers, Kim began her career on In Living Color as a sketch performer. She also starred alongside her brothers in the comedy film Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.
Kim has contributed to family projects in various roles, including writing for Damon Wayans Sr.’s sitcom My Wife and Kids and acting in Dance Flick as Ms. Dontwannabebothered, directed by her nephew Damien Dante Wayans. Beyond her family collaborations, Kim has demonstrated her dramatic acting abilities in projects like Pariah, portraying Audrey, Hawaii Five-0 as Diane, and Criminal Minds as Darlene Beckett, showcasing her range as an actress.
Damien Dante Wayans (Born 1980)
Actor, Writer, and Director of the Next Generation
Damien Dante Wayans, son of Kim Wayans, started his career as an actor, initially taking on smaller roles in Wayans family productions. His early notable role was in Major Payne, starring his uncle Damon Wayans Sr., as Cadet Dwight “D.” Williams. Damien secured his first significant role outside of family projects in the film Malibu’s Most Wanted, playing Tec. He has also appeared in various television series, from The Norm Show to NYPD Blue and House M.D.
In addition to acting, Damien has expanded his career into writing and directing. He contributed to Damon Wayans’ My Wife and Kids and made his directorial debut with the film Dance Flick, co-writing the screenplay with his uncles Keenan, Shawn, and Marlon, highlighting his multifaceted talent within the Wayans family.
Shawn Wayans (Born 1971)
Comedy Star and The Wayans Bros. Co-Creator
Shawn Wayans, another prominent name in the Wayans family, also began his career on In Living Color. He is best known as the co-creator and star of the sitcom The Wayans Brothers, where he starred alongside his brother Marlon Wayans, and featured other comedic actors like John Witherspoon and Anna Maria Horsford. This sitcom marked the beginning of a successful on-screen partnership with Marlon, often writing and performing as a duo.
Shawn co-wrote the screenplays for the first two Scary Movie films with Marlon, playing the character Ray Wilkins in both. Their collaborative writing and acting extended to other comedies like White Chicks, where Shawn played Kevin Copeland, Little Man as Darryl Edwards, and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood as Ashtray. Notably, Shawn’s career is largely defined by his collaborations with his family, with fewer projects outside of these partnerships.
Related: 25 Best Quotes From White Chicks
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Marlon Wayans (Born 1972)
Comedy Icon and Versatile Actor
Marlon Wayans is a central figure in the Wayans family’s comedy legacy. He is celebrated as a co-creator, co-writer, and co-star of numerous Wayans family productions, including The Wayans Bros., where he played Marlon Williams, the first two Scary Movie films as Shorty Meeks, White Chicks as Marcus Copeland, and Little Man as Calvin “Babyface” Sims. His consistent partnership with his brother Shawn has been a hallmark of his career. Marlon has also built a successful stand-up comedy career, with his recent special, God Loves Me, released in 2023, further cementing his comedic prowess.
Beyond the Wayans family comedies, Marlon Wayans has broadened his acting career by collaborating with acclaimed directors in diverse film projects. He has appeared in Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream as Tyrone C. Love, the Coen Brothers’ The Ladykillers as Gawain MacSam, Sofia Coppola’s On the Rocks as Dean, and Ben Affleck’s Air as George Raveling. These roles demonstrate Marlon’s versatility and ability to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles, making him one of the most dynamic names in the Wayans family and Hollywood.
