Wayans Family: Hollywood Royalty
Hollywood has to pay attention to the Wayans Family as a force. Though with much more laughs, they resemble the Coppolas or the Barrymores. Whether it's the venerable "Scary Movie" series or the funny sketch Comedy show "In Living Colour," you have most likely seen their creations. For decades, this gifted family has made us laugh; they show no indication of stopping. Let us thus examine the Wayans family tree more closely and learn about the members of this humorous dynasty.
Elvira Wayans and Howell: Foundations of the Dynasty
Parents of this amazing family were Howell and Elvira Wayans. They were the basis on which this legacy was created even though they were not directly active in Hollywood. Raising ten children in a low-income Harlem, New York City area, they incilled values and support that would later define their children's paths. Both Howell and Elvira Wayans sadly passed away, but their influence on the entertainment business will last.
Keyan Ivory Wayans: The Trailblazer
Many of the most well-known projects produced by the Wayans Family are the result of keenan ivory wayans' brilliance. Through his own success, he cleared the path for his siblings so they might have chances. Along with Jim Carrey and David Alan Grier, he was the brains behind "In Living Color," the ground-breaking sketch Comedy program that started many careers, including those of his brother Damon Wayans Sr. With "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," a blaxploitation parody film including several of his siblings, Keenan also ventured into the film business.
Directing movies including "White Chicks," "Little Man," and the first two "Scary Movie," Keenan kept working with his brothers Shawn and Marlon. On "Dance Flick," which starred his other nephew Damon Wayans Jr., he also collaborated with his nephew Damien Dante Wayans. Though Keenan frequently worked with his family, he also starred with Steven Seagal in the action movie "The Glimmer Man."
The Stand-Up Superstar Damon Wayans Sr.
Early in the 1990s, Damon Wayans Sr.'s performance on "In Living Color" and his strong stand-up career helped him to rapidly rise to fame. Leading in films like "Major Payne," "Blankman," and "Mo' Money," he was the first Wayans to break out with their own projects, writing, and star performance. Later he starred in action movies including "Bulletproof" with Adam Sandler and "The Last Boy Scout" with Bruce Willis.
Damon Sr. later in his career turned to television, starring in the action series "Lethal Weapon" and the sitcom "My Wife and Kids." Along with his son Damon Wayans Jr., he is scheduled to make a small screen comeback in the sitcom "Poppa's House."
The TV Star Damon Wayans Jr.
Television has proved to be quite successful for Damon Wayans Jr. In "Blankman," he played a younger variation of his father's character for first time. Later on he starred in the film "Dance Flick" and made appearances on his father's sitcom "My Wife and Kids." Still, his performances on the sitcom "Happy Endings" and "New Girl" define him most. Along with movies like "The Other Guys," "Big Hero 6," and "Let's Be Cops," he has also starred in
Damon Jr. will be reuniting with his father for the sitcom "Poppa's House," although he has mostly been engaged in his own projects recently.
Kim Wayans is the Unsung Hero.
Kim Wayans has been steadily working for decades while the male Wayans often receive most of the attention. Beginning "In Living Color," she starred with her brothers in their breakthrough film, "Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood." She has also worked on "My Wife and Kids," starred in "Dance Flick," and shown her dramatic ability in movies and shows including "Pariah," "Hawaii Five-0," and "Criminal Minds."
Damien Dante Wayans: Tracking in the Family Footprints
Damien Dante Wayans, the son of Kim Wayans, started his career performing little roles in several Wayans family projects. His first noteworthy performance was in "Major Payne; later he landed a major part in "Malibu's Most Wanted." He has also made appearances on programs including "The Norm Show," "NYPD Blue," and "House M.D." Apart from performing, Damien has been a writer and director working on "My Wife and Kids" and "Dance Flick."
Shawn Wayans: The Comedy Pair
Shawn Wayans most famously co-created and starred in the sitcom "The Wayans Brothers" alongside his brother Marlon Wayans. Appearing together in many projects they wrote, including the first two "Scary Movie" films, "White Chicks," "Little Man," and "Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood," this resulted in a long-standing partnership between the two. Shawn has not undertaken many projects outside of his marriage with Marlon unlike his family members.
Marlon Wayans: Comedian and Actor
Multi-talented Marlon Wayans is well-known for his stand-up comedy and movie work. Along with his brother Shawn, he co-created, co-wrote, and co-starred in many Wayans family-produced films including "The Wayans Bros., the first two "Scary Movie," "White Chicks," and "Little Man." Having also had a successful stand-up comedy career, he will release his most recent special, "God Loves Me," in 2023.
Beyond his family projects, Marlon has also worked with highly regarded directors. He had roles in movies including "Requiem for a Dream," "The Ladykillers," "On the Rocks," and "Air."
The Legacy Lives On.
Unquestionably, the Wayans family has changed Hollywood. For decades viewers have been delighted by their iconic movies and TV shows. As younger family members carve out their careers, their legacy keeps expanding. The Wayans are a force to be reckoned with given their talent, humor, and close family ties; their stories will surely make us laugh for years to come.
