Decoding the Wayans Dynasty: Unraveling the Show Business Family Tree

Article Overview

The Wayans family has a long history in Hollywood, with multiple members involved in acting, comedy, directing, and writing.

The Wayans family is known for their creation of iconic TV shows such as In Living Color and The Wayans Bros. They have also produced popular movies like the Scary Movie franchise and White Chicks.

In addition to their success in comedy, the Wayans family has displayed their versatility and range by appearing in diverse genres, ranging from big-budget action films to indie projects. They have even been featured in critically acclaimed films directed by renowned filmmakers.

The Wayans family is renowned for their extensive involvement in the entertainment industry, much like other notable legacy families such as the Coppolas and the Barrymores. With a rich lineage of talented actors and artists, the Wayans have made significant contributions to Hollywood. Whether it be through acting, comedy, directing, or screenwriting, each renowned member of the Wayans family has left their mark on the art and business of entertainment. Together, they have been integral to the creation of numerous iconic movies and TV shows.

For instance, the Wayans family has produced noteworthy TV shows like In Living Color and The Wayans Bros., as well as blockbuster movies like Little Man, the Scary Movie franchise, and the potential sequel to White Chicks. Moreover, apart from their own projects, the Wayans have been prominently featured in a wide range of films and series. Their versatility is evident in their involvement in high-budget action movies, popular mainstream sitcoms, and even small independent arthouse films. Throughout their career, the Wayans family has consistently proven their remarkable talent and breadth of skills.

Howell And Elvira Wayans (87 and 82)

Wayans patriarch and matriarch

Howell and Elvira Wayans, the former patriarch and matriarch of the Wayans family, had no personal connection to Hollywood unlike most of their relatives. Howell worked as a supermarket manager while Elvira was a social worker (via The U.S. Sun). Sadly, both Howell and Elvira passed away, with Elvira in 2020 and Howell in 2023.

Keenan Ivory Wayans (65)

Howell & Elvira Wayans' son

Keenan Ivory Wayans is renowned for his role in creating, writing, and directing numerous iconic movies and shows associated with the Wayans family. Notably, he wrote, created, and starred in the highly influential sketch comedy series, In Living Color, which prominently featured various Wayans siblings and talented actors who would later achieve fame, including Tommy Davidson, David Alan Grier, T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh, and Jim Carrey, who rose to stardom in movies like Bruce Almighty. Wayans also directed notable films such as the first two installments of the Scary Movie franchise, White Chicks, Little Man, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, and A Low Down Dirty Shame​​​​​.

Damon Wayans Sr. (63)

Howell & Elvira Wayans' son

Damon Wayans Sr. is renowned for his multi-talented contributions to the entertainment industry. Notably, he has written and created various movies and TV shows, taking on starring roles as well. In the realm of film, Wayans Sr. has left his mark through his writing and appearances in memorable projects. Major Payne showcases his talent as both the writer and the character Major Benson Winifred Payne. The comedic superhero film Blankman features Wayans Sr. in the lead as the alter ego of Darryl Walker, while Mo' Money sees him as Johnny Stewart. In addition to his film endeavors, Wayans Sr. has extended his creative genius to television, where he has created, written, and portrayed the lead characters in remarkable shows. Damon highlights his own name in the critically acclaimed series Damon Thomas, while My Wife and Kids showcases his skills as Michael Kyle. Wayans Sr. further solidified his reputation in the industry with his portrayal of Roger Murtaugh in the canceled Lethal Weapon series.

Damon Wayans Jr. (40)

Damon Wayans' son

Damon Wayans Jr. has achieved tremendous success in the television industry. He is renowned for his portrayal of Brad Williams in the hit sitcom Happy Endings and Coach in the beloved sitcom New Girl, created by Elizabeth Meriwether. In addition to these iconic roles, Wayans Jr. has made guest appearances in highly acclaimed sitcoms such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, where he played Detective Stevie Schillens, Curb Your Enthusiasm, where he portrayed a police officer, and Bob's Burgers, where he voiced the character Arnold. Wayans Jr. has also made his mark in the world of film, starring in Let's Be Cops as Justin Miller, lending his voice to the character Wasabi in Big Hero 6, and appearing as Trooper Wagner in Super Troopers 2.

Elvira Alethia Wayans (59)

Howell & Elvira Wayans' daughter

Contrary to the rest of the Wayans family, Elvira Alethia Wayans has not only chosen to lead a private life but has also seemingly distanced herself from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Elvira Alethia Wayans' sole IMDb credits are attributed to her work as a writer and assistant to writers on her brother Damon's show, My Wife and Kids. Additionally, she has received a gracious thank-you credit from her brother Marlon for his project, The Curse of Bridge Hollow. Nevertheless, Elvira Alethia Wayans does have two children, Damien Dante and Chaunté Wayans, who actively engage in the entertainment industry.

Damien Dante Wayans (43)

Elvira Alethia Wayans' son

Damien Dante Wayans, the son of Elvira Alethia Wayans, kickstarted his acting career by taking on supporting roles in numerous Wayans family ventures such as In Living Color, Major Payne, and Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. However, it was his portrayal of Tec in the movie Malibu's Most Wanted that earned him his breakthrough acting role. Besides acting, Wayans has also contributed as a writer and director in various other creative endeavors, including Damon Wayans' My Wife and Kids and his directorial debut, the film Dance Flick.

Kim Wayans (62)

Howell & Elvira Wayans' daughter

Kim Wayans, an actress known for her versatility, has delivered outstanding performances across different genres. In comedy, she has shined in projects such as In Living Color, Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, and Dance Flick. Simultaneously, Wayans has demonstrated her dramatic talent in works like Pariah, where she played the character Audrey, as well as in Hawaii Five-0, where she portrayed Diane, and even in Criminal Minds as Darlene Beckett. Apart from her acting prowess, Wayans has also showcased her skills as a screenwriter, having written multiple episodes for the television series My Wife and Kids.

Shawn Wayans (52)

Howell & Elvira Wayans' son

Shawn Wayans is most recognized for his role as co-creator and star of the television sitcom, The Wayans Brothers. In this show, he shared the spotlight with his brother Marlon Wayans, along with other talented actors and comedians such as John Witherspoon and Anna Maria Horsford. Additionally, Shawn collaborated with Marlon as they co-wrote the scripts for the initial two installments of the Scary Movie franchise. Furthermore, he portrayed the character Ray Wilkins in both movies. Shawn's involvement extended to other publications by the Wayans family, where he co-wrote and took on leading roles in productions like White Chicks (as 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).

Marlon Wayans (51)

Howell & Elvira Wayans' son

Marlon Wayans is most recognized for his involvement in the creation, writing, and acting in numerous Wayans family-produced projects such as The Wayans Bros, where he portrayed Marlon Williams. He also played memorable roles in the first two installments of the Scary Movie franchise as Shorty Meeks, as well as in White Chicks as Marcus Copeland, and Little Man as Clavin "Babyface" Sims. Moreover, in addition to these comedic works associated with the Wayans family, Marlon Wayans has had the privilege to collaborate with several esteemed directors. His filmography includes appearances 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.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I grew up watching the Wayans family on TV and in movies. I remember laughing at their jokes on In Living Color and being entertained by their antics in movies like White Chicks and Scary Movie. I think the Wayans are a talented family who have made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry.

I admire the Wayans family for their versatility. They have been able to successfully work in a variety of genres, from comedy to action to horror. They are also able to appeal to a wide range of audiences, from children to adults. I think the Wayans are a great example of how to use your talents to make a difference in the world.