Damon Wayans Biography
Damon Wayans is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer and producer. He is a member of the Wayans family of entertainers.
How Old Is Damon Wayans
He was born on September 4, 1960, in Harlem, New York City, New York, United States. Damon is 63 years old as of 2023. Furthermore, he celebrates his birthday on September 4 every year.
Damon Wayans Parents
Wayan’s parents were both hardworking individuals who played significant roles in shaping his life and career:
- Howell Stouten Wayans (1936-2023): He was a supermarket manager who instilled in Damon a strong work ethic and the importance of family. Howell passed away in April 2023.
- Elvira Alethia (Green) Wayans (1938-2020): A homemaker and social worker, Elvira instilled in Damon a passion for social justice and helping others. She was also a singer and dancer, which likely influenced Damon’s artistic side. Sadly, Elvira passed away in July 2020.
Damon has spoken fondly of his parents, crediting them for his success and values.
Damon Wayans Siblings
Wayans is one of ten siblings from the Wayans family, a prominent comedic family in Hollywood. Here’s a brief overview of his siblings:
- Keenen Ivory Wayans: The eldest Wayans brother, Keenen is a renowned actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director. He’s best known for creating the sketch comedy series “In Living Color” and directing popular films like “Scary Movie” and “White Chicks.”
- Marlon Wayans: Damon’s younger brother, Marlon is a successful actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director. He’s known for his roles in films like “White Chicks,” “Scary Movie,” and “Little Man.”
- Kim Wayans: Kim is a talented actress, comedian, writer, producer, and singer. She’s appeared in films like “Sense and Sensibility,” “The Last Boy Scout,” and “White Chicks.”
- Shawn Wayans: Shawn is a versatile actor, comedian, writer, producer, and musician. He’s starred in films like “Scary Movie,” “White Chicks,” and “Little Man.”
- Dwayne Wayans: Dwayne is the youngest of the Wayans brothers. He’s an actor, producer, and stand-up comedian. He’s appeared in films like “Major Payne” and “Little Man.” He’s also produced several films and developed his stand-up comedy career.
Damon Wayans Sisters
- Elvira Wayans: Elvira is a writer and producer. She’s worked on projects like “The Wayans Bros.” and “Marlon Wayans: Let’s Get Schwifty.” She’s also an actress and has appeared in films like “Mo’ Money” and “Blankman.”
- Nadia Wayans: Nadia is a writer and producer. She’s worked on projects like “My Wife and Kids” and “The Underground.” She’s also an actress and has appeared in films like “The Last Boy Scout” and “Celtic Pride.”
- Vonnie Wayans: Vonnie is a writer and producer. She’s worked on projects like “The Wayans Bros.” and “Damon.” She’s also an actress and has appeared in films like “Blankman” and “A Low Down Dirty Shame.”
The Wayans family is a true Hollywood dynasty, with each sibling contributing their unique talents to the entertainment industry.
Damon Wayans Wife
- Lisa Thorner: Wayans married Lisa Thorner in 1984. They had four children together: Damon Wayans Jr. (born 1982), Michael Wayans (born 1985), Cara Mia Wayans (born 1988), and Kyla Wayans (born 1991). The couple divorced in 2000.
- Samara Saraiva: Wayans married Samara Saraiva in 2016. They have two children together: Berman Wayans (born 2013) and Draya Wayans (born 2015).
As of today, December 5, 2023, Damon Wayans is still married to Samara Saraiva. They seem to keep their relationship private and rarely share photos or information about their family life publicly.
Damon Wayans Kids
Wayans has a total of six children from his two marriages:
With Lisa Thorner (1984-2000):
- Damon Wayans Jr. (born 1982): He followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor, starring in TV shows like “Happy Endings” and “New Girl.”
- Michael Wayans (born 1985): Also an actor, Michael has appeared in films like “Scary Movie 2” and “Blankman” alongside his father and brother.
- Cara Mia Wayans (born 1988): Cara Mia is a writer and actress who has worked on projects like “My Wife and Kids” and “Dance Flick.”
- Kyla Wayans (born 1991): Kyla is the youngest of Damon and Lisa’s children and prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
With Samara Saraiva (2016-present):
- Berman Wayans (born 2013): Not much information is available about Berman, as Damon and Samara keep their younger children’s lives private.
- Draya Wayans (born 2015): Similar to her brother, Draya also stays out of the public eye.
Damon seems to be a close father who enjoys spending time with his kids. He has spoken about the importance of family and how his children inspire him. In interviews, he’s praised their talents and individuality.
Damon Wayans Career
Wayans, a multi-hyphenate talent in Hollywood, boasts a career spanning over four decades. Here’s a glimpse:
Stand-Up King:
- Began in the 80s, quickly gaining recognition for his sharp wit, observational humor, and social commentary.
- Stand-up specials like “One Night Stand” and “Bring the Pain” cemented his status as a comedic legend.
Television Icon:
- Co-created and starred in the groundbreaking sketch comedy series “In Living Color,” tackling social issues with humor.
- Voiced the title character in the animated sitcom “Waynehead” and created his sitcom, “Damon.”
- Found massive success with the sitcom “My Wife and Kids,” playing the loud and opinionated stay-at-home dad Michael Kyle.
- Showcased his dramatic talents in “Underground,” a sketch comedy series exploring the African American experience.
- Earned critical acclaim for his role as the quirky writer Brad Williams in “Happy Endings” and as the grumpy gym teacher Coach in “New Girl.”
- Led the reboot of “Lethal Weapon” as the seasoned detective Roger Murtaugh, garnering Emmy nominations.
Film Favorite:
- Memorable cameo in “Beverly Hills Cop” launched his film career.
- Starred alongside Marlon Wayans in the comedic hits “Mo’ Money” and “Blankman.”
- Took on diverse roles in films like “The Last Boy Scout,” “Major Payne,” and “Bulletproof.”
- Wrote, produced, and starred in the satirical drama “Bamboozled,” exploring race relations in the media.
Beyond the Spotlight:
- Founded Laughing Matter, a production company that develops comedy talent.
- Actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various charities and causes.
Damon Wayans’ career is a testament to his versatility and dedication. He’s not just a comedian, he’s an actor, writer, producer, and cultural commentator. His impact on television, film, and stand-up comedy is undeniable, and he continues to entertain and inspire audiences with his talent and passion.
Damon Wayans Net Worth
He has an estimated net worth of $35 million.
Damon Wayans Lethal Weapon
Wayans starred as Roger Murtaugh in the Fox police procedural action-comedy television series Lethal Weapon, which ran from 2016 to 2019. Moreover, the series was a reboot of the popular film franchise of the same name. Wayans’ portrayal of Roger Murtaugh was a departure from Danny Glover’s interpretation of the character in the films. He Murtaugh was a more seasoned and cynical detective, but he still retained the character’s gruff exterior and unwavering sense of justice. Wayans brought his unique comedic style to the role, and he was a key part of the show’s success.
Damon Wayans Beverly Hills Cop
Wayans made a brief cameo appearance in the 1984 action-comedy film “Beverly Hills Cop” as an effeminate hotel employee who tries to hit on Eddie Murphy’s character, Axel Foley. Moreover, the role was Wayan’s first on-screen appearance, and it helped to launch his career as a comedian and actor.
Wayan’s scene in “Beverly Hills Cop” is a memorable one, and it’s often cited as one of the funniest moments in the film. He delivers his lines with a deadpan delivery and a hint of self-deprecating humor, and he perfectly captures the absurdity of the scene.
Damon Wayans Movies
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984) – Wayans made a brief but memorable cameo in this Eddie Murphy-led action comedy as an effeminate hotel employee.
- Mo’ Money (1992) – Wayans starred alongside Marlon Wayans in this comedy about two brothers who inherit a fortune from a mob boss.
- The Last Boy Scout (1991) – Wayans played a private detective in this action-comedy alongside Bruce Willis.
- Major Payne (1995) – Wayans wrote, produced, and starred in this comedy about a sadistic military officer who becomes a teacher.
- Celtic Pride (1996) – Wayans and Dan Aykroyd starred as rival Boston Celtics fans who are forced to work together.
- Bulletproof (1996) – Wayans teamed up with Danny Glover for this action comedy about two mismatched cops.
- Blankman (1994) – Wayans wrote, produced, and starred in this superhero spoof about a crime fighter who is afraid of the dark.
- Bamboozled (2000) – Wayans wrote, produced, and starred in this satirical drama about a television executive who creates a blackface minstrel show to boost ratings.
- Scary Movie 2 (2001) – Wayans had a hilarious cameo in this spoof of horror films.
Damon Wayans TV Shows
Here’s a list of some of Damon Wayans’ most notable TV shows:
- In Living Color (1990-1992) – Wayans co-created and starred in this groundbreaking sketch comedy series that featured a diverse cast and tackled social and political issues with humor.
- Waynehead (1996-1997) – Wayans voiced the title character in this animated sitcom about a dysfunctional family of puppets.
- Damon (1998) – Wayans created, starred in, and wrote this short-lived sitcom about a fictionalized version of himself.
- My Wife and Kids (2001-2005) – Wayans starred as Michael Kyle, a loud and opinionated stay-at-home dad, in this successful sitcom.
- Underground (2006) – Wayans co-created and starred in this sketch comedy series that explored the African-American experience.
- Happy Endings (2011-2013) – Wayans played Brad Williams, a quirky and sarcastic writer, in this critically acclaimed sitcom.
- New Girl (2011-2018) – Wayans had a recurring role as Coach, a grumpy and eccentric gym teacher, in this popular sitcom.
- Lethal Weapon (2016-2019) – Wayans starred as Roger Murtaugh, a seasoned detective, in this reboot of the popular film franchise.
Damon Wayans Social Media Platform
Wayans is active on his social media pages. He has 774k followers on Instagram, 366k followers on Twitter, and 187k followers on Facebook.
Damon Wayans Stand-Up
Wayans’ most notable stand-up specials:
- One Night Stand (1990) – This HBO special features Wayans in his prime, performing his signature blend of observational humor, social commentary, and physical comedy.
- The Last Stand? (1991) – Wayans doesn’t hold back in this uncensored and controversial special, tackling topics like race, sex, and politics with his signature brand of sharp wit.
- Livin’ Large (1994) – This special finds Wayans reflecting on his success and fame, while still keeping things grounded with his relatable observations about everyday life.
- Bring the Pain (1996) – Wayans is on fire in this special, aiming at everything from pop culture to current events with his signature blend of humor and social commentary.
- Laughing on the Edge (2010) – Wayans returns to the stage after an eight-year hiatus, and he’s still got it, offering his hilarious takes on everything from social media to the Obama administration.
- Bigger Than Life (2017) – Wayans is back with his signature blend of sharp wit and observational humor, tackling topics like aging, technology, and politics.
Damon Wayans is a stand-up comedy legend, and his specials are a must-watch for any fan of his work. He’s a fearless and insightful comedian who is always willing to push the boundaries and make us laugh at the same time.