- Known for iconic movies and shows like Scary Movie and In Living Color
- In Living Color reunion happens in new tv sitcom
- Scary Movie 6 in the works
The Wayans family is a major force in the entertainment industry. The family is packed with talented actors, writers, directors and producers. They are known for their impact on comedy in film and TV.
They’re particularly influential in sketch comedy and spoof movies, having created many iconic TV shows and Hollywood blockbusters over the decades.
Their creations include the likes of TV shows In Living Color and The Wayans Bros. And in movies, they were behind the Scary Movie franchise, as well as White Chicks and Little Man.
Read more: Movies the Scary Movie reboot absolutely needs to spoof
The Wayans family don’t always work together. Individually they have featured in a variety of other projects, ranging from big-budget action movies to popular mainstream sitcoms, New Girl being a fine example of this.
Who’s who in The Wayans Family?
Howell and Elvira are at the top of the family tree. The late parents were a grocery store manager and homemaker, respectively. They didn’t have any ties to Hollywood, but they had ten children in Dwayne, Keenen, Diedra, Damon, Kim, Elvira, Nadia, Vonnie, Shawn, and Marlon, from oldest to youngest.
Howell and Elvira have both passed away, with Elvira in 2020 and Howell in 2023 and their children often acknowledge how supportive they were of their careers. The parents left behind an incredible Hollywood legacy in their children.
Shawn and Marlon are the best known of the Wayans siblings. They starred in the comedy movies White Chicks (2004) and Little Man (2006) and co-created Scary Movie (2000) with their older brother, Keenan. They both also star in the latter, whilst Keenan directed the smash hit. Scary Movie ranks in the top ten biggest grossing horror franchises of all time, with a total worldwide box office of over $800,000,000.
Read more: Everything we know about the Naked Gun reboot
Keenan was also the mastermind behind the Emmy-nominated sketch comedy TV series In Living Color, which aired from 1990 to 1994. The groundbreaking show, known for its edgy satirical comedy, helped launch Damon Wayans as one of its breakout stars alongside Jim Carrey. It also starred Keenan’s sister Kim Wayans, as well as regular appearances from Shawn and Marlon.
After Living Color, the show’s star Damon solidified himself as a mainstream TV sitcom star as Michael Kyle in My Wife and Kids. He co-created the series alongside veteran television writer/producer Don Reo and it aired between 2001-2005.
Elvira Wayans Jr., the only sibling named after one of their parents, also played a key role in the writing process of the sitcom. Meanwhile, her eldest brother, Dwayne, a talented film score composer, wrote the show’s theme tune.
Following My Wife and Kids, Damon produced and starred in sketch comedy series The Underground, which also featured his son, Damon Wayans Jr.
Damon Wayans Jr. is the most famous grandchild in the Wayans family, best known for his role as Coach in the popular sitcom New Girl. He also starred in Happy Endings and co-starred alongside his former New Girl housemate, Jack Johnson, in the 2014 movie Let’s Be Cops.
Unlike her siblings and nephew, Diedre Wayans does not have as much of a screen presence, but she has made a reputation as a producer in the entertainment industry. Her sisters Vonnie and Nadia also lead a more private life away from show business, though according to IMDB Nadia did star in the 1988 movie I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, written by her brother Keenan.
What’s the latest Wayans Family project?
CBS sitcom Poppa’s House premiered on 21 October 2024 and features Damon Wayans and his son, Damon Wayans Jr., in leading roles. Damon is also the show’s co-creator.
It has seen mini reunions occur on-screen, including actor and comedian Tommy Davidson reuniting with his former In Living Color co-star, Damon. Damon’s son also gets a reunion with Lamorne Morris, with whom he starred in New Girl with.
Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen are busy co-writing and co-producing a new instalment in the Scary Movie franchise. Scary Movie 6 is slated for release on 12 June 2026.The trio wrote and directed the original Scary Movie and its 2001 follow-up. Their involvement diminished after the second film and so did the ratings, so this is a welcome return to the franchise and one that fans have been clamouring for.
