Marlon Wayans
Wayans in 2018
Born
Marlon Lamont Wayans

(1972-07-23) July 23, 1972 (age 53)
New York City, U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
  • writer
  • producer
Years active 1988–present
Partner Angela Zackery (1992–2013)
Children 3
Relatives
  • Dwayne Wayans (brother)
  • Keenen Ivory Wayans (brother)
  • Damon Wayans (brother)
  • Kim Wayans (sister)
  • Shawn Wayans (brother)
  • Damon Wayans Jr. (nephew)
Family Wayans family

Marlon Lamont Wayans[1] (/ˈweɪ.ənz/ WAY-ənz; born July 23, 1972) is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He is best known for his work with his brother Shawn Wayans on The WB sitcom The Wayans Bros. (1995–1999) and the comedy films Don't Be a Menace (1996), Scary Movie (2000), Scary Movie 2 (2001), White Chicks (2004), Little Man (2006), Dance Flick (2009), and Scary Movie (2026).

Wayans' other film credits include Above the Rim (1994), The 6th Man (1997), Norbit (2007), G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), The Heat (2013), A Haunted House (2013) and its sequel A Haunted House 2 (2014), Naked (2017), Fifty Shades of Black (2016), Sextuplets (2019), and On the Rocks (2020). He also had several dramatic roles, including the psychological drama film Requiem for a Dream (2000), the biographical musical drama Respect (2021), and the supernatural horror Him (2025).

Wayans partnered with Randy Adams to create What the Funny, an online destination for urban comedy.[2][3] He created the comedy competition television show Funniest Wins, which aired on TBS in 2014.[4] In 2014, Wayans and his brothers traveled the United States with "The Wayans Brothers Tour".[5] In 2017, he co-wrote and starred in the NBC sitcom Marlon, which ran for two seasons.[6]

Early life

Wayans was born in New York City, the son of Elvira Alethia (Green), a homemaker and social worker, and Howell Stouten Wayans, a supermarket manager.[7] He was raised in Fulton Houses, a housing project in New York City, the youngest of ten siblings. He is the brother of Dwayne, Keenen Ivory, Damon Sr., Kim, Elvira, Nadia, and Shawn. His family were Jehovah's Witnesses.[8][9] Wayans went to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, the school made famous in Fame. After graduating from high school, he attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., but dropped out after two years.[10]

Career

Between 1992 and 1993, Wayans appeared with his siblings on the sketch comedy show In Living Color. From 1995 until 1999, he co-starred in the WB sitcom The Wayans Bros. with his brother Shawn Wayans. He was originally considered for the role of Robin in the 1992 film Batman Returns,[11] but it was felt that the film featured too many characters, so his character was omitted. Wayans was then formally signed to the role in the 1995 sequel Batman Forever to play opposite Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face, but the mid-production change in directors from Tim Burton to Joel Schumacher resulted in both parts being recast and Wayans being paid out (Williams was not yet signed on, but received a penalty fee as his contract for Batman allowed him the option of reprise), and he still receives royalty payments. He was replaced by Chris O'Donnell. In August 2021, a comic book adaptation of the original concept, Batman '89, began publication, by DC Entertainment, using Wayans's likeness for Robin with his permission, their civilian identity renamed Drake Winston.[12]

Wayons film roles include the comedies Don't Be a Menace (1996), Scary Movie (2000), Scary Movie 2 (2001), White Chicks (2004), Little Man (2006), and Dance Flick (2009), and other films including Above the Rim (1994), The 6th Man (1997), Norbit (2007), G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), The Heat (2013), A Haunted House (2013) and its sequel A Haunted House 2 (2014), Naked (2017), Fifty Shades of Black (2016), Sextuplets (2019), and On the Rocks (2020). Wayans produced the first two films of the Scary Movie series, in which he and Shawn were credited writers and co-stars. In 2000, he appeared as Tyrone C. Love in Requiem for a Dream and as Snails in Dungeons & Dragons. That same year, he and Shawn hosted the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.

In 2006, Wayans produced the Nickelodeon cartoon series Thugaboo. In 2017, NBC gave him his own sitcom, Marlon; it was canceled after two seasons.[13][14][15]

In September 2017, Variety announced that Wayans would partner with LA-based entertainment company Shots Studios to launch a YouTube channel.[16] He has appeared in videos alongside creators such as Anwar Jibawi and Hannah Stocking. In 2020, Wayans signed a deal with HBO Max.[17]

Personal life

Wayans was in a long-term relationship with Angela Zackery from 1992 to 2013, and although he once called her his "ex-wife", he said in 2021 that he had never married.[18][19] They have two children, one of whom is transgender. In 2023, Wayans expressed support for his trans son and the LGBTQ community.[20][21] Wayans also shares a child with his former girlfriend, Brittany Moreland.[22] Wayans was a close friend of rapper Tupac Shakur.[23] He is also a longtime friend of actor Omar Epps.[24]

Filmography

Key
† Denotes productions that have not yet been released

Film

Year Movie Character Notes
1988 I'm Gonna Git You Sucka Pedestrian
1992 Mo' Money Seymour Stewart
1994 Above the Rim Bugaloo
1996 Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood Loc Dog Also co-writer
1997 The 6th Man Kenny Tyler
1998 Senseless Darryl Witherspoon
2000 Requiem for a Dream Tyrone C. Love
Scary Movie Shorty Meeks Also co-writer
The Tangerine Bear Louie Blue Voice; direct-to-video
Dungeons & Dragons Snails
2001 Scary Movie 2 Shorty Meeks Also co-writer
2004 The Ladykillers Gawain MacSam
White Chicks Marcus Anthony Copeland II / Tiffany Wilson Also co-writer and producer
2006 Behind the Smile Danny Styles
Little Man Calvin "Baby-face" Sims Also co-writer and producer
2007 Norbit Buster "Bust-A-Move" Perkin
2009 Dance Flick Mr Moody Also co-writer and producer
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Rip Cord
2010 Marmaduke Lightning Voice
2013 A Haunted House Malcolm Johnson Also co-writer and producer
The Heat Special Agent Levy
2014 A Haunted House 2 Malcolm Johnson Also co-writer and producer
2016 Fifty Shades of Black Christian Black
2017 Naked Rob Anderson
2019 Sextuplets Alan Spellman Daniels/Russell Spellman/Dawn Spellman/Jasper Spellman/Ethan Spellman/Baby Pete Spellman/Lynette Spellman
2020 On the Rocks Dean
2021 Respect Ted White
Back Home Again Mr. Tortoise Short film
2022 The Curse of Bridge Hollow Howard Gordon Also producer [25]
2023 Air George Raveling
2025 Him Isaiah White
2026 Scary Movie Shorty Meeks / Joe Jackson / Tiffany Wilson / Count Brolock Also co-writer and producer

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1992–1993 In Living Color Himself Cast member; 17 episodes (Season 3–4)
1995–1999 The Wayans Bros. Marlon Williams 101 episodes; also co-creator and sketch writer
1996 The Parent 'Hood Himself Episode: "Ode to Billy Shankbreath"
Mr. Show with Bob and David KKK Member Episode: "The Biggest Failure in Broadway History"
1996–1997 Waynehead Blue Voice; 6 episodes
1999 Hollywood Squares Himself Recurring panelist
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child Bad Bobby Voice; episode: "The Bremen Town Musicians"
2000 Comedy Central Canned Ham Himself Episode: "Scary Movie"
2000 MTV Video Music Awards Main host
2001 Mad TV Episode: "Episode #6.25"
2005 Episode: "Episode #11.1"
2006 The Boo Crew Dirty Voice; television specials
Six Degrees Homeless Guy Episode: "The Puncher"
2011 Childrens Hospital Dr. Black Episode: "The Black Doctor"
2013 Sidewalks Entertainment Himself Host; episode: "Marlon Wayans"
Anderson Live Co-host; episode: "Episode #2.77"
Second Generation Wayans 2 episodes; also executive producer
Legit Doctor Episode: "Fatherhood"
2014 Funniest Wins Himself Host; 8 episodes
Deal with It Episode: "Marlon Wayans & Mo Mandel"
2015 Lip Sync Battle Competitor; episode: "Queen Latifah vs. Marlon Wayans"
I Can Do That Main host
America's Got Talent Guest judge; episode: "Judge Cuts 3"
2016 Hollywood Game Night Player; episode: "Way-ans to Go!"
The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore Panelist; episode: "Rand Paul Talks Donald Trump's Candidacy"
Givit Wednesday Episode: "Puppies & Tattoos - Marlon Wayans/Alison Eastwood"
Big Boy's Big Brawl Episode: "Pilot"
Animals. Ry-Ry Voice; episode: "Squirrels Part I"
2017 Safeword Himself Episode: "Kevin Hart vs. Damien Dante Wayans"
2017–2018 Marlon Marlon Wayne 20 episodes; also co-creator and executive producer
2018 Do or Dare Himself Episode: "Marlon Wayans vs. Naomi"
Drop the Mic Episode: "Episode #2.3"
The Hollywood Puppet Show Episode: "Marlon Wayans and Bow Wow"
2019 Sherman's Showcase Episode: "Enemies"
2022 To Tell the Truth Episode: "Marlon Wayans, Arsenio Hall, and Joel McHale"
Oh Hell No! with Marlon Wayans Host; 6 episodes
2022–2024 Bel-Air Lou 3 episodes
2023 The Daily Show Himself Recurring host; season 28[26]
2025 Poppa's House Melvin

Comedy specials

Year Title Notes
2018 Marlon Wayans: Woke-ish Netflix-stand-up comedy special
2021 Marlon Wayans: You Know What It Is HBO Max-stand-up comedy special
2022 Marlon Wayans Presents: The Headliners HBO Max-stand-up comedy special; with Tony Baker, Sydney Castillo, DC Ervin, Esau McGraw, and Chaunté Wayans
2023 Marlon Wayans: God Loves Me HBO Max-stand-up comedy special
2024 Marlon Wayans: Good Grief Amazon Prime-stand-up comedy special

Documentary

Year Title
1991 The Best of Robert Townsend & His Partners in Crime
2003 Tupac: Resurrection
2005 Hubert Selby Jr.: It/ll Be Better Tomorrow
2009 Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
2012 Venus and Serena

Music videos

Year Song Artist
1992 "The Best Things in Life Are Free" Luther Vandross & Janet Jackson
2018 "Just My Type" Tiana

Accolades

Award Year[a] Category Nominated work Result Ref.
BET Comedy Awards 2004 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Box Office Movie White Chicks Nominated [27]
Outstanding Writing for a Box Office Movie[b] Won [28]
Black Reel Awards 2001 Best Supporting Actor Requiem for a Dream Nominated [29]
Black Reel TV Awards 2024 Outstanding Guest Performance in a Drama Series Bel-Air Nominated [30]
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards 2001 Favorite Actor - Comedy Scary Movie Nominated [31]
Chlotrudis Awards 2001 Best Supporting Actor Requiem for a Dream Nominated [32]
Critics' Choice Awards 2024 Best Acting Ensemble[c] Air Nominated [33]
Fangoria Chainsaw Awards 2001 Best Supporting Actor Requiem for a Dream Nominated [34]
Golden Raspberry Awards 2007 Worst Actor[d] Little Man Won [35]
2010 Worst Supporting Actor G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Nominated [36]
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2007 Best Kiss[e] Little Man Nominated [37]
NAACP Image Awards 2024 Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special Marlon Wayans: God Loves Me Nominated [38]
2025 Outstanding Guest Performance Bel-Air Won [39]
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 1998 Favorite Television Actor[d] The Wayans Bros. Nominated [40]
Online Film Critics Society Awards 2001 Best Ensemble[c] Requiem for a Dream Nominated [41]
People's Choice Awards 2021 Comedy Act of 2021 Marlon Wayans: You Know What It Is Nominated [42]
2024 Comedy Act of the Year Marlon Wayans: God Loves Me Nominated [43]
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards 2023 Best Ensemble[c] Air Nominated [44]

References

  1. ^ Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.
  2. ^ Shared with the writers.
  3. ^ a b c Shared with the cast.
  4. ^ a b Shared with Shawn Wayans.
  5. ^ Shared with Brittany Daniel.
  1. ^ "Marlon Wayans: 25 Things You Don't Know About Me". usmagazine.com. April 19, 2014. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  2. ^ "Marlon Wayans Launching Urban Funny or Die (Exclusive)". Hollywoodreporter.com. June 26, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  3. ^ "What The Funny". What The Funny. Archived from the original on April 2, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  4. ^ "Marlon Wayans' TBS series 'Funniest Wins' unveils comedian competitors". laughspin.com. Archived from the original on June 2, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2014.
  5. ^ "The Wayans Brothers Kick Off Brand-New Comedy Tour in U.S." goodblacknews.org. July 21, 2014. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  6. ^ Ausiello, Michael (December 21, 2018). "Marlon Cancelled at NBC". TVLine. Archived from the original on December 22, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
  7. ^ "Keenen Ivory Wayans' Interactive Family Tree - Finding Your Roots - PBS". PBS. Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  8. ^ Stein, Joel. (September 11, 2000) Marlon Wayans. Time. Retrieved on 2012-04-08.
  9. ^ Stated on Finding Your Roots, January 19, 2016, PBS
  10. ^ "Marlon Wayans". Biography.com. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  11. ^ Rabin, Nathan. (February 25, 1998) Marlon Wayans. The A.V. Club. Retrieved on 2012-04-08.
  12. ^ Mueller, Matthew (March 9, 2016). "Batman '89 Series Would Have Picked Up Where Tim Burton Left Off". Yahoo!. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  13. ^ Pedersen, Erik (March 17, 2017). "NBC Sets Summer Premieres: 'Marlon,' 'Midnight, Texas,' 'Carmichael Show,' Reality & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  14. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (September 28, 2017). "'Marlon' Renewed For Season 2 By NBC". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  15. ^ "'Marlon' canceled by NBC after two seasons". The Grio. December 23, 2018. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  16. ^ Spangler, Todd (September 7, 2018). "Marlon Wayans Launches YouTube Sketch-Comedy Channel With Shots Studios (Watch)". Variety. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  17. ^ Porter, Rick (June 25, 2020). "Marlon Wayans Inks Overall Deal With HBO Max". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  18. ^ Victoria Uwumarogie (March 1, 2018). ""I Got You": Marlon Wayans's B-Day Message For Former Wife Shows What A Healthy Relationship With Your Ex Can Be". MadameNoire. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  19. ^ Brande Victorian (August 19, 2021). "Marlon Wayans On 'RESPECT' And Why He Never Married: 'I Knew My Mom Needed Me'". Essence. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  20. ^ Falen Hardge (November 13, 2023). "Marlon Wayans Shares How He Learned To Embrace His Trans Son, Kai". BET. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  21. ^ Stephanie Kaloi (November 15, 2023). "All About Marlon Wayans' Two Kids and His 'Unconditional Love' for Them". Parade. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  22. ^ Danielle Young (March 21, 2024). "Marlon Wayans Slams 'Entitled' Baby Mother After New Paternity Suit". BET. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  23. ^ Thompson, Stephen (June 17, 2020). "Marlon Wayans and Snoop Dogg Honor Tupac on What Would Have Been His 49th Birthday". news.amomama.com. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  24. ^ "15 Things You Didn't Know About Marlon Wayans". BET. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  25. ^ "New movies coming to Netflix in fall". whats-on-netflix.com. July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  26. ^ "The Daily Show Guest Host Lineup". Comedy Central. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  27. ^ "BET Comedy Awards (2004)". www.imdb.com. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  28. ^ Pauker, Emily (September 29, 2004). "BET laffer awards a family affair". Variety. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  29. ^ 2001 Black Reel Awards
  30. ^ Pedersen, Erik (June 18, 2025). "'Forever,' 'Abbott Elementary' & 'Fight Night' Lead 2025 Black Reel TV Awards Nominations". Deadline. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  31. ^ Bonin, Liane (April 11, 2001). "Ricky Martin and Creed will perform at the Blockbuster Awards". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
  32. ^ "2001, 7th Annual Awards". Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film. March 29, 2026. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  33. ^ Shanfeld, Ethan (January 14, 2024). "'Oppenheimer' Leads Critics Choice Awards with 8 wins, 'Barbie' Scores 6 — Full Winners List". Variety. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  34. ^ "Fangoria Chainsaw Awards (2001)". IMDB. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  35. ^ "RAZZIE Voters Get Back to Basics In Picking the Berry Worst of 2006". January 22, 2007. Archived from the original on February 2, 2007. Retrieved January 22, 2007.
  36. ^ O'Neil, Tom (February 1, 2010). "Razzie Award nominations: Can Sandra Bullock win worst AND best actress?". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 24, 2010. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
  37. ^ "2007 MTV Movie Award nominees". Los Angeles Times. April 30, 2007. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  38. ^ Jackson, Angelique (January 25, 2024). "Colman Domingo, Ayo Edebiri, Victoria Monét and Usher Lead NAACP Image Award Nominations". Variety. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  39. ^ Smart, Jack; Walcott, Escher (February 23, 2025). "NAACP Image Awards 2025: See the Complete Winners List". People. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  40. ^ "Kids' Choice Awards, USA (1998)". IMDB. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  41. ^ "2000 Awards (4th Annual)". Online Film Critics Society. January 3, 2012. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  42. ^ Huff, Lauren; Gettell, Oliver (December 7, 2021). "2021 People's Choice Awards: See the full list of winners". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  43. ^ VanHoose, Benjamin (February 18, 2024). "Taylor Swift, 'Barbie' and 'Grey's Anatomy' Score at 2024 People's Choice Awards: See the Full List of Winners". People. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  44. ^ Neglia, Matt (December 15, 2023). "The 2023 San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS) Nominations". Next Best Picture. Retrieved December 16, 2023.