Marlon Wayans Is One of 10 Siblings and Some Are Also Famous

While he is a famous actor and comedian, Marlon Wayans’ siblings have also made a name for themselves in the film industry in front of and behind the camera. The “White Chicks” actor is the youngest of nine siblings and said he was lucky to grow up in a house full of “legends.”

When it comes to the world of comedy, the Wayans siblings—especially the Wayans brothers—have cemented themselves as comedic giants. From gigs on “Saturday Night Live” to popular parody films such as “Fifty Shades of Black,” the talented family of ten has proven their knack for acting is in their DNA.

While some have become prolific actors, others pursued careers as screenwriters and directors and have popular movies and television shows under their belts.

The youngest of the family, Marlon grew up watching his siblings pave the way and expressed his gratitude for being surrounded by talented artists he was able to learn from. Marlon gushed:

“Think how lucky I am to grow up in my house with my legends. I grew up in a house with legends, so I can’t help but follow in their footsteps and yet blaze my own.”

Dwayne Wayans

Born on July 20, 1956, in New York City, Dwayne is the eldest child of Elvira, a homemaker and social worker, and Howell, a supermarket manager. Dwayne pursued a career as a film composer and, unlike some of his siblings, does not live in the spotlight.

Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Damon Wayans at the BET Award in 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Behind the scenes, he has written music for films such as “Dance Flick,” “Domino” and “Little Man.” In the 1990s, he was a production assistant for the T.V. series “In Living Color” and later worked on “My Wife and Kids” in the 2000s—both of which included his siblings.

Keenen Ivory Wayans

Marlon’s parents welcomed his other older brother on June 8, 1958, in New York City. He is fourteen years older than the youngest Wayans brother, who once humorously said:

“Keenen is so old that he once spanked me.”

Keenen Ivory Wayans at the premiere of Netflix’s “Dolemite Is My Name” on September 28, 2019, in California. | Source: Getty Images

Keenen achieved acclaim as the leading force behind the Wayans family’s success when he created, wrote, hosted, and starred in “In Living Color,” a game-changing television series about black comedy that strived for inclusion.

The show was the starting block for some of his siblings’ success and kickstarted the careers of Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx. After attending Seward Park High School, Keenen studied Engineering at Tuskegee University before dropping out.

A screenwriter and producer, Diedre Wayans is most commonly known for producing the 2018 series “Changing Steps with Belinda Baker” and “A Polished Soul” in 2022.

With a passion for comedy, he drew inspiration from Richard Pryor and relocated to Los Angeles after an underwhelming experience on the New York stand-up scene. Once in California, he landed roles in “Star 80” and “For Love and Honor.”

Keenen Ivory Wayans at the Tribeca TV “In Living Color” 25th anniversary reunion during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival on April 27, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

From his own talk show to trying his hand at directing and executive producing, Keenen cemented himself on the Hollywood acting scene. He took a break from movie sets for a while after marrying his former partner and welcoming five children.

In 2018, Keenen made a comeback when he directed multiple episodes of “The Last O.G.” starring Tracy Morgan as a former convict adjusting to a world outside a cell.

Diedre Wayans

A screenwriter and producer, Diedre Wayans is most commonly known for producing the 2018 series “Changing Steps with Belinda Baker” and “A Polished Soul” in 2022.

Damon Wayan posing for a picture on July 15, 2016. | Source: Getty Images

The film won two awards at the IndieFEST Film Awards and tells the story of how award-winning filmmaker Mike Rae Anderson’s life took him down a dark road and saw him face death row. Diedre is also a mother to two children.

Damon Wayans

Born on September 4, 1960, in New York City, Damon Wayans made his acting debut playing a streetwise character on his older brother’s show, “In Living Color.” He cultivated his comedic edge when he was a little boy.

Damon Wayans at the premiere of “Lethal Weapon” on September 12, 2016 in California. | Source: Getty Images

Born with a severe physical disability, Damon was often left out of social groups and began imagining characters. After numerous surgeries, he dropped out of school in the ninth grade and followed Keenen to Hollywood. While speaking about his brothers, Marlon said:

“And then there is Damon. He was always needy, and he still is needy.”

Damon became a regular on “SNL” in the 1970s and landed various film roles over the years. Since then, Damon has achieved stardom by writing, producing, and starring in several projects.

Kim Wayans

Kim Wayans at the Tribeca Film Festival after-party for “In Living Color” on April 27, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Kim was born on October 16, 1961, in New York City, and she doubles as an actress and a writer. She married a man named Kevin Knotts; however, it is unclear when they met or wed.

Kim became well-known after appearing in “In Living Color” in the 1990s and “My Wife and Kids” alongside her brother. In 1996, she also landed a role in “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.”

Elvira Wayans

From 2004 to 2005, Elvira worked alongside her brother and sister when she was a part of the additional crew as an assistant to the writers of “My Wife and Kids.”

Elvira Wayans and Chaeunte Wayans at “The Last Meal” premiere on September 07, 2005, in California. | Source: Getty Images

She worked on 27 episodes when she was an assistant to the writers before she tried her hand at writing. And from 2004 to 2005, Elvira wrote three episodes of “My Wife and Kids.”

Nadia Wayans

Like the rest of her siblings, Nadia was born in New York City. While her relationship status is unclear, Nadia is a mother to a boy, Damien Dante Wayans.

Nadia Wayans at a party celebrating the New York premiere of “Boyz N the Hood,” on July 9, 1991. | Source: Getty Images

She only has a single acting credit to her name, which came in 1988 when she played a bar patron in the film “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.”

Shawn Wayans

Born on January 19, 1971, in New York City, Shawn Wayans is also an actor, producer, director, and one-half of the dynamic duo that starred in the sitcom, “The Wayans Bros.” Although he is barely two years older than Marlon, Shawn’s “White Chicks” co-star and little brother said:

“Shawn used to always beat me up because he was older than me. I’m just a year-and-a-half younger than him, but he beat me up.”

Shawn Wayans posing for a picture at Bellator 180 fight night on June 24, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Vonnie Wayans

Vonnie is the most private of the Wayans siblings, and very little is known about her. It is unclear whether she pursued a career in the industry or not.

However, Marlon Wayans credited all his siblings for his success. “…I wouldn’t trade what I went through growing up for anything. I wouldn’t be where I am without it,” he said.

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