Damon Wayans

Damon Wayans’ gift for performing developed when he was a child, as a creative means to capture the attention of his parents and nine siblings. Over the years his unique comic style has brought him enormous success on stage, television and film.   For three seasons Wayans co-starred in and wrote for the critically acclaimed Emmy Award-winning series, “In Living Color,” for which he also personally received two Emmy nominations. Throughout his time on the show, he created several unique and memorable characters and sketches, including “Homey the Clown,” “Handiman” and the wildly popular “Men on Film.” Other television credits include “Damon,” a half-hour show for the FOX network in which he starred and which he executive-produced. He was the creator and executive producer of “413 Hope Street,” an hour-long drama which aired on the FOX network and was nominated for a People’s Choice Award. Additionally he served as executive producer on “Waynehead,” a Saturday morning animated show for the WB network which featured the voices of siblings Kim, Marlon and Shawn Wayans. “My Wife and Kids” debuted on ABC in 2001 starring Wayans as a modern-day dad in the wildly funny family comedy about his daily struggle to tackle his chaotic life as a husband and father.  On the big screen Wayans starred in “Bamboozled,” a film written and directed by Spike Lee. Additionally he starred in and executive-produced the independent film, “Harlem Aria.” Other feature credits include starring roles in “Major Payne,” “Blankman,” “Bulletproof” and “Mo’ Money” -- which he also wrote and executive-produced -- as well as “The Great White Hype,” “Celtic Pride,” “The Last Boy Scout,” “Earth Girls are Easy,” “I’m Gonna Git You, Sucka,” “Colors,” “Punchline,” “Hollywood Shuffle,” “Roxanne” and “Beverly Hills Cop.” Recently he made his directorial debut in the independent film, “Behind the Smile.”  Wayans has also enjoyed success in the world of standup: After beginning his career in 1982 touring the comedy club circuit, he landed a role as a featured performer on the famed “Saturday Night Live.” He then went on to star in his own critically acclaimed HBO specials, “One Night Stand,” “The Last Stand?” and “Still Standing.” No less talented as an author, in May of 1999 Wayans released “Bootleg,” a humorous compilation of his observations regarding family, children, marriage and politics. The book was a tremendous success and quickly reached the New York Times bestseller list. Wayans was the recipient of the 2002 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Performer in a New Television Series for his role in “My Wife and Kids.” He resides in Los Angeles.