MARLON WAYANS

Early Life & Family Roots

Marlon Lamont Wayans was born on July 23, 1972, in New York City, making him 52 years old as of now . He is the youngest of ten siblings from the prominent Wayans family—his brothers and sisters include Keenen Ivory, Damon, Shawn, Kim, Nadia, Dwayne, Elvira, Diedra, and Vonnie—many of whom became entertainers . Raised in the Fulton Houses projects on Manhattan’s West Side by his father Howell (a supermarket manager) and mother Elvira (a homemaker and later social worker), Marlon experienced a modest childhood in a bustling household . He attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts before enrolling at Howard University, though he left after two years to focus on his career .

The Spark of a Comedy Star

Marlon entered showbiz early—with a small role in his brother Keenen’s parody I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988) . He soon joined the cast of In Living Color (1992–1993), showcasing sharp comedic timing and energetic sketches alongside his siblings . From 1995 to 1999, Marlon co-created and starred in the popular sitcom The Wayans Bros. (alongside Shawn), earning wider recognition .

Big-Screen Laughs & Genre-Bending Roles

Marlon’s film career took off with genre-spoof hits and dramatic performances. He co-wrote and starred in Don’t Be a Menace (1996), and became widely known for Scary Movie (2000) and Scary Movie 2 (2001), blending parody with mainstream appeal . Other popular comedies include White Chicks (2004), Little Man (2006), Dance Flick (2009), and Fifty Shades of Black (2016). Box office success followed, with Wayans-led films grossing over $1.8 billion globally .

In dramatic turns, he earned praise for his portrayal of Tyrone C. Love in Requiem for a Dream (2000) , showing depth beyond comedy. Upcoming, he’ll star in the psychological thriller Him, set for release on September 19, 2025, produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions .

Television, Production & Streaming Ventures

Beyond film, Marlon has been active on screen and behind it. He hosted the TBS comedy competition Funniest Wins (2014), created the NBC sitcom Marlon (2017–2018), and appeared in series like Bel-Air (2022–2024) and upcoming Poppa’s House (2025) . He also co-founded online comedy platform What the Funny and launched a YouTube sketch channel in partnership with Shots Studios .

Stand‑Up & Live Performances

Marlon thrives on stage too. He’s toured nationally with his “Wild Child Tour,” using comedy to tackle mental health and healing . His latest Amazon Prime special, Good Grief (June 2024), debuted at #1 in its category .

Personal Life & Advocacy

Marlon’s personal life has seen him in a long-term relationship with Angela Zackery (1992–2013), with whom he shares two children; he also has a third child with his ex Brittany Moreland . Notably, one of his children is transgender, and Marlon has publicly championed LGBTQ+ inclusion and mental health awareness . Raised Jehovah’s Witness, he has maintained strong family bonds and friendships—including with rapper Tupac Shakur and actor Omar Epps .

Legacy & What's Next

With a comedic career spanning 35+ years, Marlon Wayans is a multi-hyphenate entertainer—actor, writer, producer, comedian, director—whose films and shows have garnered over $1 billion at the box office . He is slated to return with Scary Movie 6 (2026) and remains a vibrant presence in stand-up, digital media, and heartfelt storytelling .