The Wayans family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the 56th NAACP Image Award.
Upon receiving the award, Damon shared with the audience the backstory of their brother, Keenan, who started it all, chasing his dreams after watching comedian Richard Pryor while he was watching Pryor on television. Damon stated that Keenan abandoned his final year of engineering at Tuskegee University in Alabama to pursue a career as a comedian. He was willing to make sacrifices and collaborate with his best friend, Robert Townsend, to achieve success in the entertainment industry, Damon shared.
Marlon, who was on the stage, chimed in to share their mother’s reaction when he told her that he’s going to sacrifice his dreams to become a comedian.
“A comedian? Boy, I’ve known you your whole life; you ain’t never said nothing funny,” Marlon recalled.
“You a comedian? That’s the funniest thing you ever said. Ha Ha Ha!! Kee Kee Kee!”
Marlon also mentioned that his mother advised him to have a backup plan, but he was adamant about becoming a comedian. He later appeared on the Johnny Carson show in 1983, while his family watched him, marking the beginning of living out his dream.
Keenan and Townsend went on to co-write and star in Hollywood Shuffle in 1987, which featured John Witherspoon and Damon as the bodyguard named Willie. The following year, Keenan wrote and starred in I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, which featured 1970s entertainers and blaxploitation legends like Jim Brown, Bernie Casey, Antonio Fargas, and Isaac Hayes. Chris Rock, John Witherspoon, Kadeem Hardison, Damon, Marlon, and Shawn appeared in the film.
Other members of the Wayans family at the 56th Annual NAACP image award – L-R: Gregg Wayans and Craig Wayans, Damien Dante Wayans, and Marshay Wayans and Chaunté Wayans; Photo Credit: Getty Images
In 1990, Keenen Ivory Wayans created the groundbreaking sketch comedy FOX series “In Living Color,” which showcased the talents of his siblings: Kim, Damon, Shawn, and Marlon, while also introducing audiences to future stars like Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx.
Keenan’s vision led to the family’s success in the TV and film industry, providing opportunities for the talented family to showcase their comedic skills to the world.
Among the numerous family projects they have starred in, created, produced, and written are Scary Movies and its sequels, The Wayans Bros, Low Down Dirty Shame, White Chicks, My Wife and Kids, Poppa’s House, Pariah, and Happy Endings.
Damon and Marlon were accompanied onstage with other family members: Damon Wayans Jr., Kim Wayans, Craig Wayans, Chaunte Wayans, and Damien Wayans as they jointly accepted the honor as inductees into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.
