As far as famous families in Hollywood go, the Wayans reign supreme. Gracing television screens and movie theaters for more than three decades, there’s no denying the influence of Marlon, Shawn, Damon and the rest of the bunch as it pertains to Black entertainment. Thankfully, the family’s legendary status won’t end with the aforementioned names. Son of Damon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr. is also making a splash in Hollywood and over the last several years, is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after talents.
Fans of New Girl and Happy Endings likely remember Wayans for his roles as Coach and Brad Williams, respectively. Since the conclusion of those two shows, the 39-year-old has hosted his own program on Peacock, re-entered standup comedy and more.
As if it needed to be said, Damon Wayans Jr. is the Wayans you need to have on your radar, and if he isn’t already, here are five facts to know about him.
1. He went by a stage name early in his comedic career.
Having a famous (and funny) father can come with expectations. So it’s no surprise why Wayans opted to use a stage name at the start of his stand-up comedy career. According to a 2018 feature in the Los Angeles Times, Wayans went by Kyle Green.
“I wanted to get my own footing, I wanted to feel good doing stand-up … but because I looked so much like him, people would just yell in the middle of my act, ‘You Damon Wayan’s son!'” he told the publication. “I’d be like, ‘Oh my goodness. You look just like Damon Wayans.’ Another time, when my dad started taking me on the road with him — I would open for him — we were in Boston and I was walking to the mike and the minute I grabbed it, I heard someone go, ‘You better be funny.’ And there were thousands of people there. It was intimidating.”
2. He's working behind and in front of the camera.
Though he appeared in several episodes of My Wife and Kids as Junior’s friend John, Wayans also played a role behind the scenes. At the age of 20, he became the youngest staff writer on any television program, per IMDB.
3. He made his on-screen debut in a film directed by and starring his pops.
The 1994 superhero parody film Blankman marked the Vermont-born entertainer’s introduction to audiences nationwide. Written and starring the senior Damon Wayans, the film is about an everyday man who suddenly becomes a superhero yet doesn’t possess any powers. In the flick, Wayans plays a child version of David Alan Grier’s role as Kevin.
4. He has an app that makes it easier than ever to book talent.
Imagine throwing your first function post-Covid. In an effort to go all out, you want to book a sought-after entertainer. Wayans and partner Kris Jones can be of help thanks to their app Special Guest.
Available for download, anyone nationwide can hire live entertainers — comedians, magicians, DJs and musical artists — for events. It’s a great way for local performers to get exposure while simultaneously introducing consumers to many different talents.
5. He is currently hosting a competition game show on Peacock.
Kids of the ’80s remember Frogger, the popular arcade game that tasks players with transporting frogs from Point A to Point B while overcoming a series of obstacles. Now, Frogger has been reimagined for real-life fans on Peacock, and Wayans is the co-host alongside Kyle Brandt. The concept remains the same, but the obstacles are supersized and some contestants are almost guaranteed to wipe out.
Famous surname aside, Damon Wayans Jr. is just getting started, and we are all witnesses to the next generation of Wayans Family greatness.
