Marlon Wayans Biography
Comedian, actor, director, and producer Marlon Wayans is known for his T.V. stints on In Living Color and The Wayans Brothers, for his dramatic portrayal in Requiem for a Dream, his work in the Scary Movie series, and for recent slap-stick comedy films White Chicks and Little Man.
Wayans was born in New York City on July 23, 1972. The son of Howell and Elvira Wayans, he grew up in the city’s housing projects. Marlon is the youngest brother to celebrity actors Keenen Ivory Wayans, Daman Wayans, Shawn Wayans and Kim Wayans. Marlon was also born into a devout Jehovah’s Witnesses family, although he is not an avid or proclaimed follower of that religion. He made his debut into the competitive world of acting as a pedestrian in the film I’m Gonna Git You Sucka in 1988, which was written and directed by and starring his older brother Keenen Ivory Wayans.
Marlon’s role in that film was not a very memorable role, but it led to other roles on T.V. programs and films such as The Best of Robert Townsend and His Partners in Crime (1991); Mo’ Money (1992), starring older brother Daman, Stacey Dash, and Joe Santos; In Living Color—the famous FOX comedy program hosted and created by brother Keenen; and Above the Rim (1994).
Then, Marlon landed a starring role alongside brother, Shawn in the WB sitcom The Wayans Brothers from 1995 to 1999. Marlon maintained status as a comedian and comedy-only actor until his moving portrayal in Requiem for a Dream (2000) co-starring Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connelly, and Jared Leto. However, his performance in Dungeons & Dragons, also released in 2000 and starring Jeremy Irons, received sharp and negative criticisms.
Since then, Marlon Wayans has delved back into the comedy mold he had carved for himself for writing as well as acting in the first three Scary Movie films, all starring Anna Faris (who also starred in Scary Movie 4); and for writing, producing and starring in both White Chicks (2004) and Little Man (2006) with brother Shawn—both of which were directed by Keenen. Wayans also starred in the clever comedy-crime-drama The Ladykillers in 2004 alongside Tom Hanks, Irma P. Hall, and J.K. Simmons.
Marlon Wayans married his longtime girlfriend Angelica Zackary in 2005. The couple has two children together, named Shawn Howell and Arnai Zackary. He has also been tight with rapper Tupac Shakur and actor Omar Epps. Let us know of updates to the Marlon Wayans biography at editor@yuddy.com |
