ACTOR · BORN 1972
Marlon Wayans
- Born
- 23 July 1972
11 archived facts 2 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (11)
- #001
The friendship between Marlon Wayans and Omar Epps dates back to their childhood. The two grew up together in New York, and this long-standing friendship has led them to support each other throughout their Hollywood careers. Epps is best known for his role as Dr. Foreman on the series 'House', while Wayans made a name for himself in the world of comedy. This bond shows that they are not only colleagues but also close friends who hold an important place in each other's lives.
- #002
Marlon Wayans's first son, Shawn Howell, takes his name from both his brother Shawn Wayans and his father Howell Wayans. The choice reflects how close the Wayans family is and the respect it holds for its elders. As part of the family's new generation, Shawn Howell carries both his uncle's and his grandfather's names, continuing the family tradition. The detail highlights the importance Marlon places on family values.
- #003
Marlon Wayans began his education at the School of Performing Arts in New York and later graduated from Howard University. The School of Performing Arts gave him a solid foundation in acting and the performing arts, while Howard University is a long-established institution known for its emphasis on African-American culture and art. This educational background helped shape Wayans not only as a comedian but also as a serious artist.
- #004
Marlon Wayans was born the son of Elvira Alethia Green and Howell Stouten Wayans. He is the brother of Dwayne, Keenen Ivory, Damon, Kim, Nadia and Shawn Wayans, and also has three more sisters named Elvira, Diedre and Vonnie. The Wayans family is almost like a dynasty in American comedy, with figures such as Keenen Ivory and Damon having done significant work in the industry. As part of this large and talented family, Marlon shaped his career with the motivation that came from both family solidarity and competition.
- #005
Marlon Wayans was among the names considered for the role of Robin/Dick Grayson in Batman Forever (1995). At the time, Tim Burton was expected to take the director's chair, and Burton's vision made Wayans a fit for the role. When Joel Schumacher took over the production, however, his take on the character was different, and he chose Chris O'Donnell for the part. The development could have been a major turning point in Wayans's career, but he went on to develop his own comedic style and take part in different projects.
- #006
Marlon Wayans has two children with his longtime girlfriend Angelica Zackary. Although the couple have not formalized their relationship with marriage, they remain steadily together. Wayans is known for his devotion to his family and takes great pleasure in spending time with his children. His private life shows the kind of role model he is as a father, alongside his public image.
- #007
At the Just For Laughs International Comedy Festival held in 2007, Marlon Wayans hosted a screening of the short film 'Best Of Comedia'. At the event, he gave the audience an in-depth presentation on the history of the short film and its place in contemporary comedy filmmaking. Wayans's knowledge and experience on the subject showed that he is not only an actor but also an expert familiar with the finer points of the industry. The presentation is remembered as one of the festival's most notable moments.
- #008
Marlon Wayans has two children: his son Shawn Howell and his daughter Amai Zackary. His son's name reflects the family tradition, while his daughter's name comes from her mother, Angelica Zackary. Wayans plays an active role in raising his children and often appears with them on camera. This underscores the importance he places on family life and his close relationship with his children.
- #009
Marlon Wayans is the cousin of Craig Wayans and also the uncle of many nieces and nephews. Among them are Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, Kyla Wayans, Jolie Ivory Imani Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans Jr., Nala Wayans, Bella Wayans and Damien Dante Wayans. The Wayans family has built an extensive network in the comedy world, and Marlon's nieces and nephews carry on that tradition by appearing in various projects. These family ties are an important source of support in Marlon's career and personal life.
- #010
On 23 July 2009, Marlon Wayans celebrated his 37th birthday at the Le Baron nightclub in Paris, France. Several of his friends from G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), in which he had appeared, were with him on the occasion. The film had been released around that time and had performed well at the box office. Wayans's birthday celebration was reported in the press as both a promotion for the film and a sign of the friendship among its cast.
- #011
Marlon Wayans is close friends with actor Duane Martin and Pamela Anderson. Duane Martin is known for his role in the series 'All of Us', while Pamela Anderson rose to fame with productions such as 'Baywatch' and 'Barb Wire'. These friendships show Wayans's wide social circle in Hollywood. His friendships with figures from different kinds of projects reveal his standing in the industry and the connections he is able to build across different circles.
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