The family that makes movies together stays together. For nearly four decades, the Wayans have made Hollywood the family business. It started when Keenen Ivory Wayans brought siblings Damon and Kim into Hollywood Shuffle, then grew into a comedy empire that gave us I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, In Living Color, The Wayans Bros., White Chicks, and so much more.
That legacy was on full display at the premiere of Scary Movie on June 3, where Shawn, Marlon and Kim Wayans celebrated the franchise’s return. “All you need to know is the Wayans’ brothers are back,” Kim shared with EBONY on the Los Angeles red carpet. And despite the title, she said there’s no reason to cover your eyes. “It’s very, very funny. So if they do get scared, there’s laughter to break up the fear.”
Damon Jr. and Chaunté Wayans and their partner were also on the carpet, but that’s just a small peek into the family’s sprawling Hollywood dynasty. Howell and Elvira Wayans’ 10 children have grown into one of entertainment’s most successful family businesses, with actors, writers, directors, producers and comedians, along with a new generation of stars, carrying the family name forward.
Ready for a family tree? Here’s the famous lineage behind that Wayans comedy gold.
Keenen Ivory Wayans
From co-writing and directing their first family project, Hollywood Shuffle, to masterminding In Loving Color as the springboard to their Hollywood dynasty, Keenan is the architect and CEO of it all. He’s keeping us schooled on comedic genuises past and present via his Instagram account.
Keenen has five children. Jolie Ivory Imani is a writer and creative professional, and Keenen Ivory Jr. is a writer and producer carrying on the family’s legacy. Nala is a model, and Bella and Daphne stay in the outer circle of the family spotlight.
Damon Wayans
Dominating sketch comedy on In Living Color, sitcoms like My Wife and Kids and Poppa’s House, movies, and stand-up, Damon paved the way for future generations of Wayans to do it all. He’s become a vocal advocate for diabetes health awareness after being diagnosed with the condition in 2008, following a major health scare.
Damon has four children.
Damon Jr. has built a successful acting and comedy career, appearing on several TV series, including Happy Endings and New Girl, as well as in films. He has six children of his own.
Michael is an actor, composer, and producer who has appeared in Poppa’s House, My Wife and Kids and Blankman. Cara Mia is an actress and artist who has two children of her own. Kyla is an actress and writer who worked on the Wayans 2024 sitcom Poppa’s House.
Shawn Wayans
With meme-making projects like The Wayans Bros. and White Chicks, Shawn and his little brother Marlon make ridiculous comedic gold.
Shawn has three children. Laila Wayans is a songwriter and music producer. Illia Wayans is the creative artist and director behind the film Me (and You), produced by her famous uncles. Marlon Shawn Wayans is named after his famous uncle Marlon.
Marlon Wayans
Marlon has moved into new territory with dramatic roles in HIM and Air, but he’s kept his comedy side thriving alongside his brother Shawn, with the return of Scary Movie.
He has three children. Kai Wayans is an artist, DJ and advocate for LGBTQ and transgender rights. Shawn Howell Wayans is an entrepreneur and creative. Marlon’s newest family member, Axl July Ivory Wayans, was born in 2022.
Kim Wayans
Image: Jesse Grant/WireImage
From stealing scenes on In Living Color to her comedic appearances in the Scary Movie franchise, Kim has held her own as one of the family’s comedic geniuses, who’s now bringing the laughs to Instagram with her hit series “Still Got It.”
Deidra Wayans
A behind-the-scenes phenom, Deidra produced The Dr. Julian Wright Show and the 2026 project, In the Matchbox. Her children include Craig, a comedian, writer, and producer who worked on the Scary Movie franchise, and Gregg, an actor.
Dwayne Wayans
A music writer who composed the scores and theme music for his family-led television movies and shows, including Dance Flick, Marlon, The Underground and Poppa’s House, Dwayne passed in 2000.
Elvira Wayans
This television writer worked on My Wife and Kids, starring her brother Damon. Her son, Damien Dante, is the director, writer, and producer behind the 2009 cult hit, Dance Flick. Chaunté is a stand-up comedian who’s currently working the tour circuit.
Nadia Wayans
A former actress, she appeared in the 1988 cult classic I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, directed by her brother, Keenen.
Devonne Chaunté Wayans
She is a writer who has worked on her family projects.
Scary Movie hits theaters June 5.