Damon Wayans

Damon Wayans Headshot

Comedian • Actor • Writer

Birth Name: Damon Kyle Wayans

Birth Date: September 4, 1960

Age: 64 years old

Birth Place: New York, New York

Children: Damon Wayans Jr.

Siblings: Marlon Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans

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Born in Harlem in New York City in 1960, to a supermarket manager father and a homemaker mother, Damon Wayans was one of ten children and suffered from a club foot as a child. Wayans graduated from Murry Bergtraum High School before beginning a career in standup comedy in 1982. Wayans had a cameo in the Eddie Murphy movie "Beverly Hills Cop" in 1984 and appeared on "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975-) on seven episodes between 1985 and 1986. His employment was terminated after improvised during a sketch. In 1990 he and his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans created the TV series "In Living Color" (Fox, 1990-94). The show was influential particularly to African-American comedians. Wayans himself departed the show in 1992 to focus on making movies. He starred in "Mo' Money" (1992), "Major Payne" (1995), "Celtic Pride" (1996), Bulletproof (1996), and "The Great White Hype" (1996).

Wayans appeared in "Damon", (Fox, 1998) a comedy series he created wherein he portrayed a detective in Chicago. The show was cancelled after one season. In 2001 Wayans starred in "My Wife and Kids" (ABC, 2001-05), a sitcom about family life. While still pursuing standup on the side as his movie and television career developed, Wayans announced that he would retire from standup in 2015. In 2016 Wayans was cast in the TV adaptation of "Lethal Weapon" (Fox, 2016- ) as Roger Murtaugh, the role originated by Danny Glover in the film series.

Credits

Actor Guest Producer Director Writer Music All Credits

Today With Jenna & Friends

Guest
Show
2025

Poppa's HouseStream

Actor
Poppa
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2024
86%

Poppa's HouseStream

Creator
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2024
86%

Poppa's HouseStream

Executive Producer
Series
2024
86%

Poppa's HouseStream

Writer
Series
2024
86%

Live with Kelly and MarkStream

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Talk
2023

CinnamonStream

Actor
Wally
Movie
2023

Sherri

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Talk
2022

The Jennifer Hudson ShowStream

Guest
Talk
2022

Access Daily With Mario & Kit

Guest
Show
2022

Live in Front of a Studio Audience

Actor
Willis
Special
2021

CBS Mornings

Guest
News
2021

The Kelly Clarkson ShowStream

Guest
Talk
2019

Happy TogetherStream

Guest Star
Mike
Series
2018
53%

Lethal WeaponStream

Actor
Roger Murtaugh
Series
2016
89%

Lethal Weapon: Extras

Actor
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2016

Nail'd It: Extras

Actor
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2014

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonStream

Guest
Talk
2014

The Real

Guest
Talk
2013

Happy EndingsStream

Guest Star
Francis Williams
Series
2011
76%

The Talk

Guest
Talk
2010

Access Hollywood Live

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2010

In the House With Peter Bart & Peter Guber

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2009

The Wendy Williams Show

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2008

Rachael Ray Show

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2006

The Underground

Actor
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2006
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Pepsi's Play for a Billion

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2004

Tavis Smiley

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2004

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

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2003

Jimmy Kimmel Live!Stream

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Talk
2003

Marci X

Actor
Dr. S
Movie
2003

My Wife and KidsStream

Actor
Michael Kyle
Series
2001

My Wife and KidsStream

Executive Producer
Series
2001

My Wife and KidsStream

Writer
Series
2001

Live With Regis and Kelly

Guest
Show
2001

Bamboozled

Actor
Pierre Delacroix
Movie
2000

The 1999 World Music Awards

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1999

The Mark Twain Prize Honoring Richard Pryor

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1999

The Daily Show With Jon StewartStream

Guest
Talk
1999

Goosed

Actor
Dr. Steven Hamel
Movie
1999

Harlem Aria

Actor
Wes
Movie
1999

Harlem Aria

Executive Producer
Movie
1999

Damon

Actor
Damon Thomas
Series
1998

Damon

Executive Producer
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1998

413 Hope St.

Executive Producer
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1997
17%

Celtic PrideStream

Actor
Lewis Scott
Movie
1996
12%

The Great White HypeStream

Actor
James "The Grim Reaper" Roper
Movie
1996
42%

BulletproofStream

Actor
Rock Keats/Jack Carter
Movie
1996
8%

Major PayneStream

Actor
Maj. Benson Payne
Movie
1995
29%

Major PayneStream

Executive Producer
Movie
1995
29%

Major PayneStream

Screenwriter
Movie
1995
29%

BlankmanStream

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Darryl Walker
Movie
1994
12%

BlankmanStream

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1994
12%

BlankmanStream

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Movie
1994
12%

Mo' MoneyStream

Actor
Johnny Stewart
Movie
1992
16%

Mo' MoneyStream

Executive Producer
Movie
1992
16%

Mo' MoneyStream

Screenwriter
Movie
1992
16%

The Last Boy ScoutStream

Actor
Jimmy Dix
Movie
1991
46%

In Living Color

Actor
Series
1990

Look Who's Talking Too

Voice
Eddie
Movie
1990

One-Night Stand

Actor
Show
1989

Earth Girls Are EasyStream

Actor
Zeebo
Movie
1989
68%

ColorsStream

Actor
T-Bone
Movie
1988
77%

A Different WorldStream

Guest Star
Series
1987

RoxanneStream

Actor
Jerry
Movie
1987
88%

Saturday Night LiveStream

Actor
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1975

Saturday Night LiveStream

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1975

Today

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1952

Photos

Marlon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. in 'Poppa's House'Damon Wayans as Poppa, Essence Atkins as Ivy, and Ella Joyce as Felicia in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 13 - 'Graduation'Damon Wayans as Poppa and Essence Atkins as Ivy in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 13 - 'Graduation'Damon Wayans as Poppa, Essence Atkins as Ivy, and Coby Bell as David in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 13 - 'Graduation'Geoffrey Owens as JJ, Essence Atkins as Ivy, River Blossom as Maya, Damon Wayans as Poppa, Caleb R. Johnson as Trey, Damon Wayans Jr. as Junior, and Wendy Raquel Robinson as Catherine in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 12 - 'Slumber Party'Kelly Coffield, Tommy Davidson, Kim Wayans, David Alan Grier, Damon Wayans, Kim Coles, Jim Carrey, Keenen Ivory Wayans in 'In Living Color'Jim Carrey, Tommy Davidson, Kelly Coffield, Damon Wayans, David Alan Grier, (front): Kim Coles, Keenen Ivory Wayans, T'Keyah Crystal Keymah, Kim Wayans for 'In Living Color' Season 1Damon Wayans as Poppa and Tommy Davidson as Jarnold in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 10 - 'Elevator Friend'Damon Wayans as Poppa, Steven Hack as Bald Guy, and Tommy Davidson as Jarnold in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 10 - 'Elevator Friend'Damon Wayans and Tommy Davidson in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 10 - 'Elevator Friend'Damon Wayans as Poppa, Wendy Raquel Robinson as Catherine, and Rebecca Leigh Mader as Headmistress Susan Pierce in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 - 'School Days'Essence Atkins as Ivy and Damon Wayans as Poppa in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 2 - 'Sleepover'

News aboutDamon Wayans

Marlon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. in 'Poppa's House'
Exclusive

‘Poppa’s House’: First Look at Marlon Wayans’ Episode With Essence Atkins Reunion (PHOTO)

 Damon Wayans as Poppa and Essence Atkins as Ivy in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 13 - 'Graduation'
Spoiler Alert

‘Poppa’s House’: Essence Atkins Talks Potential Ivy-Poppa Romance & Season 2 Hopes

 Jim Carrey, Tommy Davidson, Kelly Coffield, Damon Wayans, David Alan Grier, (front): Kim Coles, Keenen Ivory Wayans, T'Keyah Crystal Keymah, Kim Wayans for 'In Living Color' Season 1
Exclusive

Tommy Davidson Reveals Damon Wayans Advice That Changed ‘In Living Color’

 Damon Wayans and Tommy Davidson in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 10 - 'Elevator Friend'
Spoiler Alert

Tommy Davidson Says He Could ‘Always’ Return to ‘Poppa’s House’

 Damon Wayans as Poppa, Steven Hack as Bald Guy, and Tommy Davidson as Jarnold in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 10 - 'Elevator Friend'
Preview

Tommy Davidson on ‘Poppa’s House’ Reunion With Damon Wayans: ‘Best Thing I’ve Done in 15 Years’

 Lamorne Morris, Damon Wayans Jr., and Tetona Jackson in 'Poppa's House' Season 1
Exclusive

‘Poppa’s House’: First Look at Lamorne Morris & Tommy Davidson Episode (PHOTOS)

 'SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night'
Review

Roush Review: Live from New York … 4 Fascinating Chapters of ‘SNL’ History

 Marlon Wayans headshot (L); Damon Wayans Jr. and Damon Wayans in 'Poppa's House' (R)

Marlon Wayans to Guest Star in ‘Poppa’s House’ — What Damon Wayans Jr. Said About His Uncle’s Appearance

 Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. in 'Poppa's House' bloopers reel
Exclusive

‘Poppa’s House’ Exclusive: See the Wayans Crack Each Other Up in Blooper Reel (VIDEO)

 Damon Wayans Jr. and Lamorne Morris as Coach and Winston in 'New Girl' Season 4 Episode 10 - 'Girl Fight'
Preview

‘New Girl’ Fans Will Be in for a Treat in Lamorne Morris ‘Poppa’s House’ Episode

 Damon Wayans, Jr. as Junior and Damon Wayans as Poppa in 'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 2 - 'Sleepover'
Spoiler Alert

Why Damon Wayans Jr. Is Glad ‘Poppa’s House’ Makes CBS ‘Uncomfortable’

 'Poppa's House,' 'In Living Color,' and 'The Wayans Bros.'

Full Breakdown of the Wayans Family’s Film & TV Projects Ahead of ‘Poppa’s House’

 Wendy Raquel Robinson in 'Poppa's House' premiere

‘Poppa’s House’ BTS Preview Reveals First Look at Wendy Raquel Robinson’s Character (VIDEO)

 Lamorne Morris (L), Tommy Davidson (R)

‘Poppa’s House’ Staging ‘New Girl’ & ‘In Living Color’ Reunions With Lamorne Morris & Tommy Davidson

 Damon Wayans Jr. and Damon Wayans in 'Poppa's House' key art
Exclusive

‘Poppa’s House’: Exclusive Look at Damon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr. in Father-Son Comedy

 Poppas House - Fall TV 2024
Fall Preview

Family Affair

 'Poppa's House' stars Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. in the TV Insider Summer 2024 TCA portrait studio
Exclusive

‘Poppa’s House’: See the Wayans Father-Son Duo & Costars in Our Portrait Studio (PHOTOS)

 Damon Wayans Sr and Damon Wayans Jr

Damon Wayans & Damon Wayans Jr. to Star Together in Father & Son Sitcom

 The Facts of Life and Diff'rent Strokes Live casts Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Hart, and Kathryn Hahn

Who’s Playing Who in the ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ & ‘Facts of Life’ Live Episodes (PHOTOS)

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Will ‘Lethal Weapon’ Return for Season 4? And Will Damon Wayans Be Back?

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Finale

‘Lethal Weapon’ EP & Star Tease a ‘Wedding From Hell’ in the Season 3 Finale (VIDEO)

 The Simpsons

Fox at TCA 2019: ‘Simpsons’ Two-Season Renewal, Boss Calls ‘Rent’ Understudy ‘Impractical’

 Damon Wayans in the 'Roger & Me' episode of 'Lethal Weapon'
Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon: Can Murtaugh Really Pull Off His Classic Fight Moves? (VIDEO)

 Lethal Weapon - Seann William Scott, Damon Wayans
Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon’ Sneak Peek: Deck the Halls With… A Puzzle of Body Parts (VIDEO)

 Lethal Weapon
Preview

‘Lethal Weapon’ EP Reveals What to Expect from Series’ Christmas Episode

 Lethal Weapon - Damon Wayans, Seann William Scott
Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon’ Sneak Peek: Oops! Cole Makes a Bad First Impression (VIDEO)

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Q&A

Damon Wayans Jr. Talks His Dad’s Return to Comedy in ‘Happy Together’ Guest Spot

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5 Actors Who Could Replace Damon Wayans on ‘Lethal Weapon’

 Lethal Weapon - Damon Wayans

Damon Wayans Reveals He’s Leaving ‘Lethal Weapon’ (VIDEO)

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Preview

Damon Wayans Jr. & Amber Stevens West Talk ‘Happy Together’ — Plus, Scoop on Damon Wayans Sr.’s Role!

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Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon’ Premiere: Murtaugh’s Family Worries About Him Losing Riggs (VIDEO)

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Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon’ Sneak Peek: Murtaugh Grieves Over Riggs in Season 3 Premiere (VIDEO)

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‘Lethal Weapon’ Premiere Sneak Peek: Meet the Family of Seann William Scott’s Cole (PHOTOS)

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WATCH: ‘Lethal Weapon’ Season 3 Trailer Shows Seann William Scott in Action

 Lethal Weapon - Damon Wayans, Seann William Scott

‘Lethal Weapon’ Season 3 First Look: Murtaugh & Cole Share a Beer

 Damon Wayans in the 'Family Ties' of Lethal Weapon

‘Lethal Weapon’ Star Damon Wayans Details a ‘Lighter’ & ‘Fun’ Season 3

 Untitled design (83)
Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon’ EP Matt Miller Talks Clayne Crawford’s Exit & Seann William Scott’s Dynamic With Damon Wayans

 Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford in the 'Funny Money' winter premiere episode of Lethal Weapon

How Will Riggs Leave ‘Lethal Weapon’? 3 Theories for Clayne Crawford’s Exit

 Lethal Weapon, season 1

‘Lethal Weapon’: Shocking Audio of Clayne Crawford & Damon Wayans’s On-Set Feud

 Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans in 'Lethal Weapon'

Damon Wayans Slams Fired ‘Lethal Weapon’ Star Clayne Crawford, Shares Graphic Video From Set

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‘Lethal Weapon’ Star Clayne Crawford Responds to Being Fired From Fox Series

 Clayne Crawford

Could ‘Lethal Weapon’ Be Canceled Over Clayne Crawford’s Reported Behavior?

 Lethal Weapon - Clayne Crawford and Keesha Sharp
Preview

‘Lethal Weapon’: Keesha Sharp on the Rift Between Roger and Trish

 Chandler Kinney plays Riana Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon
Q&A

‘Lethal Weapon’: Chandler Kinney on If Murtaugh Can Solve Riana’s Boy Trouble

 Lethal Weapon - Clayne Crawford, Damon Wayans
Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon’: Will Riggs’ Anger Cost Him His Badge? (VIDEO)

 Lethal Weapon - Damon Wayans, Johnathan Fernandez
Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon’: Why Will Scorsese Be Seen In A ‘New Light’ This Week?

 Lethal Weapon - Damon Wayans, Thomas Lennon
Spoiler Alert

‘Lethal Weapon’: Why Does Leo Getz Love Murtaugh and Riggs So Much?

 Lethal Weapon, returning favorites

The Murtaugh-Riggs Bromance Continues in ‘Lethal Weapon’ Season 2

 Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford in 'Lethal Weapon'
Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon’: Forget the Bad Guys, It’s Really All About Love (VIDEO)

 Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans in Lethal Weapon - 'Fashion Police'
Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon’ Season 2 More Lethal Than the First (PHOTO)

 Lethal Weapon - Clayne Crawford and Floriana Lima
Spoiler Alert

‘Lethal Weapon’ Creator Breaks Down That Big Finale and Season 2 Teases

 Lethal Weapon - Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford
Preview

‘Lethal Weapon’ Finale: Will Riggs Finally Avenge His Wife’s Murder?

 Lethal Weapon - Clayne Crawford and Hilarie Burton
Exclusive

‘Lethal Weapon’: Will Riggs Crash and Burn in His New Relationship? (VIDEO)

 Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford in the 'Best Buds' episode of 'Lethal Weapon'

Fox Reloads ‘Lethal Weapon’ for a Second Season

 Clayne Crawford and Jordana Brewster in Lethal Weapon
Preview

‘Lethal Weapon’: A Stalker Targets…Scene Stealer Jordana Brewster’s Dr. Cahill (VIDEO)

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‘Lethal Weapon’: Riggs Helps Murtaugh Settle the (Bowling) Score

 The cast of Lethal Weapon: Clayne Crawford, Damon Wayans Sr., Jordana Brewster, Johnathan Fernandez, Kevin Rahm and Keesha Sharp

‘Lethal Weapon’ Given Full Season Order By Fox

 Designated Survivor

Roush Review: Hit Potential in ‘Designated Survivor’, ‘Speechless’ and ‘Lethal Weapon’

 Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans in Lethal Weapon

‘Lethal Weapon’: Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford on Bringing Riggs and Murtaugh to TV

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‘Lethal Weapon’: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Fox’s Reboot