Famous Families
A Family Affair! Inside the Wayans Family’s Relationships, Kids & More
Members of the Wayans family have been keeping audiences laughing for years. Howell Stouten Wayans, who died in 2023, was the family patriarch. He and his wife, Elvira Alethia, welcomed 10 children over the years, and many of them went on to have careers in show business. Some members of the family’s next generation have also stepped into the spotlight with jobs in Hollywood.
Even us celebrity romance experts here at Swooon have had trouble keeping track of the famous family’s personal lives. We figured some of our readers might have the same questions, so we’re rounding up everything you need to know about the Wayans family’s romantic relationships and families.
While some of the famous family members live very publicly, others, such as Dwayne Wayans, Nadia Wayans, and Vonnie Wayans, are much more private about their personal lives. Scroll down for a deep dive into what we know about stars’ real-life love lives, including who’s married, who has kids, and more.
Damon Wayans Sr.
Damon Wayans was married to his wife, Lisa Thorner, from 1984 to 2000. They share children Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Wayans, and Kyla Wayans, as well as several grandchildren.
In an April 2025 interview, Wayans Sr. made a shocking confession about once falling “in love” with his nephew’s ex-girlfriend.
He said that the relationship began in 2001, shortly following his split from Thorner. He also clarified that his nephew was never “in love” with the woman like he was.
“I got divorced and I was by myself for two years,” Wayans shared on the Club Shay Shay podcast. “And then I saw her and I was just like, ‘Oh my God. I’m in love.’ And then I found out my nephew had dated [her].”
Although he got his nephew’s permission to date the woman, Wayans admitted that “family gatherings is awkward.”
Damon Wayans Jr.
Damon Wayans Jr. has been married to Samara Saraiva since 2016. They have four children. He also shares two children, including daughter Amara, with Aja Metoyer, who was his high school sweetheart. Amara recently made her acting debut on her dad’s show, Poppa’s House.
Wayans Jr. became a grandfather at 40 years old when his daughter, Berlyn, welcomed baby No. 1 in 2022.
Keenen Ivory Wayans
Keenen Ivory Wayans was previously married to Daphne Polk. They tied the knot in 2001 and separated in 2004. Their divorce was finalized two years later.
During their relationship, Wayans and Polk welcomed five children together: Jolie, Nala, Keenen Jr., Bella. and Daphne.
Shawn Wayans
Shawn Wayans shares three children, Laila, Illia, and Marlon, with his ex Ursula Alberto.
Marlon Wayans
Marlon Wayans was in a relationship with Angela Zackery from 1992 to 2013. They never tied the knot, but they did welcome two children together. He also has a daughter, born in 2022, with ex Brittany Moreland.
In 2024, Marlon revealed his reason for never tying the knot. “I never got married because I never wanted my mother to be jealous of a woman. I never wanted my mother to feel second to any woman,” he told The New York Times.
The actor added, “I told my mother on her deathbed, ‘I never got married because I always wanted you to be my No. 1 girl.’ Those were my last words. I said, ‘Take that to heaven with you.'”
Marlon’s eldest child, Kai, is transgender.
Kim Wayans
Kim Wayans has been married to Kevin Knotts since 2003. They don’t have any children.
Diedra Wayans
Diedra Wayans’ husband, Gregory Benson, died in October 2024. She announced the news via Instagram, telling fans, “With Broken Hearts We share that Gregory Benson Sr. has received his wings to Heaven. Life will never be the same without him! We love you.”
The couple had several kids together, including son Craig, who followed in his family’s footsteps by working as a writer, producer, and actor.
Chaunté Wayans
Chaunté Wayans is the daughter of Wayans sibling Elvira Wayans, who mostly lives her life out of the public eye (Elvira is also mother to Chaunté’s brother Damien Wayans). Chaunté married wife Marshay Nicole in 2023.
