Marlon Lamont Wayans was born on July 23, 1972, in New York City, United States. He grew up in a working-class family as the youngest of ten children. His father, Howell Wayans, worked as a supermarket manager, while his mother, Elvira Wayans, was a homemaker. Raised in the housing projects of New York, Marlon described his childhood as modest but loving, once recalling, “We would all be in that big room and lived together. Of course, we didn’t have everything we needed; but it was not bad at all.”
Marlon comes from a talented family, with several of his siblings—Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., and Shawn Wayans—making notable contributions to the film and television industry. Encouraged by his parents to pursue artistic expression, Marlon and his siblings frequently performed together during their youth.
Marlon attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, where he actively participated in drama and music programs. He later enrolled at Howard University, where he studied Fine Arts before leaving to pursue a career in entertainment. His background in performing arts laid the foundation for his future success in film and television.
Wayans made his on-screen debut in 1988 with a minor role as a pedestrian in the film I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. He gained more attention through his role in the sketch comedy TV series In Living Color, which he starred in alongside his siblings. This show served as a key platform for showcasing the family's comedic talent.
In the early 1990s, Marlon was cast to play Robin in Batman Returns (1992), but the character was eventually written out of the script. Despite not appearing in the film, he was still compensated as per his contract.
Marlon Wayans is best known for his work in comedy, both as an actor and writer. He co-created and starred in the WB sitcom The Wayans Bros. with his brother Shawn Wayans. His film credits include popular comedies such as White Chicks, Dance Flick, and the Scary Movie franchise, which he co-wrote and co-starred in. His involvement in these films played a significant role in shaping 2000s-era pop culture comedy.
Demonstrating his range, Marlon also took on a dramatic role in the critically acclaimed film Requiem for a Dream (2000), showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Marlon expanded his reach by co-founding "What the Funny," a digital comedy platform, with longtime friend Randy Adams. He also hosted the TBS competition show Funniest Wins, which aimed to discover new comedic talent from across the country.
Continuing to work closely with his family, he toured with his brothers as part of "The Wayans Brothers Tour," bringing live comedy to audiences nationwide.
More recent projects include his starring roles in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), and the horror-comedy films A Haunted House (2013) and its sequel A Haunted House 2 (2014). His performances in these films reinforced his ability to blend physical comedy with satire.
Wayans has also served as a guest judge on America's Got Talent in 2015, further establishing his presence in mainstream American entertainment. With a career spanning over three decades, he continues to remain a popular public figure with a dedicated fan base.
| Birth Date: | 23 Jul, 1972 |
| Age: | 47 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | New York City |
| Education: | Howard University Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and film producer |
| Twitter Id: | MarlonWayans |
| Spouse: | Essence Atkins |
| Net Worth 2021: | 40 million |
