Image via Wikimedia Commons.
Damon Wayans steps back into the spotlight tonight, 2 November 2026, guest-starring on NBC's St. Denis Medical — reuniting with his old In Living Color colleague David Alan Grier and reminding audiences why the Wayans family name has shaped American comedy for four decades. Here is everything to know about the comedian, actor, writer and producer.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Damon Kyle Wayans Sr. |
| Born | 4 September 1960, New York City, USA |
| Age | 66 (as of 2 November 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac | Virgo |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Profession | Actor, comedian, writer, producer |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Parents | Howell Stouten Wayans and Elvira Alethia Wayans |
| Siblings | Ten children in the family, including Keenen Ivory, Shawn, Marlon and Kim Wayans |
| Spouse | Lisa Thorner (married 1984, divorced 2000) |
| Children | Four: Damon Wayans Jr., Michael, Cara Mia and Kyla Wayans |
| Net worth | Estimated $35–40 million |
Early Life
Wayans was born in Harlem, New York City, one of ten children of supermarket manager Howell Stouten Wayans and social worker Elvira Alethia Wayans. He left high school early to pursue comedy, working the New York stand-up circuit before his film debut in Beverly Hills Cop (1984), before a brief stint as a featured performer on Saturday Night Live in 1985–1986, which ended when he deliberately went off script during a live sketch.
Career
His breakthrough came with In Living Color (1990–1992), the Fox sketch series created by his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans, where Damon created characters including Homey the Clown. He went on to star in My Wife and Kids (2001–2005) as Michael Kyle, executive-producing all 123 episodes, and later starred as Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon (2016–2019). In 2024 he returned to network television alongside his son Damon Wayans Jr. in the CBS sitcom Poppa's House, and tonight he appears in his St. Denis Medical guest appearance tonight as Dr. Highland.
Television
| Year | Show | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1985–1986 | Saturday Night Live | Featured performer |
| 1990–1992 | In Living Color | Various characters, writer and performer |
| 2001–2005 | My Wife and Kids | Michael Kyle |
| 2016–2019 | Lethal Weapon | Roger Murtaugh |
| 2024–2025 | Poppa's House | Poppa Fulton |
Films
| Year | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Beverly Hills Cop | Banana Man |
| 1988 | I'm Gonna Git You Sucka | Jack Spade |
| 1992 | Mo' Money | Johnny Stewart |
| 1995 | Major Payne | Major Benson Winifred Payne |
| 1996 | Bulletproof | Rock Keats |
Personal Life and Net Worth
Wayans was married to Lisa Thorner from 1984 until their divorce in 2000, and they have four children: Damon Wayans Jr., Michael, Cara Mia and Kyla. His net worth is estimated at $35–40 million, earned through television, film, writing and producing.
FAQs
How old is Damon Wayans?
He is 66, born on 4 September 1960.
Who is Damon Wayans' wife?
He was married to Lisa Thorner (1984–2000) and is now divorced.
What is Damon Wayans' net worth?
An estimated $35–40 million.
What is Damon Wayans best known for?
In Living Color, My Wife and Kids and Lethal Weapon.
Fans of NBC comedy can also read Tracy Morgan's biography and our Saturday Night Live Halloween episode coverage.
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