The Wayans family is one of the most loved names in American comedy. With ten siblings, five brothers and five sisters. They grew up in Chelsea, New York.
Their parents, Elvira, a kind homemaker, and Howell, a supermarket manager, raised them with strong values.
From humble roots, the Wayans built a comedy empire that shaped Hollywood. Their work in film and TV brought laughter to millions. It making them a powerful symbol of talent, family unity, and lasting success.
Meet the Famous Wayans Family
Parents and Early Life of the Wayans Siblings
The Wayans family is one of the most iconic Afro-American showbiz families in the United States. Born to Elvira Wayans and Howell Wayans, the ten siblings grew up in Chelsea, New York City.
From small beginnings, they built a Hollywood family dynasty. Their mix of talent—acting, writing, and producing—shaped them into a comedy empire that redefined American show business.
How the Wayans Changed Hollywood Comedy
The Wayans siblings made their mark through TV and film. From the Emmy-winning In Living Color (1990) to classics like the Scary Movie series, White Chicks, and My Wife and Kids, they shaped comedy for a generation.
Their works like The Wayans Bros., Little Man movie, and Dance Flick soundtrack made them household names. Today, they remain symbols of creativity, family unity, and African-American entertainers breaking barriers in Hollywood.
Wayans Siblings Ranked by Age
Dwayne Wayans – The Eldest Brother
Born 20th July, 1956, Dwayne Wayans is the oldest sibling. Once a Happy Endings sitcom actor, he later focused on music. He composed tracks for Dance Flick and Little Man.
Though he lived mostly behind the scenes, he laid the foundation for the Wayans family tree. His son also works as a soundtrack composer, creating music for Underground and My Wife and Kids.
Keenen Ivory Wayans – Comedy Pioneer
Keenen Ivory Wayans, born 8th June, 1958, is the mastermind behind In Living Color. This Fox sketch comedy show won an Emmy Award in 1990 and launched many careers.
Keenen also directed White Chicks and the Scary Movie series. His talk show, The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show, added to his fame. As an actor, comedian, screenwriter, and Hollywood producer, Keenen shaped the family’s success.
Diedre Wayans – Talented Screenwriter
Born 17th August, 1959, Diedre Wayans chose life off-camera. A Hollywood screenwriter and producer, she worked on My Wife and Kids.
She is also the proud mother of Craig Wayans, who followed the family legacy. Together, they worked on projects like Major Payne and Scary Movie 2.
Damon Wayans – Stand-Up Star and Actor
Damon Wayans, born 4th September, 1960, is a famous stand-up comedian and actor. From In Living Color to Beverly Hills Cop and Saturday Night Live cast, Damon left a mark.
His sitcom My Wife and Kids became a fan favorite. Married to Lisa Thorner in the past, he is also the father of Damon Wayans Jr., known for New Girl.
Kim Wayans – The Matriarch of the Family
Born 16th October, 1961, Kim Wayans is often called the matriarch of the family. As an actress, she shined in In Living Color, The House (sitcom), I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central. Today, Kim Wayans actress remains one of the most loved members of the Wayans family.
Elvira Wayans – Writer Behind the Scenes
Elvira Wayans, born 4th January, 1964, is both a sitcom writer and family favorite. She worked on My Wife and Kids but stayed private compared to her siblings.
She runs the Elvira Wayans YouTube channel, Elvers Kitchen recipes, sharing family-inspired meals. Her two children continue the Wayans family tree legacy.
Nadia Wayans – A Private Life in Hollywood
Born in 1965, Nadia Wayans appeared in I’m Gonna Git You Sucka. Unlike her siblings, she keeps a private life. Still, her red-carpet appearances with the family keep fans curious.
Many still ask: How many Wayans siblings are there? The answer—ten, and Nadia remains a vital part of the clan.
Vonnie Wayans – Low-Profile Sister
Vonnie Wayans, also called Devonne, was born in 1966. Like Nadia Wayans, she chose a quieter life. She worked as a Vonnie Wayans screenwriter and is also an employee at Continental Airlines, Inc. She has a daughter named Lauren, adding another branch to the Wayans family tree.
Shawn Wayans – Actor and Comedian
Shawn Wayans, born 19th January, 1971, teamed up with his younger brother Marlon to create The Wayans Bros. He starred in White Chicks and the Scary Movie series. With a career spanning TV and film, Shawn is one of the richest Wayans siblings, with a net worth of over $30M.
Marlon Wayans – The Youngest Star
Born 23rd July, 1972, Marlon Wayans is the youngest. Known for White Chicks, Scary Movie, Sextuplets movie, Naked (film), and Fifty Shades of Black, Marlon is a true star.
His close friendship with Tupac Shakur made headlines before Tupac’s death in 1996. Today, Marlon Wayans net worth is estimated at $40M, making him the most successful sibling.
The Wayans Legacy in Entertainment
Movies and TV Shows That Defined Their Careers
From In Living Color to The Wayans Bros., the family created classics. Movies like White Chicks, Scary Movie, Little Man, Dance Flick, and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka cemented their status. Each sibling—whether actor, comedian, or Hollywood screenwriter—added a unique voice.
Net Worth and Success of the Wayans Siblings
The Wayans family built wealth and fame. With Shawn Wayans net worth around $30M and Marlon Wayans net worth near $40M, they lead the pack. From sitcoms to films, their work in American show business inspired generations of African-American entertainers.
Final Thoughts on the Wayans Brothers and Sisters
The 10 Wayans siblings ranked oldest to youngest reveal more than a timeline—they show a family’s journey. From Chelsea, New York City to Hollywood, they built a comedy empire.
From Kim Wayans to Vonnie Wayans, each added to the story. Whether through acting, writing, or producing, the Wayans family shaped modern comedy. Their legacy shines as one of the greatest Hollywood family dynasties.
