The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Comedian›Damon Wayans
Entertainment • Comedian

Damon Wayans

Damon Kyle Wayans Sr.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Damon Kyle Wayans Sr. is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He is known for his work on *In Living Color*, *My Wife and Kids*, and *Lethal Weapon*, and is a member of the Wayans family of entertainers. Born in Harlem, New York City, in 1960, he began performing stand-up comedy in the early 1980s.

Early life and family

Damon Wayans was born in Harlem, New York City, and is part of the Wayans family, a well-known entertainment family. He began performing stand-up comedy in the early 1980s.

Career in comedy and television

Wayans performed stand-up and appeared on *Saturday Night Live* in the 1980s before gaining wider recognition on *In Living Color* in the 1990s, where he worked as a performer and writer. He later co-created and starred in the sitcom *My Wife and Kids*, which became one of his best-known television roles.

Film work

Wayans also appeared in films, with notable screen credits including *The Last Boy Scout*, *Major Payne*, *Blankman*, and *Bamboozled*.

Later career

He retired from stand-up comedy in 2015, according to one biography source, and returned to major television work with *Lethal Weapon*, playing Roger Murtaugh from 2016 to 2019.

Family and legacy

Wayans is one of several siblings in the Wayans family, which has had a significant influence on American comedy and parody filmmaking.

Key facts

  • Born in Harlem, New York City, in 1960.
  • Began performing stand-up comedy in the early 1980s.
  • Widely known for *In Living Color* and *My Wife and Kids*.
  • Played Roger Murtaugh in *Lethal Weapon* (2016–2019).
  • Member of the Wayans family of entertainers.
🍁
Canadian context

Damon Wayans is known to Canadian audiences through U.S. television syndication, comedy, and film, especially *In Living Color*, *My Wife and Kids*, and *Lethal Weapon*.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Damon Wayans?
Damon Wayans is an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer known for *In Living Color*, *My Wife and Kids*, and *Lethal Weapon*.
When was Damon Wayans born?
He was born on September 4, 1960.
What is Damon Wayans best known for?
He is best known for his work on *In Living Color* and for starring in *My Wife and Kids*.
Was Damon Wayans on *Saturday Night Live*?
Yes. Sources say he had a brief stint on *Saturday Night Live* in the 1980s.
Did Damon Wayans work on *Lethal Weapon*?
Yes. He played Roger Murtaugh in the television adaptation from 2016 to 2019.
Is Damon Wayans related to other entertainers?
Yes. He is a member of the Wayans family, which includes several actors, comedians, writers, and producers.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damon_Wayans
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, occupation, early career, and brief *Saturday Night Live* stint.
  2. TCM — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/202881%7C0/Damon-Wayans
    Supports: Birthplace, early life, stand-up beginning, and later career notes including retirement from stand-up and *Lethal Weapon* casting.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001834/
    Supports: Breakout role on *In Living Color* and career overview.
  4. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayans_family
    Supports: Wayans family context and family members.
  5. The Comedy Store — https://www.thecomedystore.com/comedians/damon-wayans/
    Supports: Stand-up career, *My Wife and Kids*, and *In Living Color*.