The Wayans are mourning the loss of the patriarch of their family.
Howell Wayans, who is the father to Dwayne, Keenen, Damon, Shawn, Kim, Nadia, Elvira, Diedra, Vonnie, and Marlon Wayans, died at the age of 86. A cause of death hasn’t been revealed. On Saturday (April 1), Marlon confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram with a special tribute to his dad.
“Thank you Pop for being an example of a Man to all your boys.” Marlon added, “I pray all young black boys can grow up to be a Man like you.”
Marlon shared another post of his dad.
The 50-year-old comedian and actor, who is also the youngest Wayans, continued his message by telling his late father to give his mother Elvira love. She died in 2020.
Marlon’s sister Deidra also posted a tribute to their father.
“My Heart is Heavy. I thank God for allowing Us to have so many years of love, memories and great parents. The kind that never gave up on their kids.” She added, “I know I was a handful but through y’all tough love, discipline and devotion, I became a phenomenal woman just like you Momta.”
Elvira and Howell raised 10 talented children in the neighborhood of Chelsea in New York City. Howell was a supermarket manager and Elvira was a social worker.
The Wayans family is known for producing and acting in productions such as In Living Color (which jump-started many careers for entertainers like Jim Carey and Jennifer Lopez), Scary Movie film series, The Wayans Bros., White Chicks, My Wife and Kids, and Little Man, to name just a few. Their creativity and funny chops developed into a $300 million family empire.
The loving parents did an amazing job nourishing their gifted children. According to Deidra, the love they had for each other poured into the love for their children.
Reflecting on her parents’ relationship, Diedra added, “And so it ends with a beautiful love story. Back together again. I can only imagine the joy y’all experienced seeing and holding each other again.”
Sending condolences to the Wayans family. R.I.P Howell Wayans.
