Honored for pioneering entertainment
(AP) - The Wayans family, renowned for their pioneering contributions to film, TV, sketch, and stand-up comedy, was honored at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. Inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, the family has not only entertained audiences but also created countless jobs both on and off camera in Hollywood, shaping the industry for decades. Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. each were recognized.
Marlon Wayans, whose guest appearance on Peacock’s “Bel-Air” was up for an NAACP award, shared how Keenen Ivory Wayans sparked the family’s rise.
“He raised us all like Jedis,” he said. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our big brother.”
Marlon Wayans joked that when his brother told their mom he was leaving college for comedy, she said, ”Boy, I’ve known you your whole life, and you ain’t never said nothing funny. That’s the funniest thing you’ve said.”
The crowd erupted in laughter, a fitting tribute to a family that has kept audiences laughing for more than three decades.
The family has a long list of credits. Keenen Ivory Wayans created the sketch comedy series “In Living Color” in 1990 and directed the 2000 slasher spoof “Scary Movie,” which was written by Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, who also wrote and starred in “White Chicks” in 2004. Damon Wayan’s had a starring role in the 1995 comedy “Major Payne,” and currently co-stars with son Damon Wayans Jr. in the CBS sitcom “Poppa’s House,” which was nominated for an NAACP Award. The pair also were nominated for their acting on the show.
Damon Wayans Jr. has acted in two of the most critically acclaimed comedies in recent years: “Happy Endings” and “New Girl.” Kim Wayans, a comedian, actor and director, also received praise for her work in the 2011 drama “Pariah.”
The NAACP Image Awards honors people of color who are standouts in acting, music and writing.
The first NAACP Awards’ Hall of Fame inductee was Lena Horne in 1983. Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Oprah Winfrey and Spike Lee have also received the honor.