Before “In Living Color,” no other sketch comedy show put Black culture at the forefront like it did. Keenen Ivory created a space where raw, unfiltered humor thrived, launching the careers of Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, and countless others while simultaneously putting diversity on the map. The show pushed boundaries and gave a voice to comedy, which was often overlooked in mainstream media.  

When Keenen, Shawn, and Marlon flipped the horror genre on its head with “Scary Movie (2000), they weren’t just making audiences laugh—they were making history. 

The franchise has grossed over $897 million worldwide.

The first installment alone earned $278 million on a $19 million budget, making it the highest-grossing film ever directed by a Black filmmaker at the time. It also cemented the Wayans’ reputation as the kings of parody.

After five films, the iconic franchise will return with a sixth installment on June 12, 2026.

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In 1995, Shawn and Marlon brought their real-life brotherly chemistry to “The Wayans Bros.,” a refreshing take on young Black entrepreneurship that blended humor with heartfelt family moments.

Two years after the show ended in 1999, their older brother, Damon, made his own lasting impact on television with his hit sitcom “My Wife and Kids.” The series followed Michael Kyle, a loving yet comedic father who used his unique brand of tough love and life lessons to navigate family life with his wife and three children.

Both series ultimately became standout additions to the Wayans family's legacy in comedy.

Shawn and Marlon Wayans flipped racial stereotypes on their heads with an outrageous 2004 comedy, “White Chicks,” co-written and directed by big brother Keenen,

The film, which featured an all-star cast including Terry Crews, Frankie Faison, Drew Sidora, Rochelle Aytes, Faune Chambers, and others, ultimately became a cult classic. Its impact is still felt today, and countless memes and references keep it alive in pop culture.  

Few Hollywood families have successfully built a full-fledged dynasty quite like the Wayans.

From Damon’s hit sitcom “My Wife and Kid” to Marlon’s standout performance as Tyrone C. Love in the critically acclaimed 2000 psychological drama “Requiem for a Dream,” the Wayans have dominated television and film for decades, proving that talent, creativity, and a keen business sense are second nature. 

The Wayans aren’t stopping anytime soon. With the next generation stepping into entertainment, including Damon Wayans Jr. and Chaunté Wayans, the family continues to break barriers, ensuring their legacy as pioneers in comedy and film remains strong.