Keenen wayans biography
Home / Celebrity Biographies / Keenen wayans biography
28-35
From 1997 to 1998, he hosted the talk show The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show, and most recently, he was a judge for the eighth season of Last Comic Standing.
The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show
This was a late night syndicated television talk show hosted by Keenen Ivory.
196
.
Keenen Ivory Wayans Bio, Wiki, Age,Height, Siblings, Wife, Children, Net Worth and Movies
Keenen Ivory Wayans Biography
Keenen Ivory Wayans is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. He is 65 years old as of 2023.
Keenen Ivory Wayans Height
Keenen is 1.91 m (6 feet 3 inches) tall.
Keenen Ivory Wayans Family – Keenen Ivory Wayans Parents
He is the second born child of Howell Stouten Wayans (Father), a supermarket manager, and Elvira Alethia (Green) a homemaker and social worker.
His in-house band was an all-girl band called Ladies of the Night.
First episode date: August 4, 1997
Final episode date: March 1998
Production company:Disney–ABC Domestic Television
Executive producer: Keenen Ivory
Genres: Talk show, Variety show
Keenen Ivory Wayans Movies
As an actor
| Year | Movie |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Last Comic Standing |
| 2013 | Happily Divorced |
| 2009 | Dance Flick |
| 2001 | My Wife and Kids |
| 2000 | Scary Movie |
| 1997 | Most Wanted |
| 1996 | The Glimmer Man |
| Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood | |
| 1994 | A Low Down Dirty Shame |
| 1988 | I’m Gonna Git You Sucka |
| 1987 | Hollywood Shuffle |
| A Different World | |
| 1983 | For Love and Honor |
| Star 80 |
As a Writer/Producer/Director
| Year | Movie | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | The Boo Crew | creator, producer, writer |
| 2009 | Dance Flick | producer, writer |
| 2006 | Little Man | producer, writer, director |
| 2004 | White Chicks | producer, director |
| 2001 | Scary Movie 2 | director |
| 2000 | Scary Movie | actor and director |
| 1997 | Most Wanted | executive producer and writer |
| The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show | executive producer | |
| 1996 | Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood | producer |
| 1994 | A Low Down Dirty Shame | writer and director |
| 1991 | The Five Heartbeats | writer |
| 1990–1992; 2013– | In Living Color | executive producer, director and creator/writer |
| 1988 | I’m Gonna Git You Sucka | writer and director |
| 1987 | Eddie Murphy Raw | writer and producer |
| Hollywood Shuffle | writer |
Quick Bio
Keenen Ivory Wayans is a trailblazing comedian, actor, writer, director, and producer who reshaped American comedy.
He is a member of the Wayans family of entertainers, best known for creating and hosting ‘In Living Color’.
Keenen Ivory Wayans Age – How Old Is Keenen Ivory Wayans
He was born Keenen Ivory Desuma Wayans, Sr. on June 8, 1958 in New York City, New York, United States. Their marriage resulted to the birth of their five children.
His early work showcased his talent for social commentary through comedy.
Rise to Fame: In Living Color (1990–1994)
Keenen’s biggest breakthrough came with In Living Color, a groundbreaking sketch comedy show on Fox. The series introduced hip-hop culture, bold satire, and diverse talent, including:
- Jim Carrey (as Fire Marshal Bill)
- Jamie Foxx (as Wanda)
- Jennifer Lopez (as a Fly Girl dancer)
- His siblings (Shawn, Marlon, and Damon Wayans)
The show earned an Emmy Award and became a cultural phenomenon, redefining Black comedy on television.
Film Career and Directorial Ventures
I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)
Keenen’s directorial debut was this blaxploitation parody, which established him as a filmmaker.
Scary Movie (2000)
Co-writing and directing this horror-comedy parody, Keenen revolutionized the genre, spawning a franchise that earned $800 million+ worldwide.
Other Notable Works
- A Low Down Dirty Shame (1994)
- White Chicks (2004, as producer)
- Dance Flick (2009, featuring his children)
Awards and Achievements
- Emmy Awardfor In Living Color (1990)
- NAACP Image Awards (Multiple wins)
- MTV Movie Awards for Scary Movie
- Recognized as a trailblazer in Black comedy
Personal Life and Family
Keenen married Daphne Polk (divorced) and has five children.
His sharp wit, bold satire, and innovative storytelling have left an indelible mark on entertainment.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keenen Ivory Wayans |
| Date of Birth | June 8, 1958 |
| Age (2024) | 65 years old |
| Place of Birth | New York City, USA |
| Height | 6’0” (183 cm) |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Director, Producer, Writer |
| Net Worth | $65 million (estimated) |
| Famous Works | In Living Color, Scary Movie, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka |
| Awards | Emmy, NAACP Image Awards, MTV Movie Awards |
| Spouse | Daphne Polk (divorced) |
| Children | 5 |
Early Life and Background
Born on June 8, 1958, in New York City, Keenen grew up in a large, creative family with nine siblings.
He wrote for Saturday Night Live (SNL) in the mid-1980s but turned down an on-screen role, preferring creative control. 86
Educational Journey
Keenen attended Tuskegee Institute in Alabama but left to pursue comedy.
His bald head, expressive face, and commanding presence make him instantly recognizable.
Keenen Ivory Wayans’ Net Worth
With an estimated $65 million net worth, Keenen earned wealth through:
- Scary Movie franchise
- In Living Color royalties
- Stand-up tours and production deals
Impact and Legacy in Comedy
Keenen’s influence includes:
- Paving the way for Black comedians in Hollywood
- Inspiring shows like Chappelle’s Show and Key & Peele
- Mentoring stars like Jamie Foxx and Jim Carrey
Interesting Facts About Keenen Ivory Wayans
- Originally wanted to be a dramatic actor
- Turned down SNL performing role to focus on writing
- His children appeared in Dance Flick (2009)
Conclusion
Keenen Ivory Wayans remains a comedy legend, reshaping entertainment with In Living Color and Scary Movie.
His big break came when he joined The Richard Pryor Show as a writer.
Career Beginnings
Starting as a stand-up comedian, Keenen quickly gained attention for his sharp, satirical humor. His four brothers are: Dwayne Wayans, Damon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Marlon Wayans, and five sisters Diedre Wayans, Elvira Wayans, Kim Wayans, Nadia Wayans, and Vonnie Wayans.
Keenen Ivory Wayans Wife
Keenen is currently not married.
He has appeared in several TV shows such as CHiPs (1977), and Cheers (1982) and movies such as Star 80 (1983), in which he played a standup comic.
Keenen has produced, directed and written a large number of films including Hollywood Shuffle, which he co-wrote in the year 1987, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, A Low Down Dirty Shame, Dance Flick, My Wife and Kids, and The Wayans Brothers.
Addresses: Manager:The Gold/Miller Company, 9220 Sunset Blvd., Suite 320, Los Angeles, CA 90069.; Contact: 16405 Mulholland Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049; Attorney: Barnes, Morris, Klein & Yorn, 1424 Second St., 3rd floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
- Nationality
- American
- Gender
- Male
- Occupation
- Actor, director, screenwriter, producer
- Birth Details
- June 8, 1958
- Harlem, New York, United States
Famous Works
- CREDITS
- Television Appearances
- Series
- Recruit Duke Johnson, For Love and Honor, NBC, 1983-1984
- In Living Color, Fox, 1990-1992
- Host, The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show, syndicated, 1997
- Specials
- Motown Thirty: What's Goin' On!, CBS, 1990
- MTV's 1990 Video Music Awards, MTV, 1990
- A Laugh, a Tear (comedy), syndicated, 1990
- Story of a People: The Black Road to Hollywood, syndicated, 1991
- A Comedy Salute to Michael Jordan (also known as Los Angeles and Chicago Salute to Michael Jordan), NBC, 1991
- The Fifth Annual American Comedy Awards (also known as The 5thAnnual American Comedy Awards), ABC, 1991
- Host, The American Music Awards, ABC, 1991
- Himself (actor), The Real Malcolm X, 1992
- Comic Relief V, HBO, 1992
- Presenter, The 44th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, 1992
- In Censors We Trust, E!
Entertainment Television, 1993
- (Archive footage) Himself, Mo' Funny: Black Comedy in America, HBO, 1993
- Soul Train Comedy Awards, 1993
- Episodic
- Benson "Clete" Hawkins, Benson's nephew, "Summer of Discontent," Benson, ABC, 1979
- (As Keenen Wayans) Customer #1, Cheers, NBC, 1982
- Roberts, "Meet the New Guy," CHiPS, NBC, 1982
- Guest, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, NBC, 1983
- Raymond Jackson, "The Runner Falls on His Kisser," Hill Street Blues, NBC, 1987
- Professor Lawrence, "War of the Words," A Different World, NBC, 1987
- Himself, "Darker Than Me," The South Bank Show, 1994
- Ken, "A Little Romance," My Wife and Kids, ABC, 2001
- Pilots
- Ray Brewster, Irene, NBC, 1981
- Recruit Duke Johnson, For Love and Honor, NBC, 1983
- Television Work
- Series
- Executive producer and creator, In Living Color, Fox, 1990-1992
- Executive producer, The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show, syndicated, 1997
- Episodic
- Director, In Living Color, Fox, 1990-1992
- Specials
- Producer (with Robert Townsend), Robert Townsend and His Partners in Crime, HBO, 1987
- Pilots
- Executive producer, Hammer, Slammer, and Slade, ABC, 1990
- Film Appearances
- Comic, Star 80, Ladd Company/Warner Bros., 1983
- Donald/Jerry Curl, Hollywood Shuffle, Samuel Goldwyn, 1987
- Eddie Murphy Raw, Paramount, 1987
- Jack Spade, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists, 1988
- Shame, A Low Down Dirty Shame (also known as Mister Cool),Buena Vista, 1994
- Mailman, Don't Be a Menace (also known as Don't Be a Menace toSouth Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood), Miramax, 1996
- Detective Jim Campbell, The Glimmer Man (also known as Glimmerman), Warner Bros., 1996
- Sergeant James Dunn, Most Wanted, New Line Cinema, 1997
- Amistad II Slave, Scary Movie, Dimension Films, 2000
- Cameo, Scary Movie 2 (also known as Scarier Movie), Dimension Films, 2001
- Film Work
- Coproducer, Eddie Murphy Raw, Paramount, 1987
- Director, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists, 1988
- Director, A Low Down Dirty Shame (also known as Mister Cool), Buena Vista, 1994
- Producer, Don't Be a Menace (also known as Don't Be a Menace toSouth Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood), Miramax, 1996
- Executive producer, Most Wanted, New Line Cinema, 1997
- Director and (uncredited) producer, Scary Movie, Dimension Films,2000
- Director, Scary Movie 2 (also known as Scarier Movie), Dimension Films, 2001
- RECORDINGS
- Music Videos
- Appeared in Will Smith's "Just the Two of Us."
- WRITINGS
- Television Specials
- (With Townsend) Robert Townsend and His Partners in Crime (comedy), HBO, 1987
- Television Episodes
- In Living Color, Fox, 1990-1992
- Television Pilots
- Hammer, Slammer, and Slade, ABC, 1990
- Screenplays
- (With Robert Townsend) Hollywood Shuffle, Samuel Goldwyn, 1987
- (With Eddie Murphy and Townsend; sketch portions) Eddie Murphy Raw, Paramount, 1987
- I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists, 1988
- (With Townsend) The Five Heartbeats, Twentieth Century-Fox, 1991
- A Low Down Dirty Shame (also known as Mister Cool), Buena Vista, 1994
- Most Wanted, New Line Cinema, 1997
- Other
- (Author of foreword) George, Nelson, In Living Color: The Authorized Companion to the Fox TV Series, Warner Books, 1991
Further Reference
OTHER SOURCES
Books- Contemporary Authors, Vol.
140, Gale, 1993
- Contemporary Black Biography, Vol. 18, Gale Research, 1998
- George, Nelson, In Living Color: The Authorized Companion to the Fox TV Series, Warner Books, 1991
- Newsmakers 1991, Issue Cumulation, Gale Research, 1991
- Ebony, December, 1994, p. Best known as the creator of In Living Color and the director of Scary Movie, he pioneered Black comedy in Hollywood, launching the careers of stars like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez.
He comes from the famous Wayans family, including siblings Shawn, Marlon, Damon, and Kim Wayans. 54
- New York, October 8, 1990, pp.