Damon Wayans Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Damon Wayans Jr.
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Wayans in 2022
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| Born |
Damon Kyle Wayans Jr.
November 18, 1982 Huntington, Vermont, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1994–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Samara Saraiva
(m. 2016) |
| Children | 6 |
| Parent(s) |
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| Relatives | Wayans family |
Damon Kyle Wayans Jr. (born November 18, 1982) is an American actor and comedian. He is well-known for his funny roles in TV shows and movies. He starred as Brad Williams in the ABC sitcom Happy Endings. For this role, he was nominated for a Critics' Choice Television Award in 2012. He also played Coach in the Fox sitcom New Girl. In 2014, he appeared in the comedy film Let's Be Cops and provided the voice of Wasabi in the animated movie Big Hero 6.
Damon Wayans Jr. comes from a famous family of entertainers. He is the oldest son of actor and comedian Damon Wayans. His uncles and aunt, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, and Marlon Wayans, are also very famous in comedy and acting.
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About Damon Wayans Jr.
Damon Wayans Jr. was born on November 18, 1982, in Huntington, Vermont. His parents are Lisa Thorner and the well-known actor and comedian Damon Wayans. He grew up with three younger siblings: Michael, Cara Mia, and Kyla. Being part of the talented Wayans family meant he was often surrounded by creative people.
Starting His Acting Journey
Damon Wayans Jr. began his acting career at a young age. His first movie role was in 1994 in his father's film, Blankman. In this movie, he played a younger version of the character Kevin. Later, he appeared in his father's TV show My Wife and Kids as a character named John. He also worked behind the scenes as a writer for the series.
He continued to develop his skills as both an actor and a writer. He was a cast member and writer for the TV show The Underground. Damon Wayans Jr. also showed his talent for stand-up comedy. He received a great response during his first performance on Def Comedy Jam. In 2009, he starred as Thomas, the main character in the Wayans family comedy movie Dance Flick.
Rise to Comedy Stardom
From April 2011 to May 2013, Damon Wayans Jr. played Brad Williams in the ABC comedy series Happy Endings. He starred alongside actors like Eliza Coupe and Elisha Cuthbert. The show was very popular with critics and had many dedicated fans. For his work on Happy Endings, he was nominated for "Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" at the NAACP Image Awards and the Critics' Choice Television Awards.
Notable TV Roles
In May 2011, the Fox Network announced a new comedy called New Girl, starring Zooey Deschanel. Damon Wayans Jr. was cast in a supporting role as Coach. However, his show Happy Endings was also renewed for another season on ABC. The creators of New Girl decided not to reshoot the first episode where he appeared. Instead, a new character, Winston, played by Lamorne Morris, joined the show from the second episode.
After Happy Endings finished its run, Damon Wayans Jr. returned to New Girl for its third season in July 2013. He stayed on the show for the rest of season three and became a regular cast member for season four. In October 2018, he starred in another sitcom called Happy Together with Amber Stevens West. This show ran for 13 episodes before it concluded. More recently, in 2024, he starred with his father, Damon Wayans Sr., in the show Poppa's House, which was inspired by their real lives. This show also concluded after 18 episodes.
Film Adventures
Beyond television, Damon Wayans Jr. has appeared in many films. In 2014, he starred in the comedy Let's Be Cops. He also used his voice talents for the animated hit Big Hero 6, playing the character Wasabi. Other film roles include How to Be Single (2016), Super Troopers 2 (2018), and Love, Guaranteed (2020). In 2021, he appeared in several movies, such as Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and The Harder They Fall. His film Players was released in 2024.
Life Outside Acting
Damon Wayans Jr. is a father to six children. He is married to Samara Saraiva, and they got married in 2016.
Damon Wayans Jr.'s Work
Here is a list of some of the movies and television shows Damon Wayans Jr. has been a part of.
Movies
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Blankman | Young Kevin Walker | |
| 2009 | Dance Flick | Thomas Uncles | |
| 2010 | Marmaduke | Thunder | Voice role |
| The Other Guys | Detective Fosse | ||
| 2014 | Someone Marry Barry | Desmond | |
| Let's Be Cops | Justin G. Miller | ||
| Big Hero 6 | Wasabi | Voice role | |
| 2016 | The Land Before Time XIV: Journey of the Brave | Wild Arms | Voice role |
| How to Be Single | David Stone | ||
| 2018 | Super Troopers 2 | Trooper Wagner | |
| 2019 | Trouble | Gizmo | Voice role |
| 2020 | Love, Guaranteed | Nick Evans | |
| 2021 | Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar | Darlie Bunkle | |
| Cherry | Drill Sgt. Masters | ||
| Long Weekend | Doug | ||
| The Harder They Fall | Monroe Grimes | ||
| Supercool | Jimmy | ||
| 2024 | Players | Adam | |
| 2025 | Kinda Pregnant | Dave | |
| 2026 | Scary Movie 6 | TBA | Filming |
Television Shows
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–2004 | My Wife and Kids | John | 8 episodes |
| 2006 | The Underground | Cast member | |
| 2011–2013 | Happy Endings | Brad Williams | Main cast for 3 seasons Nominated – Critics' Choice Television Award Nominated – NAACP Image Award (2012–2013) Nominated – Teen Choice Award |
| 2011, 2013–2016, 2018 |
New Girl | Coach | Main cast (season 1 "Pilot", season 4) Recurring role (season 3) Special guest star (season 5–7) |
| 2012 | Happy Endings: Happy Rides | Brad Williams | 2 episodes |
| NTSF:SD:SUV:: | Garett | Episode: "The Real Bicycle Thief" | |
| 2016 | Brooklyn Nine-Nine | Detective Stevie Schillens | Episode: "The 9–8" |
| 2017 | Curb Your Enthusiasm | Police Officer | Episode: "A Disturbance in the Kitchen" |
| 2018 | The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair | Sgt. Perry Gahalowood | Main cast |
| 2018–2019 | Happy Together | Jake Davis | Main cast |
| 2019 | Sherman's Showcase | Montell Jordan | Episode: "July 8, 1995" |
| 2019–2020 | Bob's Burgers | Arnold | 3 episodes |
| 2020 | The Twilight Zone | Jason Grant | Episode: "A Small Town" |
| Hoops | Damian Chapman | Episode: "The Strike" | |
| 2021 | Kenan | Sateen | Episode: "Flipp'd" |
| Frogger | Host | 13 episodes; based on the video game Frogger | |
| 2023–present | Raid the Cage | Host | 12 episodes; based on the game show format |
| 2024–2025 | Poppa's House | Damon | Main cast; also executive producer |
| 2024 | Shrinking | Derrick #2 | Recurring role |
See also
In Spanish: Damon Wayans Jr. para niños
