Damon Wayans Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Damon Wayans Jr.
Wayans in 2022
Born	Damon Kyle Wayans Jr. (1982-11-18) November 18, 1982 (age 42) Huntington, Vermont, U.S.
Occupation	Actor comedian
Years active	1994–present
Spouse(s)	Samara Saraiva ​ (m. 2016)​
Children	6
Parent(s)	Damon Wayans (father)
Relatives	Wayans family

Damon Kyle Wayans Jr. (born November 18, 1982) is an American actor and comedian. He is known for his roles in TV shows like Happy Endings and New Girl. He also appeared in movies such as Let's Be Cops and voiced a character in Big Hero 6.

Damon Jr. is the oldest son of famous actor and comedian Damon Wayans. He is also related to other well-known members of the Wayans family, including Keenen Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, and Marlon Wayans.

Early Life and Family Background

Damon Wayans Jr. was born on November 18, 1982. His birthplace was Huntington, Vermont. His parents are Lisa Thorner and the actor and comedian Damon Wayans. Damon Jr. has three younger brothers and sisters. Their names are Michael, Cara Mia, and Kyla.

Acting Career Highlights

Damon Wayans Jr. started acting when he was young. His first movie role was in 1994. He played a younger version of a character in his father's film, Blankman.

Early TV and Comedy Work

He later appeared on his father's TV show, My Wife and Kids. On that show, he played John, a friend of the character Junior. He also worked behind the scenes as a writer for the series. Damon Jr. also wrote for and appeared in The Underground. He even performed stand-up comedy on Def Comedy Jam, where he received a standing ovation. In 2009, he starred as Thomas in the Wayans family comedy movie Dance Flick.

Success on Happy Endings

From 2011 to 2013, Wayans Jr. was a main actor in the comedy series Happy Endings. He played the character Brad Williams. The show was popular with critics and had many fans. For his work on Happy Endings, he was nominated for several awards. These included the "Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" at the Critic's Choice Television Awards. He was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series.

Joining the Cast of New Girl

In 2011, Damon Wayans Jr. was also cast in the TV show New Girl. He played the supporting role of Coach in the pilot episode. However, because Happy Endings was renewed, he could not continue with New Girl at that time. The show's creators decided not to reshoot the pilot. Instead, a new character named Winston, played by Lamorne Morris, joined the cast.

After Happy Endings ended in 2013, Wayans Jr. returned to New Girl. He appeared in several episodes of the third season. His character, Coach, became a regular cast member for the fourth season. He also made special guest appearances in later seasons.

Recent Projects

In 2018, Wayans Jr. starred in the sitcom Happy Together. He played Jake Davis alongside Amber Stevens West. More recently, in 2024, he starred with his father, Damon Wayans Sr., in the show Poppa's House. This show was loosely based on their real lives.

Personal Life

Damon Wayans Jr. is a father to six children. He has two daughters with his high school ex-girlfriend, Aja Metoyer. He also has four children, two daughters and two sons, with his wife, Samara Saraiva. They got married in 2016. Damon Jr. is also a grandfather to a girl named Itali.

Filmography

Movies

Television Shows

See also

In Spanish: Damon Wayans Jr. para niños