Keenen Ivory Wayans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Keenen Ivory Wayans
|
|
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg)
Wayans in 2019
|
|
| Born |
Keenen Ivory Desuma Wayans
June 8, 1958 New York City, U.S.
|
| Education | Tuskegee University |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Daphne Wayans
(m. 2001; div. 2006) |
| Partner(s) | Brittany Daniel (2007–2014) |
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives |
|
| Family | Wayans family |
| Awards | 1990–Emmy Award Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series In Living Color (as executive producer) |
Keenen Ivory Desuma Wayans (born June 8, 1958) is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. He is part of the famous Wayans family of entertainers. Keenen became well-known as the creator and host of the TV show In Living Color. This popular sketch comedy series aired on Fox from 1990 to 1994.
He has also produced, directed, and written many movies. His first film project was Hollywood Shuffle in 1987, which he helped write. Many of his movies feature him and other members of his talented family. One of the films he directed, Scary Movie (2000), was a huge success. It was the highest-earning movie directed by an African American for several years. From 1997 to 1998, Keenen hosted his own talk show, The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show. Later, in 2014, he was a judge on the TV show Last Comic Standing, where comedians compete.
Contents
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Keenen Wayans was born in Harlem, New York City. He was the second of ten children. His mother, Elvira Alethia, was a homemaker and social worker. His father, Howell Stouten Wayans, was a supermarket manager. His family later moved to the Fulton Houses in Manhattan, where he spent most of his childhood.
Keenen went to Seward Park High School. He then attended Tuskegee University on an engineering scholarship. While in college, he loved to entertain his friends by telling funny stories about growing up in New York. He left college one semester before graduating to focus on his dream of becoming a comedian.
Starting in Comedy
When Keenen first performed comedy at The Improv in New York, he met Robert Townsend. Townsend helped him learn about the comedy business. In 1980, Wayans moved to Los Angeles. He and Townsend drove there together. In Los Angeles, Keenen started working as an actor. He had a regular role as a soldier in the TV series For Love and Honor. He also appeared on Hill Street Blues.
Townsend later wrote, directed, and starred in the movie Hollywood Shuffle. Keenen was a co-star and co-writer for this film. The success of Hollywood Shuffle helped Keenen get the money to make his own movie, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka.
Creating In Living Color
After his movie success, the Fox Broadcasting Company offered Keenen his own TV show. Keenen wanted to create a variety show similar to Saturday Night Live. However, he wanted his show to feature a cast of diverse performers and to be bold with its comedy.
Fox gave Keenen a lot of freedom with the show. Even though some executives were a little worried about the content, Keenen went ahead. He created, wrote, and starred in In Living Color. This sketch comedy show became very popular and ran from 1990 to 1994. It launched the careers of many famous comedians and actors.
Keenen's Film and TV Work
Keenen Ivory Wayans has been involved in many movies and television shows throughout his career. He often works with his brothers and sisters, making their projects a true family effort.
Movies Directed or Written
Keenen has directed and written several well-known films.
- Hollywood Shuffle (1987) – He co-wrote this film.
- I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988) – He directed and wrote this movie.
- A Low Down Dirty Shame (1994) – He directed and wrote this film.
- Scary Movie (2000) – He directed this very successful comedy.
- Scary Movie 2 (2001) – He also directed this sequel.
- White Chicks (2004) – He directed, wrote, and produced this popular comedy.
- Little Man (2006) – He directed, wrote, and produced this film.
- Dance Flick (2009) – He co-wrote and produced this movie.
Acting Roles in Films
Besides directing and writing, Keenen has also acted in many movies.
- Hollywood Shuffle (1987) as Donald / Jheri Curl
- I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988) as Jack Spade
- A Low Down Dirty Shame (1994) as Andre Shame
- The Glimmer Man (1996) as Lieutenant Jim Campbell
- Most Wanted (1997) as Gunnery Sergeant James Anthony Dunn
- Scary Movie (2000) as Slave
- Dance Flick (2009) as Mr. Stache
Television Projects
Keenen has been a big part of television, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
- In Living Color (1990–1992) – He was the director, writer, executive producer, and creator of this show.
- The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show (1997) – He was an executive producer for his own talk show.
- The Boo Crew (2017) – He was a writer, producer, and creator for this show.
- The Last O.G. (2020) – He was a writer for 8 episodes.
Acting Roles in Television
Keenen has appeared in many TV shows.
- Cheers (1982) as Customer #1
- CHiPs (1982) as Roberts
- For Love and Honor (1983–1984) as Pvt. Duke Johnson
- Benson (1986) as Clete Hawkins
- Hill Street Blues (1987) as Raymond Jackson
- In Living Color (1990–1993) as Himself (main host)
- American Music Awards (1991) as Himself (main host)
- The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show (1997–1998) as Himself (main host)
- My Wife and Kids (2001) as Ken
- Happily Divorced (2013) as Tony
- Last Comic Standing (2014–2015) as Himself (main judge)
Images for kids
-
Keenen Ivory Wayans in 2019
See also
In Spanish: Keenen Ivory Wayans para niños
