Keenen Ivory Wayans (born June 8, 1958 in New York City, New York) is an American actor, comedian, director and writer best known as the host and creator of the groundbreaking FOX sketch comedy series In Living Color, which introduced the likes of Jim Carrey and brother Damon Wayans to the masses. He was also one of the first cast members to leave the show, citing creative differences. He went on to have a successful film career, directing broad comedies starring his brothers Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans. His film "Scary Movie" (2000) is the most successful feature ever directed by an African-American. .

He attended college at Tuskegee University; however, he dropped out in his senior year to pursue a career in comedy. He married in June 2001 and has five children; however, in 2004, Wayans and wife Daphne separated and have formally filed for divorce. He is one of several Wayans family members who have become famous in Hollywood, including his siblings Damon Wayans, Kim Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans. He is an uncle to Damon Wayans, Jr..

Wayans is a prominent member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for Black men.

Partial filmography

• Little Man (2006) (producer, writer, director)
• White Chicks (2004) (producer)
• Scary Movie 2 (2001) (director)
• Scary Movie (2000) (actor and producer (uncredited))
• Most Wanted (1997) (Sergeant James Dunn, executive producer and writer)
• The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show (1997) (executive producer and actor)
• The Glimmer Man (1996) (actor)
• Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996) (actor and producer)
• A Low Down Dirty Shame (1994) (actor, writer and director)
• In Living Color (1990) (actor, executive producer, director and creator/writer)
• I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988) (actor, writer and director)
• Hollywood Shuffle (1987) (actor and writer)
• For Love and Honor (1983) (actor)
• Star 80 (1983) (actor)

Facts

• Parents are Howell and Elvira Wayans.
• Has 3 sisters that are not involved in Hollywood:Diedre, Elvira and Vonnie. Even though Elvira hepled write some scripts for My Wife And Kids
• Has 4 children by his ex-wife Dahpne.
• Is a vegan.
• Father of Jolie Ivory Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans Jr., Nala Wayans, and Bella Wayans.
• Has an older brother named Dwayne Wayans.
• Scary Movie 2 was supposed to be the last Scary Movie film until David Zucker made sequels. Wayans did not give out his thoughts about it.
• Uncle of Damien Dante Wayans, Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, and Kyla Wayans.
• Cousin of Craig Wayans.
• He is often considered "the smartest of the Wayans"

External link

• IMDb Profile for Keenen Ivory Wayans

1958 births | Living people | African-American actors | African-American/Black film directors | Alpha Phi Alpha brothers | American comedians | American film directors | American film actors | People from New York City | American television actors | Television talk show hosts | Vegans | Worst Director Razzie Nominee | Scary Movie actors | Scary Movie | English-language film directors

Keenen Ivory Wayans | Keenen Ivory Wayans | Keenen Ivory Wayans