Damon Wayans Jr.
A versatile comedic force who carved his own path from famous-family shadow to become a network sitcom staple.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American actor and comedian·Birthday: November 18·Millennials
Biography
Damon Wayans Jr. entered the world with comedy in his blood, but his career is a study in building a distinct identity. The son of Damon Wayans, he honed his timing on his father's sketch show, *My Wife and Kids*, but his breakout came from sheer hustle. After a false start on the U.S. version of *Happy Endings*, he returned to the role of Brad Williams when the show was recast, delivering a performance of such charming, deadpan confidence that it defined the series. This led to a scene-stealing turn as the hilariously intense Coach on *New Girl*, a role he balanced with voice work as the neurotic Wasabi in Disney's *Big Hero 6*. Wayans possesses a specific brand of physical, slightly off-kilter humor that feels both inherited and entirely his own, allowing him to transition from supporting player to leading man and game show host without ever losing his relatable, everyman edge.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Damon was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Damon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Damon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Brad Williams in the critically adored ABC sitcom *Happy Endings*, earning a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination.
- Played the fan-favorite character Coach on the Fox hit *New Girl* for multiple seasons.
- Voiced the character Wasabi in the Academy Award-winning Disney animated film *Big Hero 6*.
- Hosts the CBS game show *Raid the Cage* since 2023.
Did You Know?
He was originally cast as Coach in the *New Girl* pilot but had to drop out due to *Happy Endings*; he returned to the role later.
He is a trained dancer and has incorporated dance into several of his roles.
He is a co-owner of the esports organization Echo Fox, founded by his cousin, Rick Fox.
“I learned you have to make your own name, no matter who your dad is.”
