Marlon Wayans
A comedic force from the Wayans dynasty who carved his own path with fearless, physical humor in landmark film spoofs.
Born 1972 (age 54)·American actor and producer·Birthday: July 23·Generation X
Biography
Marlon Wayans emerged from a family that redefined American sketch comedy, but he forged an identity built on elastic-faced commitment and unabashed silliness. Younger than brothers Keenen and Damon, he first gained attention alongside sibling Shawn in the sitcom 'The Wayans Bros.' His true breakout was in film, where he became a cornerstone of the spoof genre. From the cult hit 'Don't Be a Menace' to the blockbuster 'Scary Movie,' Marlon's willingness to be the butt of the joke—often through exaggerated characters and outrageous impressions—proved wildly popular. He co-wrote and starred in hits like 'White Chicks,' showcasing a unique talent for physical transformation and social satire. While often working within the family business, Marlon has also pursued dramatic roles and stand-up, demonstrating a range that extends beyond the manic energy he's best known for.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Marlon was born in 1972, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Marlon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1972
#1 Movie
The Godfather
Best Picture
The Godfather
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Marlon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1972Born
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1977Started school
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1985Became a teenager
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1988Could drive
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1990Could vote
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1993Turned 21
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2002Turned 30
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 40
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 50
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 54 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-wrote and starred in 'Scary Movie,' which became a massive box office success and spawned a franchise.
- Created and starred with his brother Shawn in the WB television series 'The Wayans Bros.' for five seasons.
- Co-wrote, produced, and starred in the comedy film 'White Chicks,' which developed a lasting cult following.
- Headlined the parody film 'A Haunted House,' a successful spoof of the found-footage horror genre.
Did You Know?
He attended the High School of Performing Arts in New York City.
Marlon is the youngest of the ten Wayans siblings.
He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film from Howard University.
Wayans performed a dramatic role as a heroin addict in the film 'Requiem for a Dream.'
“I think comedy is truth. You take truth and you put a spotlight on it and you make it funny.”
