Damon Wayans Jr.

For the actor's father, see Damon Wayans.

Damon Wayans Jr.
Wayans in 2022
Born
Damon Kyle Wayans Jr.

(1982-11-18) November 18, 1982[1]
Huntington, Vermont, U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
Years active1994–present
Spouse
Samara Saraiva
​
(m. 2016)​
Children6
FatherDamon Wayans
RelativesWayans family

Damon Kyle Wayans Jr. (/ˈweɪ.ənz/ WAY-ənz; born November 18, 1982) is an American actor and comedian. He starred as Brad Williams in the ABC sitcom Happy Endings (2011–2013), for which he was nominated for a Critics' Choice Television Award in 2012, and as Coach in the Fox sitcom New Girl (2014–2015). He also provided the voice of Wasabi in the Disney animated film Big Hero 6 (2014). Since 2023, Wayans has hosted the game show Raid the Cage on CBS.

He is the oldest son of actor and comedian Damon Wayans, and nephew of Dwayne Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Kim Wayans, Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans.

Early life

Wayans was born on November 18, 1982, in Huntington, Vermont,[2][3] to Lisa Thorner and actor and comedian Damon Wayans of the Wayans family. He has three younger siblings: Michael, Cara Mia, and Kyla.[4]

Career

1994–2009: Early credits

Wayans made his film debut in 1994 when he was cast in his father's feature film, Blankman, playing Young Kevin. He later appeared on his father's sitcom My Wife and Kids as John, one of Junior's friends. He later worked as a staff writer on the series.

He appeared in and served as a writer on The Underground. Wayans also surprised audiences when he garnered a standing ovation during his debut appearance on Def Comedy Jam. He starred in the Wayans family comedy Dance Flick as the film's main character, Thomas.

2011–2016: Happy Endings and New Girl

From April 2011 to May 2013, Wayans starred as Brad Williams, one of the lead characters in the ABC comedy series Happy Endings, for which he was nominated for a Critics Choice Television Award and two NAACP Image Awards. Despite critical acclaim and a cult following, the show was cancelled by ABC after concluding its third season.

On May 16, 2011, the Fox Network announced that it had picked up the Zooey Deschanel-anchored comedy New Girl, which featured Wayans in the supporting role of Coach. However, Happy Endings had already been picked up for a second season on rival network ABC. The producers of New Girl initially planned to recast Wayans' role, but later decided not to recast nor reshoot the pilot episode in which he appeared.[5] Instead, starting with the second episode, Wayans' character was substituted with Lamorne Morris, playing the role of Winston.[6]

With Happy Endings cancelled after its third season, it was announced in July 2013 that Wayans would return for at least four episodes of New Girl in the upcoming third season.[7] In November 2013, it was announced that Wayans would remain on the show for the rest of season 3.[8] In May 2014, it was announced Wayans would return as a series regular for season four.

Since 2016: Two Shakes Entertainment and other projects

In early 2018, he made a cameo in the comedy film Super Troopers 2,[9] and later starred in the Epix murder thriller series The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair.[10] In October of that year, it was announced that Wayans would star in the CBS sitcom Happy Together.[11] The series was canceled after 13 episodes due to low ratings. In November, he launched a production company titled Two Shakes Entertainment.[12] Its first show, the comedy drama Glamorous, was initially ordered by The CW before premiering on Netflix in 2023.[13] In 2019, he guest-starred on the IFC sketch comedy show Sherman's Showcase.[14]

In 2020, he starred in the Netflix romantic comedy film Love, Guaranteed.[15] He also appeared in the CBS anthology series The Twilight Zone,[16] as well as the Netflix animated series Hoops.[17] In 2021, Wayans appeared in five films: the comedy Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,[18] the Apple TV+ crime drama Cherry, the romcom Long Weekend,[19] the Netflix Western The Harder They Fall,[20] and the comedy Supercool.[21] He began hosting the Peacock game show Frogger, based on the video game of the same name.[22] He also appeared in the NBC sitcom Kenan that same year.[23]

Wayans began hosting the NBC game show Raid the Cage in 2023, based on the Israeli television series of the same name.[24] In 2024, he starred alongside his father Damon Wayans on the CBS sitcom Poppa's House, loosely inspired by their real-life relationship. Despite winning an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance,[25] the series was canceled after its first season.[26] The same year, he appeared in the Apple TV+ show Shrinking as Derrick #2.[27] He was nominated for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy Series at the Black Reel TV Awards for his performance.[28] He also starred in the Netflix romcom Players,[29] and appeared in the Netflix comedy film Kinda Pregnant in 2025.[30]

Wayans will appear in the upcoming horror parody film, Scary Movie, the sixth installment in the Scary Movie franchise.[31] He is set to appear in the CBS comedy Overstepping, which was first announced in November 2024.[32] In February 2026, it was announced that he would lead the NBC drama pilot Puzzled based on the Danielle Trussoni novel The Puzzle Master.[33]

Personal life

Wayans has six children. He has two daughters with high school ex-girlfriend Aja Metoyer. He has four children with his current wife Samara Saraiva: two daughters and two sons. They also have one granddaughter named Itali, from daughter Berlyn Wayans and her high school ex-boyfriend, Mike Price.[34]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1994 Blankman Young Kevin Walker
2009 Dance Flick Thomas Uncles
2010 Marmaduke Thunder Voice
The Other Guys Detective Fosse
2014 Someone Marry Barry Desmond
Let's Be Cops Justin G. Miller
Big Hero 6 Wasabi Voice
2016 The Land Before Time XIV: Journey of the Brave Wild Arms Voice[35]
How to Be Single David Stone
2018 Super Troopers 2 Trooper Wagner
2019 Trouble Gizmo Voice
2020 Love, Guaranteed Nick Evans
2021 Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar Darlie Bunkle
Cherry Drill Sgt. Masters
Long Weekend Doug
The Harder They Fall Monroe Grimes
Supercool Jimmy
2024 Players Adam
2025 Kinda Pregnant Dave
2026 Scary Movie TBA Post-production

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2001–2004 My Wife and Kids John 8 episodes; also story editor
2006 The Underground Cast member
2011–2013 Happy Endings Brad Williams Main cast, 3 seasons
Nominated – Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Nominated – NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series (2012–2013)
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Male Scene Stealer
2011,
2013–2016,
2018		 New Girl Coach Main cast (season 1 "Pilot", season 4)
Recurring (season 3)
Special guest star (season 5–7)
2012 Happy Endings: Happy Rides Brad Williams 2 episodes
NTSF:SD:SUV:: Garett Episode: "The Real Bicycle Thief"
2016 Brooklyn Nine-Nine Detective Stevie Schillens Episode: "The 9–8"
2017 Curb Your Enthusiasm Police Officer Episode: "A Disturbance in the Kitchen"
2018 The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair Sgt. Perry Gahalowood Main cast
2018–2019 Happy Together Jake Davis Main cast
2019 Sherman's Showcase Montell Jordan Episode: "July 8, 1995"
2019–2025 Bob's Burgers Arnold 6 episodes
2020 The Twilight Zone Jason Grant Episode: "A Small Town"
Hoops Damian Chapman Episode: "The Strike"
2021 Kenan Sateen Episode: "Flipp'd"
Frogger Host 13 episodes; based on the video game Frogger
2023 Glamorous – Executive producer
2023–present Raid the Cage Host Also executive producer
2024–2025 Poppa's House Damon Main cast; also executive producer
2024 Shrinking Derrick #2 Recurring
TBA Overstepping TBA Executive producer[36]
TBA Puzzled Mike Brink

Accolades

Award Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
Black Reel Awards 2015 Outstanding Voice Performance Big Hero 6 Nominated [37]
Black Reel TV Awards 2025 Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy Series Shrinking Nominated [28]
Critics Choice Television Awards 2012 Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Happy Endings Nominated [38]
NAACP Image Awards 2012 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated [39]
2013 Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated [40]
2025 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Poppa's House Won [25]
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2025 Favorite Male TV Star (Family) Nominated [41]
Teen Choice Awards 2012 Choice TV: Male Scene Stealer Happy Endings Nominated [42]

References

  1. ^ "Signal Staff and Wire Services", November 18, 2011. Santa Clarita Valley Signal, "Today in the SCV: Friday, Nov. 18, 2011". Accessed November 29, 2011.
  2. ^ "'Happy Endings': Damon Wayans Jr. Talks Season 3, Negative Cast Rumors". The Huffington Post. November 19, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  3. ^ "Person Details for Damon Kyle Wayans, "Vermont, Vital Records, 1760-2008" — FamilySearch.org". familysearch.org. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  4. ^ LaCroix, Jane (January 2, 2026). "Damon Wayans' 4 Kids (and Costars!): All About Damon Wayans Jr., Michael, Cara and Kyla". People. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  5. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 13, 2011). "ABC Renews 'Happy Endings', Fox's 'New Girl' To Recast Damon Wayans Jr". Deadline. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  6. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (July 8, 2011). "'New Girl': Lamorne Morris Replaces Damon Wayans Jr. in Fox Comedy". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  7. ^ "Damon Wayans Jr. Reprising 'New Girl' Role for Season 3 Arc". The Hollywood Reporter. July 15, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  8. ^ Hibberd, James (November 6, 2011). "'New Girl' scoop: Damon Wayans Jr. commits to whole season". adweek.com. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  9. ^ Lyus, Jon (June 12, 2018). "Exclusive: The Super Troopers 2 cast on crowdfunding their long-awaited return". HeyUGuys. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  10. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (August 15, 2017). "Epix Orders Murder Thriller 'Harry Quebert Affair' Starring Patrick Dempsey, Damon Wayans Jr". Variety. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  11. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 21, 2018). "Damon Wayans Jr. To Star In CBS' Tim McAuliffe/Austen Earl Comedy Pilot". Deadline. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  12. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 9, 2018). "Damon Wayans Jr. Launches Production Company, Sells Light Hour 'Glamorous' To the CW Through CBS TV Studios Deal". Deadline. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  13. ^ White, Peter (April 11, 2022). "Miss Benny To Star In Netflix Drama Series 'Glamorous', Previously In The Works At The CW, From Damon Wayans Jr & Jordon Nardino". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  14. ^ White, Peter (July 25, 2019). "'Sherman's Showcase': IFC's John Legend-Produced 'Soul Train' Take-Off Featuring Sketches "Too Edgy For Fallon"". Deadline. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  15. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (October 4, 2019). "Rachael Leigh Cook & Damon Wayans Jr. To Topline Netflix Film 'Love, Guaranteed' With Cook Producing". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  16. ^ Thorne, Will (May 4, 2020). "'Twilight Zone' Adds Topher Grace, Jurnee Smollett and Damon Wayans Jr. for Season 2". Variety. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  17. ^ "Jake Johnson explains why he was too 'embarrassed' to ask Zooey Deschanel to join 'Hoops'". EW.com. Archived from the original on July 24, 2025. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  18. ^ Day-Ramos, Dino (July 15, 2019). "Wendi McLendon-Covey, Damon Wayans Jr. Join 'Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 15, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  19. ^ Hipes, Patrick (September 26, 2019). "Finn Wittrock & Zoe Chao Topline Indie 'Long Weekend'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  20. ^ Jackson, Angelique (June 24, 2021). "Jonathan Majors, Regina King and Idris Elba Face Off in Gunslinging First Trailer for 'The Harder They Fall'". Variety. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  21. ^ Grobar, Matt (January 10, 2022). "Supercool: Vertical Entertainment Acquires Rights To Comedy Starring Jake Short, Miles J. Harvey & Damon Wayans Jr". Deadline Hollywood.
  22. ^ Rosario, Alexandra Del (July 22, 2021). "'Frogger': Damon Wayans Jr. To Host Peacock Competition Series Based On Konami Arcade Game". Deadline. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  23. ^ Lawrence, Derek (March 22, 2021). "Watch Kenan Thompson and Damon Wayans Jr. become a boy band on Kenan". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  24. ^ White, Peter (September 7, 2023). "Damon Wayans Jr. & Jeannie Mai Jenkins To Host CBS Game Show Raid The Cage". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  25. ^ a b Smart, Jack; Walcott, Escher (February 23, 2025). "NAACP Image Awards 2025: See the Complete Winners List". People.com. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  26. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 22, 2025). "'Poppa's House' Canceled By CBS After One Season". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
  27. ^ Jones, Okla (December 25, 2024). "Apple TV+'s 'Shrinking' Finds Its Perfect Addition In Damon Wayans Jr". Essence. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  28. ^ a b Pedersen, Erik (June 18, 2025). "'Forever,' 'Abbott Elementary' & 'Fight Night' Lead 2025 Black Reel TV Awards Nominations". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  29. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (March 11, 2021). "Gina Rodriguez, Damon Wayans Jr. to Star in Netflix Romantic Comedy Players". Variety. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  30. ^ Grobar, Matt (February 21, 2024). "Jillian Bell, Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr. & Brianne Howey Join Amy Schumer In Netflix Comedy 'Kinda Pregnant'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  31. ^ Grobar, Matt (November 12, 2025). "Scary Movie 6 Adds Damon Wayans Jr., Kim Wayans & Heidi Gardner; Sets Cheri Oteri and Chris Elliott To Return". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 12, 2025. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  32. ^ White, Peter (November 8, 2024). "'Overstepping' Comedy In The Works At CBS From Lauren Ashley Smith & Damon Wayans Jr". Deadline. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  33. ^ Cordero, Rosy (February 17, 2026). "Damon Wayans Jr. To Lead NBC Drama Pilot 'Puzzled' Playing A Savant". Deadline. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  34. ^ "Dwyane Wade and Damon Wayans Jr. beef after Aja Metoyer baby mama drama? 'Happy Endings' actor 'doesn't want kids to get hurt,' how does Gabrielle Union feel?". Mstarz. Archived from the original on May 19, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  35. ^ Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (December 17, 2015). "From Universal Pictures Home Entertainment: The Land Before Time: Journey of the Brave". PR Newswire. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  36. ^ White, Peter (November 8, 2024). "'Overstepping' Comedy In The Works At CBS From Lauren Ashley Smith & Damon Wayans Jr". Deadline. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  37. ^ "Black Reel Awards - Past Nominees & Winners by Category". Black Reel Awards. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  38. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (June 5, 2012). "Critics' Choice TV Awards Noms: 'Community' At Top Of List". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  39. ^ Hetrick, Adam (February 21, 2012). "Jennifer Hudson, Viola Davis, Laurence Fishburne Win NAACP Awards". Playbill. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  40. ^ Couch, Aaron (February 1, 2013). "NAACP Image Awards: Winners Announced". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  41. ^ Paul Grein (June 21, 2025). "Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Ariana Grande Win Multiple Awards at 2025 Kids' Choice Awards (Full Winners List)". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  42. ^ MTV. "Teen Choice Awards 2012: Complete Winners List". Archived from the original on September 7, 2014. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
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