The Wayans family, who have been known to have a laugh for everything under the sun including The Scary Movie series, White Chicks, In Living Color and more, are not laughing, but mourning the loss of their dad.
Funnyman Marlon Wayans took to Instagram this weekend to announce the tragic news of the passing of his dad, Howell Wayans, while also paying tribute to him. Marlon shared a story from his childhood, when he asked his father what he wanted to be when he grew up.
"He simply said 'I wanted to be a man,'" Wayans wrote in his caption. "I said 'not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?' He said 'just a man.' I said 'but every boy becomes a man.' Dad said, 'Not true.' I asked 'then what's a man?' My Dad said 'A man takes care of himself and his responsibilities. His family is always FIRST.' From that day on I wanted to be a MAN.'"
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Marlon is only one of the 10 children from the famous comedic family. His siblings include fellow actors and comedians Keenan Ivory Wayans, Damon, Shawn, Dwayne, Marlon, Kim, Nadia, Elvira, Diedre and Vonnie.
Wayans went on to thank his father for "being an example of a Man to all your boys."
"I pray all young black boys can grow up to be a Man like you," he added. "Baby boy loves you."
Wayans said he'll turn to his Bible "that now sits by bed" whenever he needs his father, telling him to "rest well."
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The 50-year-old Marlon continued in his post by adding, "I got two angels. I feel y'all lifting me already. If there's a heaven I know you sitting in VIP sippin' the best wine jesus can make.
The second angel he was referring to was his mother, Elvira Wayans, who passed away in July of 2020 at the age of 81.
"Kiss Ma for me," Wayans wrote. "Tell her her babies miss her.
Just like the loss of his father, his mother's loss was also deeply emotional. Marlon shared the sad news of her passing in an emotional series of Instagram posts on what would have been her 82nd birthday. Marlon shares his birthday with his late mother.
In series od three Instagram posts, Marlon shared heartfelt messages about his loving mother writing "losing you shattered me into 1000 pieces."
Marlon Wayans shared the sad news of her passing in an emotional series of Instagram posts on Thursday, which would have been her 82nd birthday. Marlon shares his own birthday with his beloved late mother. He turned 48 on the same day.
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Other family members also remembered Mr. Wayans with touching social media posts.
Diedra took to Instagram with her own message in remembrance of their father and mother.
"My Heart is Heavy," she wrote April 1. "I thank God for allowing Us to have so many years of love, memories and great parents. The kind that never gave up on their kids. I know I was a handful but through y'all tough love, discipline and devotion, I became a phenomenal woman just like you Momta. A Spiritual woman like you Dad."
Reflecting on her parents' relationship, Diedra added, "And so it ends with a beautiful love story. Back together again. I can only imagine the joy y'all experienced seeing and holding each other again."
Craig Wayans, son of Deidra Wayans, wrote of his grandfather, “He has a firm seat next to jehovah…”
Fans and friends expressed their condolences including longtime friend and fellow comedian D.L. Hughley who said, "🙏🏾♥️ love to you and the family. He was man and King among men. It’s evident in the legacy of FAMILY he raised [and] cared for."
