Keenen Ivory Wayans

Photo of Keenen Ivory Wayans

Biography

As the head and founding member of the multi-talented Wayans comedy empire, Keenen Ivory Wayans blazed a trail as a comedic actor and stand-up performer in the early 1980s. Though he made strides with guest-starring roles on several popular television shows, Wayans quickly became frustrated with the dearth of meaty comedic roles for African-American actors. He partnered with comedian Robert Townsend to channel his frustrations by co-writing …
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Job Title

Actor, Director, Producer, Writer, Music, Other

Born

June 8, 1958

Career Milestones

2009

Produced and co-wrote the comedy spoof, "Dance Flick"; directed by nephew Damien Dante Wayans

2006

Directed his brothers Marlon and Shawn in the direct-to-video, "Little Man"

2004

Co-wrote (with brothers Marlon and Shawn) the comedy, "White Chicks"; also produced and directed

2001

Had a recurring role on the ABC sitcom, "My Wife and Kids"; created by and starring brother Damon

2001

Once again directed brothers in the sequel, "Scary Movie 2"

2000

Directed the horror parody, "Scary Movie," starring his brothers Shawn and Marlon

1997

Hosted the syndicated late night talk-show, "The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show"

1996

Co-starred with Steven Seagal in the action film, "The Glimmer Man"

1996

Produced the film, "Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood," starring his brothers Marlon and Shawn

1994

Wrote, directed and starred in the action film, "A Low Down Dirty Shame"

2006

Directed brothers Marlon and Shawn in the comedy, "The Little Man"; also co-wrote

2006

With brothers Shawn and Marlon created, "Thugaboo," (Nickelodeon) a series of animated children's shows that follows the misadventures of nine kids growing up in the inner city

1992

Ended his film and TV deal with 20th Century Fox to protest censorship of "In Living Color" and to protest Fox's decision to rerun first season episodes without his consultation; left the show at the end of the third season, but remained the executive producer through the fourth season

1990

Signed exclusive movie and TV deal with 20th Century-Fox

1990

Co-created (with brother Damon) the sketch comedy series, "In Living Color" (FOX); also wrote, produced and co-starred with several siblings

1988

Feature directing debut, "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka"; also wrote and acted

1987

TV debut as producer, "Robert Townsend's Partners in Crime" (HBO)

1987

Debut as a producer (also co-writer), "Eddie Murphy Raw"

1987

First feature as co-screenwriter (with director Robert Townsend), "Hollywood Shuffle"; also acted

1983

Was a series regular on "For Love and Honor" (NBC)

1983

First film appearance, Bob Fosse's "Star 80"

1981

Made TV acting debut in the NBC sitcom (pilot), "Irene"

1981

Signed a development deal with NBC

1980

Moved to Los Angeles and eventually worked at the Los Angeles Improv and the Comedy Store

1979

Moved to New York after leaving college and worked the stand-up comedy club circuit

1978

Performed at the Improv in New York during his summer vacation from college

Awards

1992

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement In Writing In a Variety or Music Program in In Living Color

1992

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program Series in In Living Color

1991

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance In a Variety or Music Program in In Living Color

1991

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program in In Living Color

1991

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing In a Variety or Music Program in In Living Color

1990

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series in In Living Color

1990

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing In a Variety or Music Program in In Living Color