Damon Wayans, a name synonymous with comedy brilliance, is not only a celebrated actor and comedian but also a devoted father to four children: Damon Jr., Michael, Cara Mia, and Kyla. These talented individuals, offspring of Wayans and his former wife Lisa Thorner, whom he was married to from 1984 to 2000, are carving their own paths, many within the entertainment industry. While Damon Wayans Jr. has garnered significant attention for his comedic roles, and Michael has contributed behind the scenes, Cara Mia Wayans stands out as a multifaceted creative, exploring acting, writing, and producing. Kyla, the youngest, maintains a more private life but also boasts acting credits. This article delves into the lives and careers of Damon Wayans’ children, with a spotlight on the endeavors of Cara Mia Wayans.
Damon Wayans Jr.: Following in Father’s Footsteps
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Image: Damon Wayans Jr. pictured with his father, Damon Wayans, highlighting their close relationship and shared profession.
Born on November 18, 1982, Damon Wayans Jr. was raised in the heart of Los Angeles, immersed in the entertainment world from a young age. His debut acting role came at 11 in his father’s 1994 film, Blank Man. Despite initially pursuing animation at Otis School of Art and Design, Damon Jr.’s comedic genes proved too strong to ignore.
“I actually wanted to be an animator,” he admitted on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2018, before humorously adding, “Then I found out how much they got paid, and I was like, ‘Uh huh, never mind. What are you doing, Dad?'”
He ventured into stand-up comedy in 2005 under the pseudonym Kyle Green, explaining to Stephen Colbert that he desired an “unassuming name,” using his middle name and grandmother’s maiden name. His writing career took off in 2003, contributing to his father’s successful sitcom, My Wife and Kids.
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Image: Damon Wayans Jr. presenting “Poppa’s House”, a project where he collaborates with his father, Damon Wayans.
A major career highlight arrived with the 2009 comedy Dance Flick, produced by his uncles, the Wayans Brothers. He then solidified his comedic presence in popular sitcoms like Happy Endings and New Girl, gaining widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Coach in New Girl. Currently, he stars alongside his father in Poppa’s House, a CBS sitcom premiering in October 2024, marking a unique father-son collaboration. Damon Jr. humorously noted to Entertainment Tonight the striking resemblance he shares with his father, emphasizing the infectious laughter they create together on set. Beyond his professional life, Damon Jr. is a father himself, sharing daughters with his ex Aja Metoyer and currently married to Samara Saraiva.
Michael Wayans: Behind the Camera and On the Red Carpet
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Image: Michael Wayans and Vanessa Simmons attending a baby shower in Hollywood, showcasing Michael’s presence in the entertainment scene.
Born on March 28, 1985, Michael Wayans, Damon and Lisa’s second son, also experienced early Hollywood exposure, debuting in Blankman at age 9. While he appeared in My Wife and Kids and Dance Flick, Michael has largely opted for behind-the-scenes roles. He is credited as the composer for The Underground theme music and describes himself as a scriptwriter on his private Instagram account.
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Image: Damon Wayans and his son Michael Wayans at the premiere of ‘Major Payne’ in 1995, illustrating their early involvement in Hollywood events.
Michael is in a long-term relationship with Vanessa Simmons, daughter of Rev Run, with whom he has a daughter, Ava Marie Wayans, born in 2014. Vanessa Simmons mentioned to Entertainment Tonight in 2017 their plans for more children after marriage. Damon Wayans proudly displays his grandfatherly affection for Ava on his Instagram. Though preferring a lower public profile, Michael occasionally appears at family red carpet events.
Cara Mia Wayans: A Creative Force in Multiple Disciplines
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Image: Damon Wayans and Cara Mia Wayans attending the ‘Women of Reality TV’ event in New York City, highlighting Cara’s engagement with the entertainment industry.
Born on April 18, 1987, Cara Mia Wayans grew up immersed in a comedic environment, naturally gravitating towards acting. Like her brothers, Cara Mia Wayans made her acting debut in Blankman and also appeared in Dance Flick and My Wife and Kids. Expanding her creative horizons, Cara Mia Wayans showcased her versatility by appearing in Will Smith’s 1997 music video “Just the Two of Us” alongside her father, celebrating father-child bonds.
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Image: Actor Damon Wayans and daughter Cara Mia Wayans at the 28th Annual People’s Choice Awards, showcasing Cara’s early exposure to public events.
While maintaining a relatively private adult life, Cara Mia Wayans is known for her artistic inclinations, particularly in art and painting, as seen on her Instagram. She openly supports her brother Damon Jr., expressing admiration on social media. In a 2018 birthday post for Damon Jr., Cara Mia Wayans praised his kindness, love, and humor. Cara Mia Wayans is also a mother to two children, often sharing glimpses of her family life on Instagram. A heartwarming video shared in February 2022 captured Damon Wayans singing and dancing with one of Cara Mia Wayans’ children, illustrating the close family bonds. Cara Mia Wayans embodies a diverse creative spirit, balancing family life with artistic pursuits.
Kyla Wayans: Maintaining Privacy While Pursuing Passions
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Image: Damon Wayans pictured with his daughters, including Kyla Wayans, at the NAACP Image Awards, demonstrating the family’s presence at significant events.
Born in 1991, Kyla Wayans, the youngest of Damon and Lisa’s daughters, has largely remained out of the public spotlight compared to her siblings. She made a guest appearance in My Wife and Kids in 2001, mirroring her siblings’ early acting experiences. Kyla shares occasional stylish selfies on her public Instagram account, offering glimpses into her personal life.
In conclusion, Damon Wayans’ children are each forging unique paths, with Cara Mia Wayans showcasing a diverse range of talents and interests. From acting to art and family life, the Wayans legacy continues through this new generation.
