Shawn Wayans

Shawn Wayans (also credited as Shawn Mathis Wayans) is an American screen actor, comedian, writer, and producer born on January 19, 1971, in New York City. Rising from a family synonymous with modern sketch and parody comedy, he became a familiar face through sharp timing and an easy, everyman charm.

Wayans first broke out on the influential TV sketch series In Living Color (1990–1993), where his performances helped define the show’s fast, irreverent style. He later teamed frequently with his brother Marlon Wayans, building a loyal audience on The WB’s sitcom The Wayans Bros. (1995–1999).

On the big screen, Wayans is widely recognized for genre-bending comedies and pop-culture sendups. He played Ashtray in Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, Ray Wilkins in Scary Movie and Scary Movie 2, and delivered memorable dual work in White Chicks as Kevin Copeland and “Brittany Wilson.”

His filmography also includes Little Man (as Darryl) and Dance Flick (as Baby Daddy), plus voice roles in the animated Thugaboo specials. Across TV and film, Wayans has remained a key figure in mainstream comedy, known for broad laughs grounded in character.