Damon Wayans Bio

Damon Wayans is creator executive producer and star of THE UNDERGROUND. Known throughout the world for his no-holds-barred comedic genius, Wayans recently wrapped five seasons of the hit ABC series My Wife and Kids, which he co-created and executive produced. Currently in syndication, the series received numerous awards, including the 2002 People's Choice for Favorite New Television Comedy Series, and Favorite Male Performer in a New Television Series for his portrayal as patriarch Michael Kyle.

Wayans is most fondly remembered for his three seasons as writer and co-star on the Emmy Award-winning series In Living Color. There, he made characters like "Homey the Clown," "Handiman" and "Men on Film" household names. His writing for the series earned him two personal Emmy nominations.

Additional television credits include the half-hour Fox sitcom Damon, in which he starred and executive produced, and the hour-long drama 413 Hope Street, which was nominated for a People's Choice Award. He served as an executive producer on Waynehead, a Saturday morning animated cartoon for the WB, which featured the voices of his siblings Kim, Marlon and Shawn Wayans.

On the big screen, Wayans starred most recently in Spike Lee's critically acclaimed film Bamboozled. He just completed work on Harlem Aria, an independent film in which he starred and executive produced. Other feature film credits include starring roles in Major Payne, Blankman and Mo' Money, which he also wrote and executive produced, The Great White Hype, Celtic Pride, The Last Boy Scout, Earth Girls are Easy, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, Colors, Punchline, Hollywood Shuffle, Roxanne and Beverly Hills Cop.

Wayans has also enjoyed tremendous success in stand-up. After starting his career in 1982 touring the comedy club circuit, he landed a role as a featured player on the famed NBC series Saturday Night Live. Wayans went on to star in his own critically acclaimed HBO specials, One Night Stand, The Last Stand? and Still Standing.

In 2008, the comedian announced the debut of "WayOutTV" with his vision of taking "In Living Color" to the Internet. Wayans described the venture as "In Living Color 2.0," where he would allow viewers to share, rate and leave comments on the sketches.

Wayans is also a talented author. In 1999, he penned "Bootleg," a humorous compilation of his observations on family, children, marriage and politics. The book was a tremendous success and quickly hit the New York Times Bestseller List.

In May of 2010, Damon shows a serious empathetic side that he fabulously showcases in his debut novel, RED HATS, an utterly extraordinary first novel that weaves inspiration and hope into an original storyline that immediately captivates readers with its powerful take on modern-day life.

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