Shawn Wayans

Shawn Mathis Wayans ( ; born January 19, 1971) is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer.

Early life and education Wayans, the ninth of ten siblings, was born in New York City, the son of Elvira Alethia (Green), a homemaker and social worker, and Howell Stouten Wayans, a supermarket manager. His family were once Jehovah's Witnesses. Wayans grew up in the Fulton Houses in the Manhattan neighborhood of Chelsea and is a 1989 graduate of the Bayard Rustin High School for the Humanities.

Career Wayans made his debut on the comedy television series In Living Color (1990–1993). He went on to work with his brother Marlon Wayans on The WB sitcom The Wayans Bros.(1995–1999) and the comedy films Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996), Scary Movie (2000), Scary Movie 2 (2001), White Chicks (2004), Little Man (2006), and Dance Flick (2009).

After an extended hiatus from acting, it was announced in February 2025 that Wayans would star in the sixth installment of the Scary Movie franchise, titled Scary Movie (2026), and would also star in the upcoming sequel film White Chicks 2 (TBA).

Filmography +KeyDenotes productions that have not yet been released

Film Year Title Role Notes 1988 I'm Gonna Git You Sucka Pedestrian 1996 Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood Ashtray Also co-writer 1999 New Blood Valentine 2000 Scary Movie Ray Wilkins Also co-writer 2001 Scary Movie 2 2004 White Chicks Kevin Copeland Also co-writer and producer 2006 Little Man Darryl Edwards 2009 Dance Flick Baby Daddy 2026 Scary Movie Ray Wilkins

Television Year Title Role Notes 1990–1993 In Living Color Himself Main cast; 67 episodes (season 2–5) 1991 MacGyver Robo Episode: "The 'Hood" 1993 Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Dominique Episode: "PMS: Post Moving in Syndrome" 1995–1999 The Wayans Bros. Shawn Williams 101 episodes; also co-creator 1996 The Parent 'Hood Himself Episode: "Ode to Billy Shankbreath" 1996–1997 Waynehead Toof Voice; 13 episodes 1999 Hollywood Squares Himself Recurring panelist Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child Bad Bobby Voice; episode: "The Bremen Town Musicians" 2000 Comedy Central Canned HamHimself Episode: "Scary Movie" 2000 MTV Video Music Awards Main host 2001 Mad TV Episode: "Episode #6.25" 2006 The Boo Crew Slim Voice; television special 2016 Animals Tommy Voice; episode: "Squirrels Part I"

Documentary Year Title Notes 1991 The Best of Robert Townsend & His Partners in Crime 2001 Open Mic 2009 Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy