The Wayans family's net worth: Who is richer, Keenen, Marlon or Damon Sr.?
The Wayans family is one of the most famous dynasties in Hollywood, known for making audiences laugh for decades. From Keenen’s stand-up specials to Marlon’s sitcoms and Damon’s blockbuster films, each sibling has built a fortune. The Wayans family’s net worth amounts to hundreds of millions.
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Key takeaways
- There are 10 Wayans siblings, including Dwayne, Keenen, Diedra, Damon, Kimberly, Elvira, Nadia, Devonne, Shawn, and Marlon.
- Keenan Wayans' net worth is $65 million, making him the richest of the Wayans siblings.
- The family has a combined box office gross exceeding $1 billion.
- The Wayans family built their wealth through comedy, acting, directing, and screenwriting.
What is the Wayans family's net worth?
They have an estimated net worth of over $300 million. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the Wayans brothers' net worth alone is estimated at over $183 million. They are among the most successful families of entertainers in Hollywood, with a combined box office gross exceeding $1 billion.
Several siblings rank among Hollywood’s highest-paid entertainers. The Wayans acknowledge their parents as motivation for their success. In an interview with Club Shay Shay in September 2024, Marlon Wayans said:
My daddy raised kings. We are successful because we were raised right. We had a mother who loved us and a father who protected us. My parents did a great job.
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Exploring the Wayans siblings, from oldest to youngest
The Wayans family consists of 10 siblings, all born in New York City, United States. Here is the list from oldest to youngest.
S/N | Name | Year of birth |
1 | Dwayne | 1956 |
2 | Keenen Ivory | 1958 |
3 | Diedra | 1959 |
4 | Damon | 1960 |
5 | Kimberly | 1961 |
6 | Elvira | 1964 |
7 | Nadia | 1965 |
8 | Devonne “Vonnie” | 1966 |
9 | Shawn | 1971 |
10 | Marlon Wayans | 1972 |
The Wayans grew up in a poor household
All the siblings were born to Elvira, a homemaker and social worker, and Howell Wayans, a supermarket manager. They raised their children in a small apartment in the Fulton housing projects on Manhattan's West Side.
The family lived in poverty and could barely feed themselves. In an interview with Club Shay Shay in April 2025, Damon Sr. said:
I stole 15 cents from my father, and he missed it. I'm like, 'I don't ever want to be poor.' He beat me on the stairs like a dude off the street. Like I said. I don't ever want to be so poor that I miss 15 cents. But that's with me today. That's part of my motivation.
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Keenan opened the door to show business for his siblings
He was the first sibling to enter the entertainment industry as a comedian in the 1980s. Together with his brother Damon, Keenen Wayans created the family's groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Colour on Fox. The show had mostly an African-American cast and premiered in April 1990.
The show also launched the careers of Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez. Keenen, Damon, Kim, Shawn, and Marlon have continued contributing to numerous projects and remain active in entertainment.
Since entering the entertainment industry, the Wayans siblings have created, directed, and acted in over 50 successful films. Their work includes the Scary Movie franchise, White Chicks, Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, and My Wife and Kids.
Who is the richest Wayans?
Keenan is the richest Wayans brother, with an estimated net worth of $65 million as of 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Keenan Ivory Wayans' net worth comes primarily through acting, writing, producing, and directing, with notable credits including In Living Colour and Scary Movie.
During Damon Wayans’ acceptance speech at their NAACP induction in April 2025, he talked about Keenan's success, saying:
His next major success came from writing Scary 1 and 2 with Shawn and Marlon, and those movies grossed over $1 billion at the box office.
Keenan owns multiple properties, including a 5-bedroom mansion in Los Angeles and a home in Tarzana, California, which he purchased for $2.6 million in 2007 and listed for $3.2 million in 2020.
A look at the other Wayans family members' net worth
Other siblings besides Keenen have also achieved success in entertainment. Below is a run-through of their wealth and success.
Marlon Wayans' net worth ($40 million)
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He is the youngest sibling and one of the most successful ones. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Marlon is an American comedian, actor, producer, writer, and director with a net worth of $40 million.
He has starred in comedy and parody films, often collaborating with his brother Shawn. Some of his notable works include The Wayans Bros. and White Chicks. He has also produced films like A Haunted House and has toured domestically and internationally for his stand-up comedy shows.
Damon Wayans Sr.'s net worth ($35 million)
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According to Celebrity Net Worth, Damon Wayans' net worth is $35 million. He rose to fame with his role in the series In Living Colour and went on to act in films and TV shows like Major Payne and The Last Boy Scout.
Wayans' wealth comes from his successful career in comedy, acting, writing, and directing. He owns properties, including a $5.35 million home in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, and a condo in Santa Monica, California.
He listed it for rent at $20,000 per month, and the property was valued at $6.5 million in 2018, according to the Los Angeles Times. He rides luxurious cars, including the 2021 Dodge Challenger.
Shawn Wayans ($30 million)
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As Celebrity Net Worth shared, Shawn is an American actor, comedian, producer, and writer with a net worth of $30 million. He co-created and starred in the sitcom The Wayans Bros. with his brother Marlon and appeared in films like White Chicks, Little Man, and Dance Flick.
Shawn owns a $5.4 million mansion in Los Angeles. After a hiatus, Wayans returned to stand-up comedy, touring several cities in 2019.
Damon Jr. ($9 million)
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As the son of Damon Wayans Sr., Damon Jr. is part of the second generation thriving in the entertainment industry. As of 2025, he has a net worth of $9 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
He is a comedian, actor, and writer known for roles in Happy Endings and New Girl. Damon is also a voice actor and has appeared in various films.
Kim Wayans ($2 million)
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As per Celebrity Net Worth, Kim is an actress and author with a net worth of $2 million. As a member of the Wayans family and the most successful female sibling, she has appeared in notable projects like In Living Colour, A Different World, and China Beach.
In addition to acting, Kim has found success as a children's book author with her Amy Hodgepodge series. Kim works both in front of and behind the camera.
Of the five brothers, only Dwayne Wayans, a record composer, has an undisclosed net worth. The other sisters' net worths are unknown, including Elvira Wayans' net worth.
Why is the Wayans family so famous?
They are a renowned “comedy dynasty” celebrated for their significant impact on American film and television. With a career spanning multiple generations, they have raised actors, comedians, writers, producers, and directors.
Their distinctive blend of satirical and physical humour has redefined the comedy genre, producing numerous cult classics and influencing major productions, including the Super Bowl halftime show. Their influence can be seen in many aspects of popular culture, from film and television to music and comedy.
Besides other awards and recognition, the rich family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards' Hall of Fame in 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
- Which one of the Wayans passed away? Howell Wayans passed away in 2023.
- What are the Wayans family's sources of income? Acting, comedy, directing, and scriptwriting.
- How much is Damon Wayans worth in 2025? He is worth $35 million.
- Is Kim Wayans a millionaire? She is worth $2 million.
Conclusion
The Wayans family's net worth is a testament to their dedication and hard work. Each generation continues to excel in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting legacy.
READ MORE: Exploring Marlon Wayans' net worth and his business ventures
As Briefly.co.za published, Marlon Wayans' net worth reflects his versatile career in comedy, acting, writing, and producing.
From iconic films like Scary Movie and White Chicks to his sitcom and stand-up specials, Wayans has built a lasting legacy in the entertainment scene. Alongside his brother, he co-founded Wayans Bros. Entertainment, a production company that has since produced the Scary Movie franchise and other films.
Source: Briefly News
