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Damon Wayans Talks Family and Comedy in New Series “Poppa’s House”
Damon Wayans, an emblematic figure in the comedy world, has an intimate connection with the Paramount Pictures lot, having once delivered mail to Hollywood stars. Now, he returns as a star himself in the upcoming CBS series “Poppa’s House,” which premieres tomorrow night. In this new comedy, Wayans embodies a father with a strong personality, sharing the screen with his real-life son, Damon Wayans Jr., further enhancing the authentic chemistry between the two.
Both actors have expressed their shared desire to make each other laugh during filming, with Damon Jr. stating, “That’s the ultimate goal really, is to make people who you respect laugh. If I can get my dad to break in a scene, that just gives me more energy for the next take.”
A Legacy of Laughter
For the 64-year-old Damon Sr., comedy isn’t just a job; it’s a substantial part of his legacy. Over nearly four decades, he has developed some memorable and edgy characters, ranging from a Marine drill instructor in “Major Payne” to the beloved angry clown Homey from “In Living Color.” Such roles have left an indelible mark on both his audience and on popular culture.
Wayans notes that he still receives nostalgic greetings from fans who recognize him as Homey. He shares a light-hearted comparison, saying, “It’s nice. It’s, like, does a woman ever get tired of being told she’s beautiful? Never, right?” This enduring recognition adds a sweet layer to his career, especially considering his challenging upbringing.
Humble Beginnings
Growing up in a crowded New York City apartment as one of ten children, Wayans describes his early life as tight-knit but tough. “There were four of us to a room,” he recalls. Reflecting on those close quarters, he jokingly states, “To sleep with someone’s foot in your behind is pretty much my childhood!” Yet, this challenging environment fueled the comedic talents that would later shape his career, as he and his siblings learned to harness their adversity for comedic inspiration.
By 1982, Wayans ventured to Hollywood, following his older brother Keenan’s footsteps into the entertainment industry. Working as a mail courier during the day while performing standup at night, he recounts the excitement of encountering legends such as Eddie Murphy and Leonard Nimoy on the lot. “I hope I didn’t mess up their mail!” he jokes.
Overcoming Adversity
Despite the laughter, Wayans faced significant challenges, including physical hardships arising from a club foot that caused him constant pain. When he felt compelled to leave his job as a mailman in search of better opportunities, he experienced a turning point. After a heartfelt conversation with God, he found ten dollars on the street the next day, which he views as a sign that changed his trajectory. “Absolutely,” he affirms, reflecting on the moment that led him to beg for his job back.
His breakthrough came with a brief yet notable role in “Beverly Hills Cop,” leading to his casting on “Saturday Night Live.” He recalls particularly valuable advice from Murphy during that time: “Write your own sketches. Otherwise, you gonna be doing white people stuff, and you gonna hate it.” Ultimately, while his stint on “SNL” was short, he later flourished on “In Living Color,” a sketch show created by his brother that featured several family members, reinforcing the Wayans’ familial influence in his career.
Finding Success and Contentment
The success of the series “My Wife and Kids” came during a particularly turbulent time in Wayans’ life, as he was navigating a divorce. However, he views comedy as a therapeutic outlet, enabling him to transform pain into laughter. “It’s like, I get into a car accident and I go up onstage and I talk about my neck hurting and people are laughing; my neck doesn’t hurt as much,” he explains.
As he reflects on his journey from hardship to success, Wayans expresses a deep sense of contentment. “I’ve reached an age where I’m content,” he states, underscoring the importance of health and well-being over the fleeting nature of happiness. He embraces his family life, celebrating the joy brought by his ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild, proclaiming, “Life. Does it get better? It doesn’t!”
To watch a teaser for “Poppa’s House,” click on the video player below:
Poppa’s House – Pilot (Sneak Peek 3) by CBS on YouTube
Source
www.cbsnews.com