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Marlon Wayans Reflects on Family Dynamics and Comedy Legacy in Upcoming Episode of Poppa’s House
Marlon Wayans is set to share the screen with his brother Damon Wayans and nephew Damon Wayans Jr. in the upcoming episode of Poppa’s House airing on March 24. The collaboration, which also features sister Kim Wayans as the director, showcases the unity and comfort the family has developed over their years in the entertainment industry. Marlon expressed how inspiring it was to see Damon Sr. at work, highlighting his brother as a comedic “genius” and the ultimate creative force within the Wayans clan.
“Damon is by far my favorite artist,” Marlon stated, likening him to legendary comedians such as Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. He noted, “He’s fearless in exploring the vast range of his artistic abilities, which is no easy feat. Watching him perform stand-up pushed me toward comedy myself, though it also intimidated me for a long time. But that intimidation eventually motivated me to perform on stage and hone my craft.”
In Poppa’s House, Marlon portrays Melvin, Poppa’s younger sibling who is always scheming to strike it rich. As the episode unfolds, Poppa, played by Damon, warns Junior against getting tangled up in Melvin’s plans, showcasing the complex yet loving relationships among the characters. Marlon will also reunite on screen with long-time collaborator Essence Atkins, much to the excitement of fans.
As the youngest of the ten Wayans siblings, Marlon relates closely to Damon Jr., both having risen to fame at a young age due to the family’s established success in entertainment.
“Being part of a legacy means you have to step up your game,” Marlon explained. “It adds pressure, but pressure can create something beautiful, just like diamonds. It helped both of us grasp the significance of the legacy we inherited.”
Many Wayans family members have ventured into stand-up comedy, and Marlon believes this is where Damon’s true genius is showcased. He revealed that Damon felt “frustrated” by the brief time he spent on Saturday Night Live, where he was a cast member in 1985 but was let go for deviating from the script during a skit.
“Damon never got to fully express himself on SNL. You can see glimpses of his genius even in that short tenure,” Marlon noted. “He wasn’t just about telling jokes; he brought characters and sketches to life, combining storytelling with performance art. He makes the stage a canvas for his creativity, which influences me and many others in the comedy world.”
Catch the Wayans family back together in the latest episode of Poppa’s House, titled “Melvin.”
Poppa’s House, Mondays, 8:30/7:30c, CBS
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