Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. arrive at the Fall Schedule Celebration at Paramount Studios on May 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Photo:Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
Damon Wayansis more than just a comedy icon — he’s also the proud father of four children: Damon Jr., Michael, Cara Mia and Kyla.
Wayans shares his kids with his ex-wife, Lisa Thorner, whom he was married to from 1984 until their divorce in 2000. Together, they’ve raised quite the talented brood, with many of their children following their actor father into the world of entertainment.
His younger brother, Michael, born in 1985, has taken a more behind-the-scenes role in Hollywood but has also appeared on his father’s showMy Wife and Kids. Cara, born in 1987, has explored acting (alongside her brother), writing and producing. Damon and Lisa’s youngest, Kyla, born in 1991, has kept her life more private but still has some acting credits to her name.
From their acting gigs to other endeavors, here’s everything to know about Damon Wayans’ four children: Damon Jr., Michael, Cara and Kyla.
Damon Wayans Jr., 42
Damon Wayans Jr., Damon Wayans.Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images
Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images
Damon and Lisa welcomed Damon Jr. on Nov. 18, 1982 in Vermont.
He was raised in Los Angeles where he was immersed in the entertainment industry from a young age. Damon Jr. made his acting debut at the age of 11, playing the role of young Kevin in his father’s 1994 filmBlank Man.
Damon Jr. attended Otis School of Art and Design, but his path eventually led him to follow in his father’s comedic footsteps.
“I actually wanted to be an animator,” he explainedonThe Late Show with Stephen Colbertin October 2018. “Then I found out how much they got paid, and I was like, ‘Uh huh, never mind. What are you doing, Dad?’ " he joked.
He braved the world of stand-up comedy in 2005 under the pseudonym Kyle Green. Damon Jr. toldStephen Colbertin 2018 that he “wrote first, then I started doing stand-up, then I started doing acting.”
Of his pseudonym he added that he, “just wanted an unassuming name. I did my middle name, which is Kyle, and then my grandma’s maiden name, which is Green.”
Damon Wayans Jr. speaks onstage at the “Poppas House” Presentation Q&A during the CBS Network portion of the 2024 TCA Summer Press Tour at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on July 13, 2024 in Pasadena, California.Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Speaking withEntertainment Tonightabout his upcoming father-son sitcom, Damon Jr. revealed that even he sees the similarities between him and his father.
“It’s weird, ‘cause even FaceTiming with him I’m like, ‘Wow, we look a lot alike,’ " he noted to the outlet. Continuing on about their dynamic on the set of their show, dad Damon said, “My goal is to make him laugh and his goal is to make me laugh. And when we make each other laugh, then it’s infectious.”
Aside from his successful career, Damon Jr. is also a father. He shares two daughters with his ex Aja Metoyer and is currently married to Samara Saraiva.
Michael Wayans, 39
Amy Graves/WireImage
Damon and Lisa welcomed their second son Michael on March 28, 1985.
His early exposure to Hollywood came through family projects, making his first appearance in his father’s 1994 filmBlankmanat just 9 years old.
Comedian Damon Wayans and son Michael Wayans attend Universal Pictures’ ‘Major Payne’ Premiere on March 22, 1995 at Cineplex Odeon Century Plaza Cinemas in Century City, California, USA.Barry King/Alamy Stock Photo
Barry King/Alamy Stock Photo
“Dealing with a 3-year-old is very challenging, but I think eventually yes [we will have more kids] after Mike and I tie the knot,” Simmons toldEntertainment Tonightin 2017.
Though he tends to keep a low profile, Michael is occasionally spotted at red carpet events with his family.
Cara Wayans, 37
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Damon and Lisa welcomed their daughter, Cara Wayans, on April 18, 1987.
In addition to her acting career, Cara made anappearancein Will Smith’s music video for his 1997 track, “Just the Two of Us,” alongside her father, Damon. The sweet music video highlighted the bond between fathers and their children.
Actor Damon Wayans and daughter Cara Mia Wayans at the 28th Annual People’s Choice Awards in Pasadena.AP/Paul Smith/Featureflash
AP/Paul Smith/Featureflash
Although she has maintained a lower profile as she’s grown up, Cara has made some notable strides creatively and enjoys art and painting, asshowcased on her Instagram. She’s also been known to praise her brother, Damon Jr. on her social media.
For his birthday in 2018, Carashared a red carpet photoof her brother with the caption, “I know— he is gorgeous! But he’s also KIND, LOVING, RELIABLE, GENUINE, HILARIOUS, GENEROUS, & my Favorite Oldest Brother! S/O to my parents for making this guy first. Life wouldn’t be the same without Our Damolian.”
It also appears that Cara is a mother to two children with her partner, as she has shared photos of both kidson her Instagram.
In February, 2022, she posted an adorable videoon Instagramof dad Damon singing and dancing with what appeared to be one of her kids on his lap.
“This gives me all the feels🥰🥰,” she captioned the cute clip.
Kyla Wayans, 34
Damon Wayons and daughters during The 34th NAACP Image Awards - Arrivals at Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, United States.Steve Grayson/WireImage
Steve Grayson/WireImage
Kyla is the youngest daughter of Damon and Lisa, and has largely stayed out of the public eye compared to her older siblings.
Born in 1991, Kyla explored acting early on, guest-starring inMy Wife and Kidslike the rest of her siblings. She appeared in the 2001 episode, “The Truth Hurts.”
Kyla posts occasional selfies and photographs of herself in stylish looks on what appears to be herpublic Instagram account.
source: people.com
