The legendary Wayans family will be honored with induction into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame at the 56th annual ceremony.
The prestigious recognition highlights the family’s cultural impact, spanning multiple generations and creating some of the most beloved comedic projects in Hollywood history.
Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr. will officially join the esteemed ranks of Hall of Fame inductees during the live broadcast on BET and CBS on February 22, 2025, from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
The Wayans family has been a force in entertainment for over four decades, bringing humor, innovation, and representation to Hollywood through their work in sketch comedy, television, and film.
Keenen Ivory Wayans revolutionized television in 1990 with In Living Color, the groundbreaking sketch comedy series that not only launched the careers of the Wayans family but also introduced audiences to stars like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez.
Damon Wayans Sr. further cemented the family’s comedic legacy with his starring role in Major Payne (1995) and his successful run on My Wife and Kids, while Keenen took his talents to the big screen, directing the smash hit horror spoof Scary Movie (2000)—written by Marlon and Shawn Wayans, who also co-wrote and starred in the cult classic White Chicks (2004).
Kim Wayans has also made contributions, starring in and writing for In Living Color and receiving critical acclaim for her dramatic turn in Pariah (2011). Meanwhile, Damon Wayans Jr. has carved out his own impressive career with standout roles in hit comedies like Happy Endings and New Girl.
The NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame is reserved for trailblazers who have made an indelible impact on the entertainment industry and culture. Previous inductees include icons like Lena Horne, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Oprah Winfrey, and Spike Lee. The Wayans family now joins this elite group, recognized for their contributions to Black excellence in Hollywood.
Damon Wayans Sr. and Damon Wayans Jr. currently co-star in the CBS sitcom Poppa’s House, which is nominated for an NAACP Image Award, alongside individual acting nominations for both father and son. Marlon Wayans is also nominated for his guest appearance on Peacock’s Bel-Air.
Tune in to BET and CBS on February 22 to watch the Wayans family receive their well-deserved honor at the 56th NAACP Image Awards.
Photo Credit: NAACP
