Damon Wayans Jr. | |
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Wayans at the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con International promoting Let's Be Cops
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Born |
Damon Kyle Wayans Jr. November 18, 1982 Huntington, Vermont, U.S. |
Occupation | Actor, comedian |
Years active | 1994–present |
Parent(s) |
Damon Wayans Lisa Thorner |
Damon Kyle Wayans Jr. (born November 18, 1982) is an American actor, writer, producer, and stand-up comedian, most widely known for starring as Brad Williams in the ABC comedy series Happy Endings and as Coach in the Fox comedy series New Girl. In 2014, he starred in the comedy film Let's Be Cops and provided the voice of Wasabi in Big Hero 6.
He is the oldest son of actor-comedian Damon Wayans and nephew of Keenen Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Marlon Wayans.
Wayans was born in Huntington, Vermont. He is a member of the Wayans family, the son of Lisa Thorner and actor Damon Wayans. He is the eldest of four children: Michael, Cara Mia, and Kyla.
Wayans made his film debut when he was cast in his father's 1994 feature film Blankman playing Young Kevin. He later appeared on his father's sitcom My Wife and Kids as John, one of Junior's friends. He later worked as a staff writer on the series. In fact, the character of Junior was loosely based on Wayans Jr. himself. He appeared in and served as a writer on The Underground. Wayans Jr. also surprised audiences when he garnered a standing ovation during his debut appearance on Def Comedy Jam. He starred in the Wayans family comedy Dance Flick as the film's main character, Thomas.
From April 2011 to May 2013, Wayans starred as Brad Williams, one of the lead characters in the ABC comedy series Happy Endings, alongside Eliza Coupe, Elisha Cuthbert, Zachary Knighton, Adam Pally, and Casey Wilson. Despite critical acclaim and a cult following, the show was cancelled by ABC after concluding its third season on May 3, 2013. Wayans was nominated for "Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series" at the NAACP Image Awards and Critic's Choice Television Awards for his work on Happy Endings.