By Chida Warren-Darby – Managing Editor
The Wayans name is synonymous with hilarious, funny and downright gut busting laughter. Collectively the family – a comedic group, carries this weight, but also individually. From May 7th through the 9th, Shawn Wayans, will be making an appearance at the American Comedy Co. giving his fans what they like, which is pure comedy.
The second youngest of 10 siblings, Shawn Wayans was born in New York City to Howell Wayans, a social worker, and his wife, Elvira, a homemaker. Throughout his childhood, he was surrounded by family and comedy, which shaped him into the man he is today. As one committed to the craft of making people laugh, Shawn can’t picture himself doing anything else.
In a recent interview with The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper, Wayans touched on several things that the fans were eager to know. In a poll of questions given to readers, many wanted to know if they’d ever see the return of “In Living Color?” His reply was “Like everyone else, I’m a big fan too. I really miss the show, but I really dont’ know.” he said. “In Living Color” after all was Wayans’ first break into the industry, known to audiences as DJ SW1. “I wasn’t really a DJ,” he jested. It was simply decided that he had the best look and fit for the overall theme of the show, but I don’t think the ladies minded much. Over the years following his debut, Wayans embarked on many successful endeavors, including hit sitcoms, and even writing and producing movies. But even with his ever increasing list of accomplishments, it is evident that through it all, Shawn is about his family and about his love for comedy. In some large entertainment families, there often times are occurrences of younger siblings exemplifying an eagerness to be independent of the older accomplished brothers and sisters. Shawn says, this isn’t something he struggles with. “Being independent isn’t a necessity for me. I like working with my family. I enjoy being around them… I love family.” He expressed having great synergy with them especially when it comes to developing new project ideas. In addition to his stand up comedy, Shawn shared that he’s working on several projects simultaneously, but still manages to keep a very regimented schedule to reach maximum efficiency. “I get up, work out and go to work… well for me going to work is going to write.” For hours on end, Shawn can be found jotting down moments from life, memories, current and past events, in an effort to create brilliant memorable comedic moments for his audience. This tight routine contributes to his youthful glow, which is something a few readers inquired about. “I’m sure not to eat certain foods,” he states, “and I get lots of rest.”
When asked about a defining moment in his life in which he knew he was going to continue in the vein of comedy versuses venturing into something else, he shares “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I love what I do.” Shawn says that he’s always been a comedian, a class clown even. It was with the help of his siblings and in witnessing their success that he was able to develop more of this talent he was born with. With no real rhyme or reason to the successes that he and his brothers have seen over the years with their movie and sitcom ventures, Shawn says that they all just do what feels right. “We get together and talk about an idea,” and if it sticks with them, then they know it’ll stick with their audiences. One question asked from a reader was if Shawn had any plans on pursuing more dramatic acting roles. He vehemently replied NO.Basically if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. “I have no desire to pursue those types of roles.”
Shawn clearly shows no signs of stopping, but is sure to enjoy life, his three children, and his family, every step of the way… and ladies, he’s not on the market. “No I’m not married, but I do have a girlfriend.”
He moves at his own pace, creating a midus touch effect with everything he puts his hands to. Humble, whitty, unapologetic and unstoppable, Shawn Wayans is a force to be reckoned with. Something like a quiet storm.
Be sure to check out his May 7th throuh May 9th comedy show at the American Comedy Co. visit
www.americancomedyco.com for more information.
