Damon Wayans, Jr.
| Damon Wayans, Jr. | |
|---|---|
 Wayans in 2012. | |
| Born |
Damon Kyle Wayans, Jr. November 18, 1982[1] Vermont[2] |
| Occupation | Actor/Comedian |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Parents |
Lisa Wayans Damon Wayans |
Damon Kyle Wayans, Jr. (born November 18, 1982) is an American actor, writer, and stand-up comedian, most widely known for starring as Brad Williams in the ABC comedy series Happy Endings and recurring as Coach in the Fox comedy series New Girl. He is the oldest son of actor-comedian Damon Wayans and nephew of Keenan Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Marlon Wayans.[3]
Early life
Wayans is the son of Lisa Thorner-Wayans and actor Damon Wayans. He is the eldest of four children: Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans and Kyla Wayans.[4]
Career
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.[citation needed] 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.
On May 16, 2011, the Fox Network announced that it had picked up the Zooey Deschanel anchored comedy New Girl, which featured Wayans in the supporting role of Coach. However, Happy Endings had already been picked up for a second season on rival network ABC. The producers of New Girl initially planned to recast Wayans' role,[5] but later decided not to recast nor reshoot the pilot episode in which he appeared. Instead, starting with the second episode, Wayans' character was substituted with Lamorne Morris,[6] playing the role of Winston, a former roommate who had been pursuing a professional basketball career in Latvia. With Happy Endings cancelled after its third season, it was announced in July 2013 that Wayans would return for at least 4 episodes of New Girl in the upcoming third season.[7] In November 2013, it was announced that Wayans would remain on the show for the rest of season 3.[8]
Personal life
Wayans has two daughters with ex-girlfriend Aja Metoyer.[9]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Blankman | Young Kevin | |
| 2009 | Dance Flick | Thomas | |
| 2010 | Marmaduke | Thunder | Voice |
| The Other Guys | Fosse | ||
| 2014 | Someone Marry Barry | Desmond | Upcoming |
| 2014 | Let's Be Cops | Filming |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–04 | My Wife and Kids | John | Recurring role, 8 episodes: "Mom's Away: Part 1" (season 2: episode 1) "Mom's Away: Part 2" (season 2: episode 2) "Learning to Earn It" (season 2: episode 12) "Papa Said Knock You Out" (season 2: episode 20) "Make Over" (season 2: episode 25) "Open Your Heart" (season 3: episode 13) "Jay Goes to School" (season 4: episode 4) "Moving on Out" (season 4: episode 14) |
| 2006 | The Underground | Various | Series regular 11 episodes |
| 2011, 2013- | New Girl | Coach | Season 1 (series regular; 1 episode) Season 3 (recurring) |
| 2011–13 | Happy Endings | Brad Williams | Series regular Nominated—NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series (2013) |
| 2012 | Happy Endings: Happy Rides | Brad Williams | Web series |
| NTSF:SD:SUV:: | Garett | 1 episode | |
References
- ↑ "Signal Staff and Wire Services", 18 November 2011. Santa Clarita Valley Signal, "Today in the SCV: Friday, Nov. 18, 2011". Accessed 29 November 2011.
- ↑ "Damon Wayans Jr. Talks Season 3, Negative Cast Rumors", huffingtonpost.com, 19 November 2012.
- ↑ Damon Wayans Biography (1960— ). Filmreference.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-30.
- ↑ "Wayans Believes in Stern Upbringing", contactmusic.com, 30 April 2004.
- ↑ ABC Renews ‘Happy Endings’, Fox’s ‘New Girl’ To Recast Damon Wayans Jr. –. Deadline.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-30.
- ↑ 'New Girl': Lamorne Morris Replaces Damon Wayans Jr. in Fox Comedy. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved on 2011-12-30.
- ↑ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/damon-wayans-jr-reprising-new-583173
- ↑ Hibberd, James (November 6 21, 2011). "'New Girl' scoop: Damon Wayans Jr. commits to whole season". adweek.com. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
- ↑ http://www.mstarz.com/articles/24165/20140102/dwyane-wade-and-damon-wayans-jr-beef-after-aja-metoyer-baby-mama-drama-happy-endings-actor-doesnt-want-kids-get-hurt-how-does-gabrielle-union-feel.htm