A Sad Farewell: Saying Goodbye to a Wayans Brother in 2021

It was a sad day for comedy fans when news broke that Wayans Brother, Shawn Wayans, had passed away in 2021. Shawn and his brother Marlon had been making us laugh for decades on the small screen, and their talent and unforgettable characters will always be remembered. As we mourn Shawn’s passing, let’s take a look at the career of this talented comedian and the contributions he made in making the world a funnier place.

Early Days

Shawn Wayans was born in 1971 in New York City to parents Elvira and Howell Wayans. He was the fourth of ten children and one of the five siblings who would later go on to become The Wayans Brothers. He grew up in the city and attended the Professional Children’s School in Manhattan. He first got a taste of show business when he was cast in his father’s play, ‘No More Nasty’. In the late 1980s, he and his brothers Damon, Keenen, Marlon, and Kim, began performing stand up comedy.

The Wayans Brothers Hit the Small Screen

In the early 90s, the Wayans Brothers started appearing on television. Shawn and Marlon starred in the Fox sketch comedy show, In Living Color, created by their brother Keenen Ivory Wayans. The show was a huge hit and made household names of the Wayans Brothers. Shawn’s most beloved character from the show was the flamboyant Handi-Man. He also wrote and directed some of the show’s sketches.

Movie Career

After In Living Color ended in 1994, Shawn and Marlon continued to act together in several movies. In 1995, they starred in the cult classic, Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. They later appeared in the comedy films, The Luck of the Irish, Scary Movie, White Chicks, and Little Man. In addition to acting, Shawn and Marlon both wrote and produced several of the films.

Return to TV

In 1999, Shawn and Marlon returned to television with their own show, The Wayans Bros. The show was a sitcom about two brothers who have moved away from their family in New York City to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams. The show ran for five seasons and was a ratings success. In addition to acting, Shawn also served as a producer on the show.

Other Projects

In addition to acting and producing, Shawn also had a hand in several other projects. He was the executive producer on the show, My Wife and Kids, starring his brother Damon. He also produced the show, Second Generation Wayans. He also wrote and directed the film, A Very Brady Sequel and the television movie, The Wayans Bros.: The Curse of Kazaam.

A Legacy of Comedy

Shawn Wayans will forever be remembered for his contribution to comedy. Whether it was as Handi-Man in In Living Color, or as one of the Wayans Bros in their sitcom and movies, he always brought laughter to the world. He was a talented and beloved comedian who will be deeply missed.

Memorial and Tributes

In the wake of his passing, fans, co-stars, and friends have been paying tribute to Shawn on social media. In honor of his life and career, a memorial service was held on April 3, 2021. The service was attended by his family and some of his many friends, including Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Kim Wayans.

Charity and Legacy

In the spirit of his generous personality, Shawn’s family has set up a charity fund in his memory. The Shawn Wayans Memorial Fund will fund educational grants for students pursuing a degree in the arts. It will also provide assistance to families in need. The fund has garnered support from many people in the entertainment industry, including Jamie Foxx, who pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds from his upcoming comedy special to the fund.

Final Thoughts

Shawn Wayans was an incredibly talented comedian and actor who will forever be remembered for his contributions to the world of comedy. His legacy will live on through his numerous memorable characters, his charity work, and the laughter he brought to so many. We can all take comfort in knowing that his spirit will continue to bring joy and laughter to future generations.

Rest in Power, Shawn Wayans