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Damon Wayans Jr.

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Damon Wayans Jr.
Wayans at a panel for the film at San Diego Comic-Con International in July 2014
Born
Damon Kyle Wayans Jr.

(1982-11-18) November 18, 1982 (age 42)[1]
Huntington, Vermont, U.S.
Occupation(s)Actor, comedian
Years active1994–present
Parent(s)Damon Wayans
Lisa Thorner

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 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.[2]

Early life

Wayans was born in Huntington, Vermont.[3][4] 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 Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans and Kyla Wayans.[5]

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,[6] 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,[7] 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.[8] In November 2013, it was announced that Wayans would remain on the show for the rest of season 3.[9] In May 2014, it was announced Wayans would return as a series regular for season four.

Personal life

Wayans has two daughters with ex-girlfriend Aja Metoyer.[10]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1994 Blankman Young Kevin Walker
2009 Dance Flick Thomas
2010 Marmaduke Thunder Voice
2010 The Other Guys Fosse
2014 Someone Marry Barry Desmond
2014 Let's Be Cops Justin Miller
2014 Big Hero 6 Wasabi Voice
2016 The Land Before Time: Journey of the Brave Wild Arms[11] Voice
2016 How to Be Single David Stone

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2002–2004 My Wife and Kids John Recurring role, 8 episodes
2006 The Underground Various Main role, 11 episodes
2011, 2013–2016 New Girl Ernie 'Coach' Main role, 42 episodes
2011–2013 Happy Endings Brad Williams Main role, 57 episodes
Nominated—Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Nominated—NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series (2012–13)
Nominated—Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Male Scene Stealer
2012 Happy Endings: Happy Rides Brad Williams Web series, 2 episodes
2012 NTSF:SD:SUV:: Garett Episode: "The Real Bicycle Thief"
2016 Brooklyn Nine-Nine Steve Episode: "The 9-8"

References

  1. ^ "Signal Staff and Wire Services", November 18, 2011. Santa Clarita Valley Signal, "Today in the SCV: Friday, Nov. 18, 2011". Accessed November 29, 2011.
  2. ^ Damon Wayans Biography (1960— ). Filmreference.com. Retrieved on December 30, 2011.
  3. ^ "'Happy Endings': Damon Wayans Jr. Talks Season 3, Negative Cast Rumors". The Huffington Post. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  4. ^ "Person Details for Damon Kyle Wayans, "Vermont, Vital Records, 1760-2008" — FamilySearch.org". familysearch.org. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  5. ^ "Wayans Believes in Stern Upbringing", contactmusic.com, April 30, 2004.
  6. ^ ABC Renews ‘Happy Endings’, Fox’s ‘New Girl’ To Recast Damon Wayans Jr. –. Deadline.com. Retrieved on December 30, 2011.
  7. ^ 'New Girl': Lamorne Morris Replaces Damon Wayans Jr. in Fox Comedy. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved on December 30, 2011.
  8. ^ "Damon Wayans Jr. Reprising 'New Girl' Role for Season 3 Arc". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  9. ^ Hibberd, James (November 6, 2011). "'New Girl' scoop: Damon Wayans Jr. commits to whole season". adweek.com. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  10. ^ "Dwyane Wade and Damon Wayans Jr. beef after Aja Metoyer baby mama drama? 'Happy Endings' actor 'doesn't want kids to get hurt,' how does Gabrielle Union feel?". Mstarz. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  11. ^ Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (December 17, 2015). "From Universal Pictures Home Entertainment: The Land Before Time: Journey of the Brave". PR Newswire. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
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