Net Worth Ranker
What Is Damon Wayans’ Net Worth?
Damon Wayans, a prominent figure in American comedy, acting, and writing, has amassed a considerable net worth of $35 million. This financial success is primarily attributed to his multifaceted career, which includes stand-up comedy, television appearances, and film roles. His early recognition on the sketch comedy series “In Living Color” in the 1990s served as a launchpad for his subsequent achievements in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 4, 1960, in New York City, Damon Wayans is one of ten children. His father, Howell Stouten Wayans, worked as a supermarket manager, while his mother, Elvira Alethia (née Green), was a social worker. The Wayans family is well-known for its significant presence in the entertainment industry, with numerous siblings achieving success in various creative fields. Damon’s journey into the world of comedy began in 1982 when he started performing stand-up. His initial foray into film was a brief, uncredited appearance in the 1984 Eddie Murphy film “Beverly Hills Cop”.
From 1985 to 1986, Damon Wayans was a featured player on “Saturday Night Live”. However, his tenure on the show was cut short after only eleven episodes due to creative differences. Wayans has stated that he intentionally sought to be fired because he felt restricted by the lack of creative freedom and limited screen time. During the late 1980s, he also made appearances on the syndicated television series “Solid Gold”.
“In Living Color” and Rise to Fame
Damon Wayans, in collaboration with his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans, created the sketch comedy series “In Living Color” for Fox. The show, which premiered in April 1990, featured a predominantly African-American cast and quickly gained popularity for its edgy humor and memorable characters. “In Living Color” aired until 1994, but Damon left in 1992 after two seasons to pursue a film career.
Following his departure from “In Living Color”, Damon Wayans starred in a string of films, including “The Last Boy Scout” (1991), which grossed over $105 million worldwide. In 1992, he starred in “Mo’ Money,” which grossed $40 million domestically. Further film credits include “Major Payne” (1995), which grossed $30 million. “Celtic Pride” (1996), “Bulletproof” (1996), and “The Great White Hype” (1996). Additionally, he wrote and starred in the 1994 film “Blankman”.
In October 1996, Damon Wayans produced the animated series “Waynehead” for The WB. The show, which was loosely based on his own childhood experiences, featured a character with a club foot, a condition Wayans experienced as a child. Despite the personal connection, “Waynehead” was canceled after one season due to low ratings. From 1997 to 1998, Wayans executive produced the FOX drama “413 Hope St.,” starring Richard Roundtree and Jesse L. Martin, but this series was also short-lived. His comedy show “Damon” only lasted thirteen episodes in 1998.
Television Success and Recognition
Damon Wayans’ television career saw a resurgence with his starring role in the ABC comedy series “My Wife and Kids,” which ran from March 2001 to May 2005. He received four International Press Academy “Golden Satellite Award” nominations for his performance on the show. In 2002, he won a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male TV Performer. In 2006, he produced and starred in the Showtime sketch comedy series “The Underground,” which also featured his son Damon Wayans Jr., and he hosted that year’s BET Awards. Damon Wayans announced his retirement from stand-up comedy in December 2015.
In September 2016, Damon Wayans joined the cast of the “Lethal Weapon” television series as Roger Murtaugh. The series aired for three seasons, from 2016 to 2019. While specific salary figures for his role in “Lethal Weapon” were not publicly disclosed, lead actors in successful network television series often command substantial per-episode fees, significantly contributing to their overall net worth.
Literary Works and Other Ventures
Beyond acting and comedy, Damon Wayans has also ventured into writing. He co-authored the book “Bootleg” with David Asbery, a collection of humorous observations about family life, which became a New York Times bestseller. In 2011, he published his first novel, “Red Hats,” which tells the story of a suicidal sixty-five-year-old woman who finds happiness after joining the Red Hat Society. Sales figures for “Red Hats” were not publicly released, but the book added to Wayans’ diverse portfolio of creative work.
Personal Life and Real Estate Investments
Damon Wayans was married to Lisa Thorner from 1984 to 2000. They have four children: Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, and Kyla Wayans. His son, Damon Wayans Jr., is also a successful actor, known for his roles in “Happy Endings” and “New Girl.”
Damon Wayans has made several notable real estate investments over the years. In 2005, he purchased an ocean-view condo in Santa Monica, California, for $3 million. He listed the condo for rent in 2018 for $20,000 per month. In 2017, he acquired a home in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles for $5.35 million. Prior to that, in 2007, he sold a property in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, for $4.4 million. These real estate transactions demonstrate Wayans’ savvy investment strategies, which contribute to his overall net worth.
Close Friendships and Health
Damon Wayans maintains close personal friendships with NBA legend Michael Jordan and fellow “In Living Color” star Jim Carrey. These relationships highlight his connections within both the entertainment and sports industries.
In January 2013, Damon Wayans was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He has since managed his condition through lifestyle adjustments and medical care. While not directly contributing to his net worth, this information provides a comprehensive view of his personal life.
