Keenen Ivory Wayans Net Worth

Overview

Keenen Ivory Wayans, born on June 8, 1958, is an American actor, comedian, writer, and director. He is a prominent member of the Wayans family, known for their significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Wayans gained recognition as the host and creator of the sketch comedy series ‘In Living Color’ (1990-1994). His career has included producing, directing, and writing numerous films, often featuring his siblings. Some of his notable works include ‘Hollywood Shuffle’ (co-writer, 1987), ‘I’m Gonna Git You Sucka’ (1988), and ‘Scary Movie’ (2000), which he directed and which became the highest-grossing film directed by an African American at the time. He also hosted ‘The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show’ from 1997 to 1998 and served as a judge on ‘Last Comic Standing’ in 2014. Wayans attended Tuskegee University on an engineering scholarship but left to pursue comedy. His work is known for its satirical take on race and pop culture.

What Is Keenen Ivory Wayans’ Net Worth

Keenen Ivory Wayans, a multifaceted American entertainer, boasts a net worth of $65 million as of 2025. This substantial wealth reflects his successful career as a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director.

Early Career and “In Living Color” Success

Born on June 8, 1958, in Harlem, New York, Keenen Ivory Desuma Wayans Sr. is one of ten siblings. He initially pursued engineering at Tuskegee University, securing a scholarship, but he left one semester shy of graduation to dedicate himself to comedy. His early performances at The Improv comedy club in New York led to a pivotal meeting with Robert Townsend, who mentored Wayans and helped him navigate the comedy scene. This collaboration resulted in the 1987 film “Hollywood Shuffle,” which they co-wrote and co-starred in, laying the groundwork for Wayans’ future success.

Wayans’ rising popularity caught the attention of Fox Broadcasting Company, leading to the creation of “In Living Color,” a sketch comedy show that ran from 1990 to 1994. The show was conceived as a more diverse and edgy alternative to “Saturday Night Live.” “In Living Color” not only showcased Keenen’s comedic talent but also provided a platform for his siblings, including Damon, Kim, Shawn, and Marlon Wayans, launching their careers. The show also featured now-famous actors such as Jim Carrey, David Alan Grier, Jamie Foxx, Alexandra Wentworth, and Kim Coles. Jennifer Lopez began her career as a “Fly Girl” dancer on the show.

The show earned Wayans a Primetime Emmy Award in 1991, and was nominated for six more Primetime Emmys for the series. The show also earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Performance in an Educational/Informational Youth or Children’s Series/Special and a PGA Award for Most Promising Producer in Television.

Film Career and Directorial Ventures

Keenen Ivory Wayans expanded his influence through film, directing the first two installments of the “Scary Movie” franchise, which were written by his brothers Shawn and Marlon. He also contributed as a writer, producer, director, or actor to numerous other films and television shows, including “White Chicks,” “Hollywood Shuffle,” “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” “A Low Down Dirty Shame,” “Mo Money,” “Blankman,” “My Wife and Kids,” “Dance Flick,” and “Little Man.” These projects showcase his diverse talents and comedic sensibilities, contributing significantly to his net worth.

In addition to his work behind the camera, Wayans hosted “The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show” from 1997 to 1998 and served as its executive producer. He also appeared as a judge on the reality TV series “Last Comic Standing” from 2014 to 2015. In 2004, he won two BET Comedy Awards for the movie “White Chicks,” Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Writing.

Real Estate Investments

Keenen Ivory Wayans’ financial portfolio includes real estate holdings. In 2007, he purchased a home in Tarzana, California, for $2.6 million. This property, located in a desirable neighborhood, reflects his investment strategy and contributes to his overall net worth. In November 2020, he listed this home for sale for $3.2 million.