I Feel Like I’m Just Getting Started
The comedian, actor, writer and producer says he’s ready to show the world his serious side
He began acting at age 16 with a small part in I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, and has since starred in 22 movies — including hits like White Chicks and the Scary Movie parody flicks — and more than 10 television shows (including the groundbreaking ’ 90s sketch comedy series In Living Color). But, incredibly, Marlon Wayans feels like his career is just now starting to peak. With a new Netflix movie, Naked, premiering on Aug. 11, his NBC show, Marlon, debuting on Aug. 16, plus his ongoing live comedy tour, “I feel like I have the career of a 24-year- old,” says Marlon. “I guess I’m a late bloomer.” The father of two (daughter Amai and son Shawn with ex Angelica Zachary), who recently partnered with M&M’S for the Red Nose Day campaign to benefit programs that help children living in poverty, took time out from his hectic schedule to talk to In Touch’s Diana Cooper about his new projects, raising teenagers and the likelihood of a White Chicks sequel.
You’re already so accomplished. How can you feel like you’re just hitting your stride now? MW: I’ve been maturing a lot in the past five years, and I’m doing stuff with more substance. I don’t want to just make people laugh anymore, I want to also make them think and feel.
Does that mean there won’t be a
White Chicks 2?! MW: I get asked that every single day, in every country I go to. Honestly, we are actually thinking about it. With everything going on in the world today, we think we can make a great, richer sequel.
Do your kids think you’re as funny as the rest of the world does? MW: They used to think I was hilarious, but now that they’re teenagers, they just think of me as goofy and inappropriate.
How so? MW: I got kicked out of my son’s basketball game. I guess I was too passionate. But the ref wasn’t calling fouls! I can be embarrassing.
Tell us about your involvement with M&M’S and Red Nose day. MW: It’s important to me because I’m from the projects in New York City, and I wish there were programs like this when I was young. It’s beautiful to have something focused on the next generation.
You are the youngest of 10 siblings, most of them famous. Is there any competition? MW: The worst compliment I could ever get is “You’re the funniest Wayans.” I don’t want to hear that. We’re all different. And when it comes to down to who’s funniest, it’s always going to be my mom!
Are you dating? MW: I’ll handle that question like Facebook and say, “It’s complicated!” I’m not looking for love; I’m married to my work!
You’re 45 and still look great. What’s your secret? MW: I try to hit the gym at least five times a week. I eat right and do two cleanses a year. I also take like 70 vitamins a day. Everyone’s like, “Marlon’s on drugs,” and I’m like, “No, I’m on vitamins!” ◼