The multi-talented American actor, disc jockey (DJ), comedian, and producer Shawn Wayans, has appeared in numerous TV series and films and the most notable are “White Chicks,” the “Scary Movie” film series, and “Little Man.” He is the ninth born in the famous Wayans family, which has ten siblings.
Age, Early Life, and Education Background
Shawn Mathis Wayans hails from New York City, and was born under the Capricorn zodiac sign on 19 January 1971, which makes him 52 years old as of 2023. He’s the son of Howell S. Wayans, a devout Jehovah’s Witness who worked as a supermarket manager, and his wife Elvira A. Green, who was a housewife and a social worker. Shawn was brought up alongside his nine siblings, in Fulton Houses, Manhattan, revealing that he comes from a poor family that had no electricity, and that he was raised on syrup sandwiches. Shawn’s childhood inspiration was the famed and successful American family of entertainers and musicians, the Jackson Family, which is from Gary, Indiana.
Shawn attended Bayard Rustin High School for the Humanities. He matriculated in 1989, and subsequently joined Loyola Marymount University.
Film Appearances
Shawn made his film debut in the 1988 comedy film “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.” He appeared in two more films in the late ‘90s, before he was cast to star as Ray Wilkins in the 2000 slasher parody “Scary Movie,” which was directed by Keenen Wayans. The film was a success, grossing over $275 million against a budget of $19 million. He wrote the film alongside his brother, Marlon Wayans, who was also cast for the starring role. Shawn reprised his role of Wilkins in “Scary Movie 2” in 2001.
In 2004, Shawn was cast as Kevin Copeland in Keenen Wayans-directed comedy, “White Chicks.” Shawn was also the writer and producer of the film, which follows the story of two FBI agents, Kevin and Marcus (Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans) who are ordered to escort two socialites to the Hamptons and pose as bait for an abductor. When they learn about the duo’s true identity, the girls refuse to accompany them, which forces them to impersonate them by transforming themselves from Black men into blonde, white women. In 2006, Shawn wrote, produced and appeared in another Keenen Wayans-directed comedy, “Little Man,” which was followed by appearances in five more films including 2009’s musical comedy “Dance Flick.”
TV Appearances
Shawn assumed various roles, including that of DJ SW1 in the sketch comedy series “In Living Color” from 1990 to 1993. From 1995 to 1999, he wrote, produced, directed and appeared in The WB TV sitcom “The Wayans Bros.,” which is centered around the lives of the Wayans brothers, Anna Maria Horsford, and the late comedian, John Witherspoon. Shawn’s following performances were in the animated TV series “Waynehead” (1996 and 1997), and the children’s animated TV special entitled “The Boo Crew.”
Awards and Nominations
Shawn has won five of the 14 awards for which he’s been nominated as of mid-2023. In 2004, he scooped a BET Comedy Award for Outstanding Writing of a Box Office Movie for his works in “White Chicks.” He’s the recipient of a joint TV Land Award (2012) for his performance in “In Living Color” and two Razzie Awards for his praised performance in “Little Man” both in 2007. Additionally, in 1998, Shawn was nominated for a Kids’ Choice Award for his performance in “The Wayans Bros.,” a Blockbuster Entertainment Award (2001) for his performance in “Scary Movie,” and The Stinkers Bad Movie Award for his role in “White Chicks.”
Personal Life
Wayans has portrayed gay characters in various films including “Scary Movie,” which previously resulted in speculations that he was gay. He’s denied the rumours, clarifying that he’s straight. He met and began dating the American fitness coach and model, Ursula Marie Alberto, in the late ‘90s, and the duo eventually walked the aisle in 2001. Ursula was born on 26 February 1968 and has won various titles including Ms. Fitness USA and Ms. Galaxy USA. The duo has three children together: daughters Laila who was born in 1999, and Illia born in 2002), and son Marlon Wayans Jr., born in 2004. Sadly, Shawn and Ursula divorced in 2008.
Previously, Shawn’s ex-wife, Ursula was married to the Serbian International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness (IFBB) bodybuilder and fitness coach, Miloš Šarčev. Ursula was in her early 20s when she met Šarčev (in San Diego), who had won the Mr. Yugoslavia title twice. He trained her during the early stages of her modeling and bodybuilding career, and even taught her to eat right. Unfortunately, Ursula’s relationship with Šarčev was short-lived.
The Wayans Family
The Wayans family has supported each other through thick and thin, and is a perfect example of the American Black families who have excelled together. Shawn’s firstborn brother is the film-score composer and former writer, Dwayne Wayans, born on 20 July 1956 and is currently 66 years old. In 1958, Shawn’s second oldest brother, Keenen Ivory D. Wayans was born, who is currently an actor, filmmaker, and comedian, and in the year that followed, the producer and screenwriter,Diedra Lenora Wayans was born. Shawn’s other siblings are the stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, Damon Kyle Wayans (born in late 1960), the actress, Kimberley Nichole Wayans (born in 1961), and the producer and screenwriter, Elvira Alethia Wayans. Before Wayans’ youngest brother, Marlon Wayans, who was previously married to Angela Zackery, was born in July 1973, his parents welcomed the actress, Nadia Yvette Wayans (born 1965), the screenwriter Devonne ‘Vonnie’ Wayans (born in 1966), and the actor, producer, and comedian Shawn Mathis Wayans (born in 1971). Most of the Wayans siblings have worked on several entertainment projects together.
Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Wayans is of Afro-American ethnicity and has a set of brown eyes and short black hair. He stands at the height of 6ft 1in (1.85m) and weighs about 190lbs (86 kgs). The actor wears shoe size 11 (US). He sports a French beard and has pierced both of his ears.
Net Worth
Wayans’ successful multi-faceted Hollywood career has not only made him wealthy, but also very famous. He’s net worth is approximately $30 million, as of 2023.
