Keenen Ivory Wayans

Keenan Ivory Wayans is an influential comedian, actor, writer, and director best known for his groundbreaking work in television and film. Wayans grew up in a large and talented family, many of whom would go on to have successful careers in entertainment. He attended Tuskegee University on an engineering scholarship but left to pursue his passion for comedy in the early 1980s.

Wayans rose to fame as the creator, host, and producer of the early '90s hit sketch comedy show "In Living Color," which aired on Fox. The program was notable for its diverse cast, edgy humor, and satirical take on race and pop culture, launching the careers of stars like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez. It also cemented the Wayans family’s influence in Hollywood, with several of Keenan’s siblings appearing on the show and later collaborating with him in various projects.

Wayans also made his mark in film. He directed, co-wrote, and starred in the 1988 cult classic "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," a parody of 1970s blaxploitation films. He later co-wrote and directed the hit comedy "Scary Movie" in 2000, which became the highest-grossing film directed by an African American at the time and spawned a successful franchise.

In addition, he hosted a late night syndicated talk show, “The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show” and served as a celebrity judge on the eighth season of “Last Comic Standing.”

Wayans’ work has been praised for its bold, boundary-pushing humor and its contributions to diversifying mainstream comedy. A pioneer in Black entertainment, he continues to be a respected figure in Hollywood, known for his sharp wit and his influence in shaping the careers of numerous actors and comedians.