Giovana Gelhoren
Updated on: October 8, 2024 9:01 am GMT
Marlon Wayans Reflects on Family’s Departure from ‘In Living Color’
During a recent appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast, actor Marlon Wayans opened up about a pivotal moment in his family’s career that occurred more than thirty years ago: their departure from the iconic sketch comedy show, In Living Color. The series, created by his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans, aired on Fox from 1990 to 1994, and was instrumental in launching the careers of several prominent entertainers.
Key Details of the Departure
Marlon revealed that the Wayans family’s exit from the show came after its fourth season, citing financial issues as a significant factor. “I remember when we left In Living Color because Fox was syndicating the show and it was hurting Keenen’s pockets,” he explained to host Shannon Sharpe. In an act of solidarity, his family prioritized their relationship over monetary gain, stating, “My family said, ‘Fuck this money.’ And we all left In Living Color.”
The family, which included Marlon and his siblings Damon, Kim, and Shawn Wayans, was not only significant in shaping the show’s dynamic but also in launching the careers of multiple stars, including Jennifer Lopez, Jim Carrey, and Jamie Foxx. Their collective influence helped solidify In Living Color as a landmark series in television history.
Family Protest at In Living Color
In a particularly notable moment shared during the podcast, Marlon recounted a specific protest where he and his siblings donned black sunglasses while Jamie Foxx performed “This Christmas” in the show’s Christmas episode titled “Driving Miss Schott.” “We’re protesting and we’re going, ‘You ain’t gonna fuck my brother. We’re a family. You touch one, you touch all,’” he described. This statement emphasized the Wayans family’s strong bond and commitment to each other amidst the show’s challenges.
Despite receiving substantial financial offers from Fox to remain with the series, Marlon and his siblings ultimately chose to stand by their brother Keenen during a difficult time, further demonstrating their loyalty. “I’m still a brother after this,” he affirmed, underscoring the importance of familial ties over individual ambitions.
Impact on the Series and Subsequent Career
Marlon reflected on the show’s trajectory after the Wayans family’s exit. “And that’s why season five, it got weird,” he elaborated, indicating that the show’s essence changed without the original cast. He specifically mentioned that the introduction of new talent, like Biz Markie and Chris Rock, could not compensate for the loss of the core family dynamic that had made the series successful.
Following their departure from In Living Color, Marlon faced financial struggles, admitting to having “broke” days with just $700 in his bank account while needing to pay $900 in rent. This tough period led him to a new venture—The Wayans Bros., which ran from 1995 to 1999, allowing him to transition into other successful projects.
Reflections on Hollywood Challenges
In an additional segment of the podcast, Marlon also shared his thoughts on other Hollywood issues, including the downfall of former mogul Harvey Weinstein. He described Weinstein’s demise as “god’s revenge,” referencing incidents from the past where he felt his family’s creative ideas had been pilfered, particularly concerning the Scary Movie franchise. This sentiment further illustrates the challenges that many in the industry face regarding idea ownership and credit.
Further Exploration of Family Legacy
The Wayans family’s contributions to American comedy and television remain significant, with In Living Color being a particularly critical point in that legacy. Their ability to blend social commentary with humor set a precedent that continues to impact comedic styles today. Marlon’s candid insights into their choices reflect broader themes within Hollywood regarding loyalty, family, and the cost of fame.
Marlon Wayans talked on the **Club Shay Shay** podcast about how his family’s career came together and the tough choices they had to make because of the entertainment industry. He shared that family matters more to them than money. As each of these talented siblings follows their own dreams, they show how strong they are and how they stick together, even when things get tough.
