'Example of a man': Marlon Wayans pays moving tribute to 'legend' father Howell Wayans who died at 86
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Howell Wayans, the father of Marlon Wayans and Wayans’s family patriarch, has died at the age of 86. The 50-year-old actor and comedian, one of Howell's 10 famous children, paid a moving tribute as he announced the saddening death of his father on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Marlon took to his Instagram to share a sweet photo of himself kissing his father's head.
The ‘Little Man’ actor started his message by sharing a conversation with his dad as he thanked Howell for teaching him to "be a man". "Legend. When I was a child I asked my Dad what did you want to be when grew up. He simply said 'I wanted to be a man' I said 'not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?' He said 'just a man.'" Marlon wrote in the caption, "I said 'but every boy becomes a man.' Dad said, 'Not true." I asked 'then what's a man?' My dad said 'A man takes care of himself and his responsibilities. His family is always FIRST.' From that day on I wanted to be a MAN."
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“I got two angels”
Marlon then thanked Howell "for being an example of a Man" to all of his sons. "I pray all young Black boys can grow up to be a Man like you," the actor said, adding, "Baby boy loves you. And if ever I need you I know exactly where to find you… in my Bible that now sits by the bed. Rest well."
He further added, "Kiss Ma for me. Tell her, her babies miss her. I got two angels. I feel y’all lifting me already. If there’s a heaven I know you sitting in VIP sippin’ the best wine Jesus can make…"
Marlon's mother Elvira Alethia died in 2020 at the age of 81. Howell and Elvira had 10 children -- Keenen Ivory, Damon, Shawn, Marlon, Dwayne, Kim, Nadia, Elvira, Diedre, and Vonnie -- all of whom were raised in New York City, according to the Sun. In honor of their father and mother, Diedra also shared an emotional message on her social media. "My Heart is Heavy," she wrote on April 1, adding, "I thank God for allowing Us to have so many years of love, memories, and great parents. The kind that never gave up on their kids. I know I was a handful but through y'all tough love, discipline, and devotion, I became a phenomenal woman just like you Momta. A Spiritual woman like you Dad."
“He was man and King among men”
Reflecting on the saddening news, many well-known figures in the entertainment industry expressed their condolences to the Wayans family. "Love to you and the family. He was man and King among men. It's evident in the legacy of the family he raised and cared for," DL Hughley wrote in the comment section of Marlon’s post.
Essence Atkins wrote "Love you for life Marlon! We, your village, are holding you and the entire Wayans family up in prayer and are here to walk with you on the journey ahead..." "Beautifully expressed brother. Sending love to the family. Rest in peace Pop Wayans. A King. A God-fearing man," Keisha Epps said.