Wayans family patriarch Howell Wayans dies at 86

Wayans family patriarch Howell Wayans dies at 86: Father of 10 famous children was a ‘giant’ who taught his loving children that being a man meant putting ‘family first’

  • Howell Wayans has died at the age of 86 of unknown causes, his son Marlon confirmed Saturday.
  • Marlon called his father a ‘legend’ and said that he was the ‘example of a man to all his children’ and taught them what a man was like.
  • Howell raised 10 famous kids, who went on to write, produce, and direct several movies and TV shows.

Wayans family patriarch Howell Wayans has died at the age of 86 of unknown causes, as his famous children always remember him by putting “family first.”

Howell Wayans’ son, Marlon, confirmed the news Saturday on Instagram, calling his father a “legend” and saying he was the “example of a man to all his children.”

‘When I was a child I asked my dad what did you want to be when you grew up? He simply said: “I wanted to be a man”, I told him: “A lawyer, right? A doctor? An actress?”

Said, “Just a man.”

When he told his father that every little boy eventually becomes a man, Howell told him that was “not true” and that “a man takes care of himself and his responsibilities.” His family always comes FIRST.’

Howell Wayans (right) has died at the age of 86, his son Marlon (left) confirmed Saturday. Marlon said his father taught him that ‘a man takes care of himself and his responsibilities. His family always comes FIRST,’ and he strove to be.

Howell (right) fathered 10 famous children, including Marlon, Keenen, Shawn, Damien (second right) and Craig (left)

Howell (right) fathered 10 famous children, including Marlon, Keenen, Shawn, Damien (second right), and Craig (left).

“Since that day I wanted to be a MAN,” Marlon wrote in a tribute post. ‘Thank you dad for being an example of a man to all your boys. I pray that all young black men can grow up to be a man like you.

‘The baby loves you. And if I ever need you, I know exactly where to find you… in my Bible that now sits by my bed. Rest well. Kiss mom for me. Tell her that her babies miss her. I have two angels. I feel like they’re already lifting me up. If there is a heaven, I know you sitting in VIP drinking the best wine Jesus can make”, she concluded.

The patriarch raised his family of comedians, including Marlon, Keenen, Shawn and Damien, in New York City alongside his late wife Elvira, who died three years ago. The family has a combined net worth of $100 million.

Howell raised his children in New York City with his wife Elvira, who died three years ago.

Howell raised his children in New York City with his wife Elvira, who died three years ago.

Howell's children (pictured) have produced, written and directed several television shows and films, including the popular film White Chicks, starring Marlon and Shawn.

Howell’s children (pictured) have produced, written and directed several television shows and films, including the popular film White Chicks, starring Marlon and Shawn.

His sons have produced, written, and directed several television and film shows, including the popular film White Chicks, starring Marlon and Shawn.

Family friend Omar Epps also posted a tribute to the patriarch, calling him a “giant.”

‘Words can’t even describe how I feel right now. This man was a GIANT among giants. Pop Wayans was a true father to me. [through] out of my life. Always teaching me, giving me jewelry that I walk with to this day. I love you dad!

‘Thank you for taking me under your wing as one of your own. We are all devastated, but somehow you prepared us for this moment. I LOVE YOU!!’

Comedian D.L. Hughley also wrote: ‘He was a man and a king among men. It is evident in the legacy of FAMILIA that he raised [and] care about.’