Welcome back to part 2 of our conversation with Damon Wayans as he opens up about his work with Bernie Mac on Mo’ Money and doing a comedy competition with him. He also recalls a hilarious prank pulled on him by Bruce Willis, shedding light on the playful side of his Hollywood experiences. Yet, not everything in Hollywood was a joke —Damon talks about working on toxic sets and the toll they took on him. He also discusses how he found inspiration for his iconic role of Major Payne.
He goes on to talk about Orlando Brown, who he worked with as a kid. Damon also shares stories about his friendship with basketball legend Michael Jordan and what it's like to have a friendship with someone as iconic as MJ. He even opens up about the dumbest purchase he ever made, offering a humorous take on the lessons he's learned about money. Damon’s perspective on wealth and fame is both thought-provoking and sobering as he reveals how, in his experience, the more money you make, the fewer Black people you see. He praises LeBron James for staying loyal to his friends and working with them to build a successful, tight-knit team.
As for fame, Damon shares his thoughts on the difficulties that come with it —how it’s hard, painful, and managing relationships with family, friends, and money can be a real challenge. He addresses the impact of cancel culture on his career, admitting it’s made him hesitant to return to stand-up. Damon also discusses the issue of joke stealing in comedy, sharing how Robin Williams paid comedians for the jokes he stole from them.
Damon also reflects on his connection with Katt Williams, sharing insights on working together on My Wife and Kids. He touches on the difficult dynamics of nepotism in Hollywood, working with his family, and how he feels about his son, Damon Wayans Jr., stepping into the comedy spotlight.
Damon’s time on My Wife and Kids was a pivotal moment in his career. He talks about making a conscious effort to represent Black families in a positive light. His passion for inclusion shines through as he discusses how important it is to have Black people as a part of his sets and the broader television and film landscape.
In this episode, Damon doesn't shy away from discussing Kanye West, offering a nuanced perspective on Kanye's current behavior while acknowledging his love and admiration for the artist despite the controversy. With a healthy dose of humor and heart, Damon discusses his personal evolution, from his marriage and divorce to his current health challenges, including living with type 2 diabetes and surviving a brain tumor.
This episode is a celebration of family, resilience, and the hard-earned wisdom that comes with a life well-lived. Damon shares how he now values the beauty of his family and faith more than ever and what he wants his legacy to be. Tune in for a candid, inspiring, and hilarious conversation with one of comedy’s brightest stars.
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