Marlon Wayans Sheds Light On Wayans Family’s Silent Protest On ‘In Living Color’
Marlon Wayans was among the many stars who gained fame on the '90s sketch comedy series created by his older brother, Keenen Ivory Wayans.
The groundbreaking show, which aired from 1990 to 1994, challenged cultural norms and pushed boundaries with its bold commentary on race, politics, and pop culture. However, after about five years, Keenen and his family—Damon, Kim, Shawn, and Marlon, all stars on the show—found themselves at odds with the network executives.
During a recent appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay,” Marlon spoke candidly about why he and his siblings decided to walk away from the iconic show and their little-known silent protest.
Marlon reflected on the troubled exit: “I remember when we left ‘In Living Color’ because Fox was syndicating the show and it was hurting Keenen’s pockets. Keenen was like, ‘Nah, you ain’t gonna do this to me.’ My family said, ‘F—k this money.’ And we all left ‘In Living Color,’” Marlon recounted.
The 52-year-old actor also shared that during the “Driving Miss Schott” Christmas episode on December 20, 1992, his siblings sported black glasses as a silent protest against the network’s treatment of Keenen.
“We’re going, ‘You ain’t gonna f—k my brother. We’re a family. You touch one, you touch all,’” Marlon declared.
Struggles over creative differences and syndication rights ultimately led the “Scary Movie” director to leave the show following the protest episode.
Marlon said production offered everyone “big checks” to stay on the show, but he couldn’t do it. “I’m still a brother after this. No, I’m gonna support my brother,” he shared. “And we all left the show. That’s why season five got weird.”
By the end of the fourth season, the Wayans family had all left: Keenen, Marlon, and Damon exited by January 1993, while Shawn and Kim stayed on until May.
