Marlon Wayans Performs Stand-Up Comedy Just Hours After Learning Of His Father’s Death

On Saturday, comedian/actor Marlon Wayans revealed on his Instagram page that his father, Howell Wayans, had passed away at the age of 86.

He called his father a legend and wrote a lengthy tribute to him:

Thank you Pop for being an example of a Man to all your boys. I pray all young black boys can grow up to be a Man like you. Baby boy loves you. And if ever I need you I know exactly where to find you… in my Bible that now sits by bed.

And even though Marlon broke the news to his Instagram audience on Saturday, he actually heard about his father’s death on Friday night, in between comedy sets at the Flappers comedy club in Burbank.

Insiders say he found out about his dad’s passing while on break between the early show and the late show. And despite the heartbreaking news, Marlon still went out there on stage to perform the second show.

Per TMZ, Marlon, 50, at one point told a story about the death of his mother, Elvira Alethia, in 2020, which led to an ‘incredibly emotional set.’

He reportedly didn’t break the news of his father’s passing until the end of his set. He went “deep into his family dynamic/history” and then explained that his dad passed away just three hours ago. Obviously, he was emotional and crying, which led to several audience members crying as well.

Insiders say he got a standing ovation from the crowd. I think it’s safe to say he deserved it. To be able to put on a performance after learning that news… geez. That’s a true professional.

A cause of death has not been revealed, but he was 86, so old age likely contributed to it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Wayans family.