Marlon L. Wayans (born July 23, 1972) is an American actor, producer, comedian, writer, and director of movies, beginning with his role as a pedestrian in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka in 1988. He is known for mostly teaming with his brother Shawn Wayans, in movies such as Scary Movie, Scary Movie 2, White Chicks, Little Man, and the dance parody film, Dance Flick, as well as for his dramatic role in Requiem for a Dream. He recently appeared in G. I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

Early life

Wayans was born in New York City, New York, the son of Elvira, a homemaker and social worker, and Howell Wayans, a supermarket manager.Shawn Wayans Biography (1971-) His family was involved in the Jehovah's Witnesses religion.Marlon Wayans - TIMEThe Movie Chicks - Interview - Marlon Wayans Marlon Wayans was raised in the housing projects of New York City, the youngest of ten siblings. He is the brother of Nadia Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, Dwayne Wayans, and Kim Wayans; all celebrities in their own right. Wayans went to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, the school made famous in Fame. He attended Howard University.

Career

From 1995 until 1999, Wayans co-starred in the WB sitcom The Wayans Bros. with brother Shawn Wayans. Though primarily a comedic actor, he garnered considerable critical acclaim for his dramatic turn in Requiem for a Dream. He has also produced the first two films of the Scary Movie series, in which he and Shawn were credited writers and co-stars. He was sharply criticized for his performance in the 2000 movie Dungeons & Dragons as "Snails," the incompetent Rogue. It should be noted that he was only on set for Dungeons & Dragons for four days. He filmed all his scenes and left to work on Requiem for a Dream- a role he had to fight for as the director and writer for the movie didn't want him for the role. Determined, he went days without bathing and dressed the part of a junkie for his audition.