Marlon Wayans is “hurt” after the death of his father, Howell Wayans.
“There are so many things in my life that can be depressing right now,” the comedian, who also lost his mother, Elvira Alethia, in July 2020, said on Thursday’s “Good Morning America” program. “I recently lost my mother; I lost my father three days ago.”
Marlon shared that he realized that “the only thing that saved him” was being on stage.
“When I’m hurt, that laughter from other people that heals my pain, I realize my purpose,” he added. “And I think it’s important for all of us to do what comedians do, namely to look at this world, to look at this life, and to spend your life always trying to find smiles.
“And that’s what I do on stage.”
Marlon’s “GMA” debut came days after the news that Howell, head of the talented Wayans family, had died at the age of 86.
Howell’s cause of death is currently unknown.
On April 1, Marlon shared a poignant tribute to his late father, whom he calls “legend.”
“Thanks, Pop, for being an example of a Man to all boys,” she wrote next to a photo of her father kissing her on the cheek on Instagram.
“I pray that all young black men can grow up to be a Man like you. Baby boy loves you. And if I need you, I know exactly where to find you… now in my Bible lying by my bed. Rest well.”
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The 50-year-old “Wayans Brothers” graduate finished off her tributes by telling her father to kiss her mother and tell her that her children missed her.
“I have two angels. I feel you lift me already,” he wrote. “If there’s a heaven, I know you’re sitting in the VIP sipping the best wine Jesus could make…”
Marlon took the stage for a second comedy show in Los Angeles on March 31, hours after learning of his father’s death.
After hearing the tragic news, a source told TMZ that the “White Chicks” actor had “composed the tragedy” into his material, which he used in part to discuss his mother’s death.
Praises for Howell poured in from many other stars, including Omar Epps, who said the former writer was like a “real father” to him.
The “Love & Basketball” star posted on Instagram, “Thank you for taking me under your wing like I was one of your own.” I LOVE YOU!!”
Howell had 10 children from Elvira, most of whom had thriving careers in Hollywood: Keenan Ivory, Damon, Shawn, Dwayne, Kim, Nadia, Elvira, Diedra, Vonnie, and Marlon.