All About Marlon Wayans' Two Kids

Marlon Wayans is a dad to two kids, Kai and Shawn, both of whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Angelica Zachary. In June 2022, the Major Payne actor posted a photo of himself with his children on Instagram, writing, "Of all the things I have achieved, being a loving father will always be my greatest accomplishment."

He further opened up about his experience as a dad in November 2023, sharing that his oldest son is transgender. Speaking on an episode of "The Breakfast Club" podcast, the comedian said he made a "transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance."

Here is a look at Marlon Wayans' life with his kids.

How many kids does Marlon Wayans have?

Wayans is a dad to two kids, Kai and Shawn.

Who is the mother of Marlon Wayans' children?

Wayan's ex-girlfriend of more than 20 years, Angelica Zachary, is the mother of both of his children. The pair were together from 1992 to 2013, but split up after Wayans reportedly cheated on her.

Just prior to their breakup, the actor revealed on The Wendy Williams Show that he and Zachary lived in separate houses as a way to keep their romance alive. “I like to keep it fresh," he said (via Page Six). "When you live together … she don’t come with the lingerie, she come with the sweatpants and the cream on the face and the curlers and the Uggs,” he joked. "That says, ‘I’m not going to give you none.'"

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Who are Marlon Wayans' children?

Kai Wayans (May 24, 2000)

Kai, 23, is the oldest of Wayans' two children. The White Chicks actor celebrated his son's 22nd birthday in 2022 by sharing a throwback photo from Kai's infancy along with a heartfelt caption on Instagram.

"Man, time flies! You were just in my arms 22 years ago," he wrote. "Crying like a crack baby, terrorizing the household nightly as you prematurely woke up and caused chaos. I remember how stressed mommy was trying to hush you up. Somehow daddy’s hands and a simple beatbox would calm you. I don’t know if you remember but you lived in my arms…you’re an official adult now but those arms [are] always there to hold you...I love you unconditionally and always will."

In November 2023, Wayans revealed that Kai is transgender. While speaking on "The Breakfast Club" podcast, he explained, "I have a daughter that transitioned into a son."

Wayans also said that he had a difficult time with the news at first. While describing a planned comedy special in which he will speak about the journey he and his family have taken together, he said that a large part of it will be about his "transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance."

He continued, "I think there’s a lot of parents out there who need to have that message, and I know I’m dealing with it."

In 2019, Wayans celebrated Pride Day by sharing a photo of Kai on Instagram. He captioned the picture, "Happy pride 🌈 to my pride and joy. I wouldn’t change one effing thing about you. Love you to the moon around the sun through the galaxies and back again."

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Shawn Howell Wayans (Feb. 3, 2002)

Wayans has similarly gushed over his younger son, Shawn. He celebrated the baby of the family's 21st birthday on Instagram in 2023, writing, "God is so amazing. What a beautiful journey God has blessed me with. As much as I have accomplished in my career I will truly say God’s greatest gift has been my children. My baby boy is turning 21 today and I am so proud of the human and the spirit this young man has."

He went on to call him a "natural born leader" and offered some advice: "You’re a man now, but stay a kid at heart," he wrote. "Live life with zest and a smile. Love you like you love me UNCONDITIONALLY."

Does Marlon Wayans have a wife now?

Although he was in a longterm relationship with ex-girlfriend Angelica Zachary for 20-plus years, Wayans has never been married. In a 2021 interview with Essence, he explained, "I never got married because I knew my mom needed me." (His mother, Elvira, died in 2020.)

"On her death bed, I said, 'Can I tell you something woman?' She was in a lot of pain and she was fighting to stay alive and I say, 'I’m 47 years old and I’ve never been married because I always wanted you to be my number one girl.'"

Wayans went on to say he might have "just one" marriage in him.

Related: Big Daddy, Indeed! All About Adam Sandler's Kids, Sadie and Sunny

Does Marlon Wayans have a transgender child?

Yes. In November 2023, Wayans shared that his oldest son, Kai, is transgender. He also shared that he has a special in progress, potentially called Rainbow Child, about his family's journey to acceptance. "I think there’s a lot of parents out there who need to have that message, and I know I’m dealing with it," he said.

When did Marlon Wayan's son come out as trans?

It's unclear when Kai came out as transgender. Wayans shared the news with the public in November 2023.

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