Howell Wayans Dead at 86: Marlon Wayans, D.L. Hughley, Omar Epps, and More Pay Tribute

Howell Wayans, the patriarch of the Wayans family has passed away at the age of 86. Howell's son Marlon paid tribute to his father, writing, "Kiss Ma for me."

Howell Wayans, the Wayans family patriarch, has reportedly passed away at the age of 86, per ET.

Howell, with his wife Elvira Alethia, had ten children, many of whom became extremely successful in show business: Keenen Ivory, Marlon, Damon, Dwayne, Kim, Nadia, Elvira, Shawn, Diedra, and Vonnie. Howell’s son, Marlon, reflected on his father’s legacy in a post made to Instagram, which you can view above. 

“When I was a child I asked my Dad what did you want to be when grew up,” Marlon wrote in a post on his father’s passing. “He simply said ‘I wanted to be a man’ I said ‘not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?’ He said ‘just a man’ I said ‘but every boy becomes a man’ Dad said ‘Not true’ I asked ‘then what’s a man?’ My Dad said ‘A man takes care of himself and his responsibilities. His family is always FIRST’. From that day on I wanted to be a MAN.”

Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Damon Wayans

He continued, “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. Rest well. Kiss Ma for me. Tell her her babies miss her. I got two angels. I feel y’all lifting me already. If there’s a heaven i know you sitting in VIP sippin’ the best wine jesus can make…”

Deidra and Craig Wayans also took to Instagram to remember their father. 

Omar EppsD.L. Hughley, and others also paid their respects to Howell with messages on social media.

“Words can’t even describe how I’m feeling right now,” Epps wrote. “This man was a GIANT amongst giants. Pop Wayans was a true father to me thru out my life. Always teaching me, giving me jewels that I walk with to this day. I love you Pop! Thank you for taking me under your wing as if I was one of your own. We’re all devastated, but yet somehow, you prepared us for this moment. I LOVE YOU!!”

Screen shot of Omar Epps and DL Hughley paying respects to Howell Wayans.

Elvira Wayans, Howell’s wife, passed away in 2020 at the age of 81.

RIP.

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