Most people don’t relish being fired from a job. But for Damon Wayans being fired from one acting gig was a blessing, he recently recalled. It seems Wayans was grateful to be fired after shooting seven episodes of a failed TV show that only lasted for 13 episodes. He said the experience was his signal that he had “made it” in showbiz.
To promote CBS’ premiere of “Poppa’s House,” which airs on Oct. 21 and stars Damon Wayans and his son, Damon Wayans Jr., Wayans was interviewed recently during a CBS Q&A hosted by Morris Chestnut, who’s slated to star in CBS’ new drama “Watson.” Chestnut asked the father and son the question “What was your first ‘I made it’ moment?”
Wayans Sr. responded, sharing his experience with an unnamed pilot in which he starred in seven of the 13 episodes before being bought out of the series entirely.
“I had done a pilot and I got fired seven shows in,” Wayans Sr. said. “And then they paid me out, and it was like magical.”
“I want to get fired from everything,” he added. “You had to pay me for 13 shows. I was like, ‘This is amazing.'”
“That was the first time I realized this was not like working at McDonald’s. McDonald’s, they just tell you to leave and you can’t even have a burger; it’s over,” Wayans Sr. said.
Wayans did not name the pilot or the network, but when Chestnut followed up with a question about the show’s success, the seasoned comedian told him it did not last, much like the check he received.
When Emily Osment, star of the upcoming “Young Sheldon” spinoff “Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage,” inquired if networks still operate that way, Wayans Jr. affirmed that they do in certain cases.
Wayans Sr. began his career in stand-up in 1982 and gained early attention with a small role in Beverly Hills Cop (1984) with Eddie Murphy. He briefly appeared on “Saturday Night Live” (1985-1986) but was fired for improvising during a live sketch.
Wayans rose to fame with Black sketch comedy show “In Living Color” (1990-1994), which he co-created with his brother Keenen.
After leaving in 1992, he starred in films like “Mo’ Money” and “Major Payne.”
He also created and starred in “My Wife and Kids” (2001-2005) and appeared in “Lethal Weapon” (2016-2019).
As Finurah previously reported, the extended Wayans family has faced challenges with network control over their programs, but they’ve proven resilient in maintaining their comedic platform.
Among four siblings — Keenen, Damon, Marlon, and Shawn — the brothers have a combined net worth of $300 million, with each ranging between $30 and $65 million.