Marlon Wayans Is HIM: Finding Purpose, Legacy, and Laughter

essencemagazine

In this revealing Essence feature, Marlon Wayans reflects on his 35-year journey—from The Wayans Bros. to dramatic roles—sharing how faith, family, and resilience shaped his art. With new projects on the horizon and a deeper understanding of his purpose, Wayans embodies growth, authenticity, and the power of using one’s platform for healing and joy. #MarlonWayans #HIMFilm #LegacyAndPurpose #ComedyMeetsDrama #WayansFamily #FaithDriven #Resilience #BlackArtists #HollywoodVeteran #ActorInterview

Transcript

00:00I don't no longer want to chase playing a great, I want to be a great.

00:06It would probably be my mama. If my mama was here, she'd be funnier than me. We all get it from my mama.

00:13A hell of a lawyer, because I like to argue. No, I don't. I just like to solve problems.

00:19Bridges of Madison County, because I'm a romantic at heart.

00:23And the notebook, girl, the notebook. Ooh, why they gotta die together though? I'm sorry.

00:33Richard Pryor biopic is probably my dream role. I've been studying my whole life for that one.

00:38That got me on stage in the first place. So 15 years ago, I started doing stand-up because

00:42I wanted to play Richard Pryor. And then I got the part, and then the movie went away.

00:47And I said, I no longer want to chase playing a great, I want to be a great.

00:53I'm actually very calm in real life. I go for walks, you know, I do a little meditation,

01:00you know, I pray, I'm spiritually grounded. So I would tell the next generation, always believe

01:06in yourself. Don't wait on opportunities, create your opportunities. You wait on them,

01:10you've been waiting a long time. Because I'm telling you right now, you ain't getting my roles.

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