Veteran comedian Marlon Wayans is putting a spin on the term headliner with his newest stand-up comedy special debuting later this week. Five rising comics will join the “Scary Movie” alum for an hour-long performance on HBO. Comics include several familiar names, such as the actor’s niece Chaunté Wayans, daughter of screenwriter Elvira Wayans.
During a recent appearance on “Good Morning America,” where the 49-year-old was promoting the upcoming special, he shared a hilarious story about the younger Wayans when asked what it’s like to work with the rising star that left co-hosts Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, and George Stephanopoulos nearly falling out their seats.
The actor, who recently received praise for his performance in the “Bel-Air” reboot, noted it was nice to work with family before praising his niece. “She’s so funny, and so just herself and so truthful and so honest, and it was great doing it with her,” he said of the rising star.
Chaunté has made appearances in films starring several members of the famous comedic clan, including “Dance Flick” and “Fifty Shades of Black,” but the collaboration marked the first she had spoken to her famous uncle following a short-lived feud.
“And it’s because she was mad at me before this, and I’m glad we’re back together,” Wayans said of his excitement before revealing what led to their falling-out. “I’m her uncle, and I farted on her lap, and she got really mad at me, but I’m like, ‘I’m your uncle!’” the actor shouted.
He continued, “It wasn’t like I did it on her head. It could have been worse, and I was like, how bad was it that you had to not talk to me for two years.” Still, looking back and being able to laugh out loud about it now, the longtime funnyman said, “that must have been a really bad one.”
“Marlon Wayans Presents: The Headliners” is Wayans’ second comedy special for the network following the 2021 release of “Marlon Wayans: You Know What It Is.” It airs Thursday, April 21, on HBO and HBO Max platforms. As emcee for the night, Wayans will highlight several acts, including actor D.C. Ervin, social media star Tony Baker, writer Sydney Castillo, and noted “closer” Esau McGraw.
