Damon Wayans On Beyoncé, Michael Jackson & Serena Being Separated From Parents But Not LeBron & Crew

.
.
.

Damon Wayans Discusses the Challenges of Fame, Racism, and the Changing Dynamics of Comedy

In a candid conversation, Damon Wayans opens up about his experiences with fame, racism, and the pressures of being a successful comedian. Reflecting on a viral clip from a 1990 stand-up special, Wayans addresses the misconception that wealth and success eliminate racism, offering a deep dive into how money changes one’s social circles and perception of race in America.

Racism and Success: A Paradox of Wealth

Wayans recalls his 1990 stand-up performance, where he humorously questioned whether racism still exists in America after Black individuals began to accumulate wealth. “Can you believe that video from 1990, 35 years ago, is still viral today?” he says. “It’s like people think once a Black person gets millions or hundreds of millions, racism just disappears.” He elaborates, stating that the more money you make, the less you interact with other Black people, as your wealth elevates you to a new social circle. This shift is not just about moving to a new neighborhood; it’s about the people who surround you. “Money brings you into a different category,” he adds.

Wayans compares his experience to LeBron James, noting how the basketball star has maintained strong connections with friends who helped him rise to the top. “LeBron kept that group around him,” he says, highlighting the importance of having a solid support system, even as one’s wealth increases. However, he also acknowledges that for many celebrities, it’s a delicate balance between success and the loss of authentic connections.

The Price of Success: Fame and Family

A major theme of Wayans’ conversation revolves around the complex relationship between fame and family. He recalls the sacrifices parents like Beyoncé’s father, Michael Jackson’s family, and the Williams sisters’ parents had to make to ensure their children’s success. While they were integral in helping these icons reach new heights, their roles often shifted as their children ascended to stardom. “You become a liability as the parent,” Wayans explains. “Where were you those nights in the rain when we were hitting balls?”

For Wayans, navigating fame often meant managing internal struggles and conflicts. Despite his success, he faced constant physical pain due to a club foot, a condition that caused throbbing discomfort. “People can’t see that,” he notes, emphasizing the toll that fame can take on one’s mental and physical health. Yet, Wayans has found peace and purpose in his life, driven by gratitude for his family and his past experiences.

The Struggles of Fame: Money, Relationships, and Peace

Fame, according to Wayans, is like the experience of being a beautiful woman on her period—externally glamorous, but internally painful. “Nobody knows the cramps that come with it,” he says, alluding to the emotional and personal sacrifices that often accompany stardom. His struggles with relationships, particularly with friends who borrowed money and failed to repay it, shaped his approach to wealth and generosity. He reveals, “I only lend money that I know I can lose… because I know you’re not going to pay me back.”

In response to the ups and downs of fame, Wayans has shifted his focus. While he once relied on stand-up comedy for therapy and to satisfy his creative impulses, he now writes as a way of processing his thoughts and ideas. “I write for sport,” he says, noting that it helps him keep his mind occupied and stave off the fear of going “crazy.”

The Evolution of Comedy: Cancel Culture and the Changing Landscape

As a seasoned comedian, Wayans has witnessed significant changes in the industry, particularly with the rise of cancel culture. He confesses that cancel culture has made him hesitant to return to the stand-up scene. “You can’t be a shock comic today,” he says, reflecting on how things have changed since his early days in comedy. “Back in the day, comics like Sam Kinison and Andrew Dice Clay would push boundaries… but today, you can’t do that without repercussions.”

Despite his reservations, Wayans reveals that fellow comedian Dave Chappelle has encouraged him to return to the stage. However, he remains cautious, aware that today’s comedy landscape is much different from the one he knew. “You can’t just say anything anymore,” he says. “They hit you in your pockets.”

As he explains, comedy should be a conversation between comedians, not outsiders. “You ain’t never been paid in burgers, you can’t talk about comedy,” Wayans jokes, emphasizing the importance of understanding the craft from the inside. In his view, comedy should be respected as an art form that requires knowledge, experience, and a willingness to take risks.

Finding Peace in the Chaos

At 65, Wayans reflects on the peace he has found in his personal life. “I sleep wonderfully,” he says, describing how he now values rest and reflection over the hustle of his earlier years. He credits his peace to his spiritual journey, where he finds solace in knowing that God is hearing his prayers and guiding him through life’s challenges.

For Damon Wayans, success, fame, and wealth have been complicated by physical pain, personal struggles, and the pressures of the public eye. Yet, through it all, he has learned to find peace in his family, his writing, and his faith. The challenges of being a public figure may never go away, but Wayans’ perspective offers a profound insight into the costs and rewards of living in the spotlight.

Play video:

.

.

.