Marlon Wayans Opens Up About Crying on Stage After His Father’s Death
Renowned comedian Marlon Wayans recently shared a touching and vulnerable moment with fans during a stand-up performance. The 51-year-old star admitted to breaking down in tears on stage just moments after learning of his father’s passing.
In a candid interview on Good Morning America, Wayans revealed that his father, Howell, had passed away at the age of 86 on April 1, 2023. Despite the heartbreaking news, Marlon decided to go ahead with his scheduled comedy show at Flappers.
“I had two shows that night. It was a small venue, and I was just putting out material. My dad died 15 minutes before I went on stage,” he shared with host Michael Strahan. “I did my hour and a half set, it was hilarious. I got a standing ovation and then I just broke down and cried.”
The emotional moment was captured in a clip from Marlon’s upcoming comedy special, Good Grief, where he opens up about the personal challenges he has faced. Despite the tears, Wayans expressed gratitude for the support and comfort he received from the audience.
“When you allow yourself to be vulnerable like that, the support you get from your fans is incredible,” he said. “The energy and love from the crowd helped me get through the entire show.”
Marlon Wayans also took to Instagram to pay tribute to his late father, sharing a heartfelt post and a touching photo of them together. In the post, he described Howell as a “legend” and reflected on the valuable life lessons he had learned from his dad.
The comedian’s mother, Elvira Alethia, had passed away in 2020 at the age of 81, making the loss of both parents particularly challenging for Marlon. Despite the pain, he remains grateful for the love and lessons they instilled in him.
Marlon’s comedy special, Good Grief, is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on June 4. In the show, he promises to tackle difficult topics such as his parents’ deaths, his son’s transition, and other personal struggles, using humor as a vehicle for healing and growth.
As Marlon Wayans continues to navigate grief and loss with grace and humor, fans can expect an emotional and uplifting performance that highlights the power of love, family, and resilience.