Howell Wayans Dead at 86: Marlon Wayans, D.L. Hughley, Omar Epps, and More Pay Tribute

Howell Wayans, the Wayans family patriarch, has reportedly passed away at the age of 86, per ET.

Howell, with his wife Elvira Alethia, had ten children, many of whom became extremely successful in show business: Keenen Ivory, Marlon, Damon, Dwayne, Kim, Nadia, Elvira, Shawn, Diedra, and Vonnie. Howell’s son, Marlon, reflected on his father’s legacy in a post made to Instagram, which you can view above. 

“When I was a child I asked my Dad what did you want to be when grew up,” Marlon wrote in a post on his father’s passing. “He simply said ‘I wanted to be a man’ I said ‘not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?’ He said ‘just a man’ I said ‘but every boy becomes a man’ Dad said ‘Not true’ I asked ‘then what’s a man?’ My Dad said ‘A man takes care of himself and his responsibilities. His family is always FIRST’. From that day on I wanted to be a MAN.”

Omar Epps, D.L. Hughley, and others also paid their respects to Howell.

“Words can’t even describe how I’m feeling right now,” Epps wrote. “This man was a GIANT amongst giants. Pop Wayans was a true father to me thru out my life. Always teaching me, giving me jewels that I walk with to this day. I love you Pop! Thank you for taking me under your wing as if I was one of your own. We’re all devastated, but yet somehow, you prepared us for this moment. I LOVE YOU!!”

away in 2020 at the age of 81.

RIP.