They share the same opinion as you!

Download our App
Celebrity Info

Keenen Ivory Wayans

Movie Actor

Interests

Movie

Characteristics

Adaptable Curious Communicative Witty Sociable Intellectual

OverView

Country
Born
1958-06-08
Zodiac Sign

MiniBio

The American actor rose to prominence thanks to his standout performances on the iconic TV series In Living Color, where he became a household name. Over the years, the American actor expanded his influence in Hollywood by stepping behind the camera, notably serving as director and producer for the first two films in the wildly popular Scary Movie spoof franchise. In addition to his work in film and television, the American actor showcased his versatility by hosting his own talk show and later taking the reins as host during the eighth season of Last Comic Standing.

Before achieving fame, the American actor attended Tuskegee University, where he became a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity—a significant milestone in his early life. However, driven by passion and ambition, he made the bold decision to leave school in order to fully commit to a career in comedy. Family plays a central role in his life; he has nine siblings, several of whom are also well-known actors, including Marlon, Shawn, Damon, and Kim. His father, Howell, worked diligently as a supermarket manager, while his mother, Elvira, served as a dedicated social worker.

On the personal front, the American actor cherishes his role as a father to five children: four daughters—Bella, Jolie, Nala, and Daphne—and a son, Keenen, Jr., who carries on the family name with pride.

Trivia

Back in 2000, the movie Scary Movie made quite a splash at the box office, becoming a major hit and holding the title for years as the highest-grossing film directed by an African-American filmmaker. It really set the bar high, showcasing both comedic talent and strong direction. That record stood strong until 2005, when Tim Story stepped into the spotlight with Fantastic Four, which eventually surpassed Scary Movie’s earnings. So, while Scary Movie had a great run, Tim Story’s success with the superhero flick marked a new milestone in the industry. Still, you’ve got to give credit where it’s due—Scary Movie paved the way and showed what was possible.

Similar Celebrities

K.J. Apa
K.J. Apa
Actor

So, how exactly do you make a splash when launching a live-action teen drama on TV, especially one inspired by the classic, family-friendly Archie comics? Well, one bold move is to unleash a steamy, shirtless teaser featuring the show’s breakout star—and that’s precisely what happened with KJ Apa. Back in November 2015, a sizzling promotional clip dropped online, spotlighting then-19-year-old KJ Apa, whose rugged, chiseled look was a far cry from the cheerful, slightly awkward Archie readers had grown up with. It was clear from the get-go: this wasn’t your parents’ Archie. The series, "Riverdale," which premiered on The CW in 2017, promised a grittier, more intense take on the beloved characters, throwing a murder mystery into the mix and turning the quiet town of Riverdale upside down. Of course, KJ Apa wasn’t starting from zero. By the time he landed the role, he was already something of a known name back home in New Zealand. Born Keneti James Apa in Auckland, he comes from a rich cultural background blending New Zealand and Māori heritage. His acting journey began early—he joined the cast of "Shortland Street," the country’s longest-running and most-watched prime-time soap, during his teenage years. That experience helped lay the foundation for what was to come. In the summer of 2015, things really started heating up—his agent brought him out to Hollywood, where auditions led to that life-changing call: he’d been cast as Archie Andrews. But KJ Apa isn’t just an actor; he’s also a talented musician. Believe it or not, he recorded a solo guitar album when he was just 14 years old, showing off a creative side that goes beyond the screen. Before "Riverdale" took off, KJ spent the summer of 2016 filming the indie drama "Alter Rock" (2017) in Boston, working under director Andrzej Bartkowiak. The film, loosely inspired by the events surrounding the Boston Marathon bombings, tells the story of a young woman who finds love with a Muslim immigrant during a trip to Nantucket—timely, emotional, and powerful stuff. Around the same time, he also appeared in the heartwarming blockbuster "A Dog's Purpose" (2017), based on W. Bruce Cameron’s novel and starring Dennis Quaid and Britt Robertson. But perhaps one of his most impactful roles came in 2018, when KJ Apa co-starred alongside Amandla Stenberg in "The Hate U Give," a critically acclaimed film tackling race relations through the eyes of a teenage girl caught between two worlds. It was another sign that KJ Apa wasn’t just a pretty face—he was choosing projects with depth, substance, and social relevance. All the while, fans kept coming back to one thing: KJ Apa had redefined Archie, and in doing so, had made a lasting mark on pop culture.

Kadeem Hardison
Kadeem Hardison
Actor Film

Kadeem Hardison was a personable actor who really made a name for himself as the quick-witted, smooth-talking Dwayne Wayne on the beloved NBC sitcom *A Different World*. Before that breakout role, though, Kadeem Hardison had already begun building his career with a small but memorable appearance in the 1981 "ABC Afterschool Special" titled *The Color of Friendship*, which also featured a young James Bond III—later to become a noted director. That early exposure set the stage for what was to come. Not long after, Kadeem Hardison made his big-screen debut in Stan Lathan’s powerful adaptation of James Baldwin’s classic novel *Go Tell It on the Mountain* in 1984. That same year, he reunited with director Lathan for the hip-hop-infused film *Beat Street*, further establishing his presence in the world of cinema. Then, in 1987, Kadeem Hardison landed the role that would define much of his early career—Dwayne Wayne—a character whose charm and rapid-fire dialogue made him a fan favorite throughout the run of *A Different World*. Following the success of the series, Kadeem Hardison continued to take on supporting roles, often bringing humor and energy to the screen. He appeared in Spike Lee’s vibrant musical satire *School Daze* (1988), then lent his comedic flair to Keenen Ivory Wayans’ nostalgic Blaxploitation homage *I’m Gonna Git You Sucka*—also released in 1988. Later, audiences saw Kadeem Hardison in Ron Shelton’s sports comedy *White Men Can’t Jump* (1992), where his brief but sharp performance added to the film’s rhythm and wit. In 1995, Kadeem Hardison co-starred alongside Eddie Murphy and Angela Bassett in *Vampire in Brooklyn*, a genre-blending comedy-horror that, while not a critical triumph, gave Kadeem Hardison another chance to showcase his versatility. Through each role, whether large or small, Kadeem Hardison consistently brought charisma and authenticity, solidifying his place in the landscape of American film and television.

Ask Higo Singles Anything