Not everyone can say they’re where they want to be in life, but New York native Shawn Wayans says there’s no where else he’d rather be than where he is right now.
As an actor, producer, writer and comedian, Shawn is constantly busy doing something, be it traveling the world performing stand-up comedy or concocting up a new project with his entertainer siblings in what they call “the lab”.
Shawn admits while it can be difficult to juggle so many balls in the air, it’s exciting to be in a position where he can just take things as they come and live life for the moment.
“Right now I’m writing a movie with my brother Keenen, as well as working on 'The Boo Crew' which is a cartoon made by my siblings and I which is kinda like Charlie Brown meets Fat Albert,” Shawn says.
“The show is about nine kids from all different nationalities and the aim is to teach our kids about life through humour and music.
“It’s a show for children aged 5 to 11 years old and I think it’s the kind of cartoon that will appeal to people all over the world and something both parents and kids can enjoy.”
Shawn is the ninth of ten children, so growing up the Wayans family learned a thing or two about keeping kids entertained.
The family was quite poor (and in Shawn’s words, quite loud), but always heaps of fun. Despite not always getting everything what they wanted, Shawn said they always had what they needed and he wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Lack of money certainly didn’t stop the siblings from going forth and achieving international success in the entertainment industry, both working as solo artists as well as through collaborations with each other.
'The Boo Crew' project is one of the family’s latest collaborations, as were the 'Scary Movie' series and 'White Chicks' which were all directed by Keenen and featured Marlon (Wayans) and Shawn as the lead actors.
Shawn says while they were all super ambitious, there was never any kind of sibling rivalry between them.
“Everyone has always just done their own thing and we try to come together where possible,” he says.
“We just wish each other love and success in whatever any of us are doing.
“For me personally I really enjoy performing with my siblings and also doing things on my own, so I don’t really have a preference because while it’s a different, they’re both equally enjoyable.”
The Wayan Brothers aka Shawn and Marlon brought their love for performing together to Australia back in 2013 where they toured the country in their stand-up comedy show.
Shawn says he enjoyed the experience so much that when the opportunity recently presented itself to do a solo tour next year, he didn’t hesitate to say yes.
“When Marlon and I toured Australia five years ago we had a blast, so I’ve always wanted to come back.
“This time I get to talk on stage a bit longer and get to explore some more of what I like, so people will get to see more of me and get to know my comedic persona and point of view.
“My kind of comedy is definitely physical, plus there will be lots funny stuff said and funny voices, so just a combination of all sorts of things.”
Shawn Wayans Tour Dates
10 May – The Star Gold Coast11 May – Palais Theatre (Melbourne)
12 May – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
15 May – Regal Theatre (Perth Comedy Festival)
18 May – Enmore Theatre (Sydney Comedy Festival)
