Marlon Wayans is baring his soul about the intricacies of fatherhood and the journey of self-discovery that comes with it.
In a candid conversation with People, the 51-year-old comedian and actor delved into the depths of his personal life, offering insights into his stand-up special, “Good Grief,” which serves as a mirror to his experiences, including his profound voyage in understanding and accepting his transgender son.
“I’m very vulnerable nowadays onstage,” Marlon shared. “I don’t know why it took me so long to do standup. Now I can’t stop. That’s my therapy. Life happens, and I go, ‘What’s funny about it?’ I’m literally trying to rescue myself.”
Marlon, a proud father of sons Kai, 24, and Shawn, 22, from his previous relationship with Angela Zackery, and daughter Axl, 18 months, with ex Brittany Moreland, revealed the pivotal moment when Kai bravely disclosed their transgender identity. Recalling this transformative period, Marlon confessed, “[I transitioned] from defiance to acceptance. It took me all of a week, and in that week I grew the most that I ever did in my life. You understand the purpose of kids and the beauty of unconditional love. At the end of the day, in my heart, only thing that matters to me is that my child is happy.”
For Marlon, his stand-up is not just about eliciting laughter; it’s about imparting wisdom and life lessons. Embracing the complexities of parenthood, he shared, “My comedy is a gift — a gift of laughter intertwined with invaluable insights.”
Remarkably, Marlon’s son is not only accepting of his father’s comedic revelations but also supportive. “I have a contract with my kids: ‘Whatever you do in life, just know that there’s a possibility I’m going to find some humor and talk about it.’”
However, amidst the laughter and growth, Marlon is entangled in a custody dispute with ex Brittany Moreland over their 18-month-old daughter, Axl. Despite the public scrutiny surrounding their legal battle, Marlon remains resolute in his commitment to shield his child from any undue distress.
Marlon firmly asserted, “I don’t do public battles. You don’t have to be together to let your child grow up in peace. Every child deserves that,” he added.
