Syracuse University

Film and television comedian Damon Wayans to perform at SU Oct. 16

Carol Kim Masiclat
(315) 443-8568

Damon Wayans, the star of ABC television sitcom “My Wife and Kids,” will perform at Syracuse University on Oct. 16 as part of Orange Central 2010, SU’s homecoming celebration. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. in Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Schine Box Office and are $10 with an SU/SUNY-ESF ID, or $15 for general admission.

Wayans is creator, executive producer and star of Showtime’s “The Underground.” Known for his no-holds-barred comedic genius, Wayans recently wrapped five seasons of the hit ABC series “My Wife and Kids,” which he co-created and executive produced. Currently in syndication, the series received numerous awards, including the 2002 People’s Choice for Favorite New Television Comedy Series, and Favorite Male Performer in a New Television Series for his portrayal as patriarch Michael Kyle.

Wayans is most known for his three seasons as writer and co-star on the Emmy Award-winning series “In Living Color.” His writing for the series earned him two personal Emmy nominations. Additional television credits include the half-hour Fox sitcom “Damon,” which he starred in and executive produced, and the hour-long drama “413 Hope Street,” which was nominated for a People’s Choice Award. He served as an executive producer on “Waynehead,” a Saturday morning animated cartoon for the WB, which featured the voices of his siblings Kim, Marlon and Shawn Wayans.

On the big screen, Wayans starred most recently in Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed film “Bamboozled” (2000). He just completed work on “Harlem Aria,” an independent film that he starred in and executive produced. Other feature film credits include starring roles in “Major Payne” (1995), “Blankman” (1994) and “Mo Money” (1992)—which he also wrote and executive produced—“The Great White Hype” (1996), “Celtic Pride” (1996), “The Last Boy Scout” (1991), “Earth Girls are Easy” (1988), “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” (1988), “Colors” (1988), “Punchline” (1988), “Hollywood Shuffle” (1987), “Roxanne” (1987) and “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984).

Wayans has also enjoyed a long and successful career in stand-up comedy. After starting his career in 1982 touring the comedy club circuit, he landed a role as a featured player on “Saturday Night Live” in 1985. Wayans went on to star in his own critically-acclaimed HBO specials, “One Night Stand,” “The Last Stand?” and “Still Standing.”

Wayans is also an author. In 1999, he penned “Bootleg” (Harper Paperbacks, 2000), a humorous compilation of his observations on family, children, marriage and politics. The book was a tremendous success and quickly hit the New York Times Bestseller List.

The event is sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma, Omega Phi Beta and SU’s Office of Student Activities. For more information, contact Debbie Manobianco at dlmanobi@syr.edu or (315) 443-2718.

Orange Central takes place Oct. 14-17 on the SU campus and includes class reunions, special group reunions and Homecoming, all rolled into one exciting weekend. For more information on Orange Central and an up-to-the-minute schedule of events and activities, visit http://orangecentral.syr.edu.