The Wayans family received the Hall of Fame honor at the 56th NAACP Image Awards, recognizing their groundbreaking contributions to entertainment. However, fans quickly noticed that Keenen Ivory Wayans, the architect of the family's success, was absent from the celebration at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

David Alan Grier presented the award to Damon Sr., Marlon, Damon Jr., Kim, Chaunté, Damien Dante, Gregg, Marshay, and Craig. Fans flooded social media with praise, with one writing, "The Wayans are THE blueprint! They are the first family of comedy! So thankful for what they have given!"


Damon Sr. reflected on their journey, recalling how on May 5, 1975, he and Keenen watched Richard Pryor's television debut. Keenen saw his future that night and left Tuskegee University just months before graduating to pursue comedy.

Their mother was initially skeptical, telling Keenen, "A comedian? I've known you your whole life; you ain't never said nothing funny."

56th NAACP Image Awards - Backstage
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Craig Wayans, Chaunte Wayans, Damien Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Kim Wayans, Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. pose backstage during the 56th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2025 in Pasadena, California. Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET

Marlon remembered watching Keenen's Johnny Carson debut on a black-and-white TV with a broken antenna, saying, "From that day on... I sat there and I was like, 'Wow, you mean not only can you dream but you can make your dreams come true.'"

Fans questioned Keenen's whereabouts, with one tweeting, "Where the heck is Keenen?!?!" Some speculated he prefers working behind the scenes.

Keenen's 'In Living Color (1990)' launched stars like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez, and his success extended to films like 'Scary Movie (2000).'

Though absent, Keenen was honored as Marlon declared, "We wouldn't be here... If it wasn't for our big brother Keenen Ivory Wayans."

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NAACP Image Awards