On this day in comedy on October 16, 1961 Comedienne, Actress, Producer, Director, Writer, Kim N. Wayans was born in New York City.
Wayans first appeared in film in 1987 (Cathy) and television in 1988 (A Different World), but it wasn’t until her work on the groundbreaking Fox sketch comedy show, In Living Color that she got public notice. Working with a cast that included not only her siblings Keenan Ivory, Damon and Shawn, there was also Kelly Coffer, Kim Cole, Jim Carrey, Tommy Davidson, Jamie Foxx and David Alan Grier. Kim brought to life a variety of characters (Bernita Butrell, Cousin Elsee, Mrs. Brooks) and impersonations (Whitney Houston, LaToya Jackson, Tina Turner, Esther Rolle).
Once her tenure with In Living Color ended, Kim Wayans continued to worked in television (In the House, Criminal Minds and as a story editor for My Wife and Kids). As well as literature (she co-wrote a children’s book, Amy Hodgepodge with her husband, Kevin Knotts). And film (among them A Low Best Supporting Actress by the Black Reel Awards).
By Darryl “D’Militant” Littleton
Check out this clip:
