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Damon Wayans Sr. Reveals Past Relationship with Nephew’s Former Girlfriend
In a candid recent interview, veteran actor Damon Wayans Sr. has shared details of a past romantic relationship that raised eyebrows: he dated the former girlfriend of his nephew. The Major Payne star, aged 64, recounted the somewhat unconventional love story during his appearance on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, hosted by former NFL player Shannon Sharpe.
Unconventional Romance Revealed on “Club Shay Shay”
During the April 2nd episode of the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, host Shannon Sharpe, 56, initiated the conversation with a direct question. He inquired if the rumor was true – had Wayans Sr. indeed dated a woman who was previously involved with his nephew? Wayans Sr. confirmed the account, offering context to the situation.
“I Was In Love With Her”: Wayans Sr. Explains
“I was genuinely in love with her, that’s the crux of it,” Wayans Sr. admitted. He then drew a parallel to a well-known instance of familial dating within the Jackson family. He referenced Jermaine Jackson’s marriage to Alejandra Oaziaza, who had previously been in a relationship with Jermaine’s brother, Randy Jackson.
Drawing Parallels and Addressing Concerns
The comparison elicited laughter from both Wayans Sr. and Sharpe. Sharpe jokingly remarked, “That’s off limits, Damon,” to which Wayans Sr. responded by pointing out the realities of dating within a limited social circle, particularly in Hollywood. He explained, “No, but it wasn’t like they were deeply in love. You know how small the dating scene is out here in California? This was probably around 2001 or 2002.”
Navigating Family Dynamics
Wayans Sr. clarified that he was aware of the woman’s prior relationship with his nephew when they met. “Yes, [I knew] when I first met her,” he stated. Recounting the timeline, he added, “I had been divorced and single for two years when I encountered her, and I was immediately smitten.” (Damon Wayans Sr. has a large family, including nine siblings and four children—Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Wayans, and Kyla Wayans—with his former spouse, Lisa Thorner.)
The specific nephew involved in this situation was not identified during the podcast.
Nephew’s Reaction and Family Gatherings
Wayans Sr. further disclosed that he had discussed the situation with his nephew before pursuing the relationship. According to Wayans Sr., his nephew gave his approval, saying, “‘That’s you,’ and I’m like, ‘OK, pass the Courvoisier, let’s go.’”
However, Wayans Sr. humorously acknowledged the potential awkwardness that could arise at family gatherings in the aftermath of such romantic entanglements.
Vivica A. Fox Comments on Wayans Sr.’s Charm
Despite the past dating complexity, Damon Wayans Sr. continues to be perceived as charismatic. Actress Vivica A. Fox recently mentioned to Us Weekly that Wayans Sr. displayed flirtatious behavior on the set of their project. Fox, 60, who has a long-standing connection with the Wayans family, noted, “The beautiful thing is I know the entire [Wayans] family, and I’ve collaborated with them all. Believe it or not, that chemistry was evident from the initial table read,” in an interview published on March 31st. “Everyone was amused because Damon was simply flirting.”
“Poppa’s House”: A Family Affair
Wayans Sr. currently stars in the CBS comedy series Poppa’s House. The show, which premiered in October 2024, is a family-driven production, featuring Wayans Sr. and his son, Damon Wayans Jr., 42, in leading roles, with other Wayans family members involved in directing and writing capacities.