Marlon Wayans vividly remembers the tough audition process his older brother Damon put him through to land a role in the 1992 film Mo’ Money, which Damon wrote, starred in, and executive-produced. This Marlon Wayans audition story highlights the tension and determination involved in proving himself within his own family.
During a recent appearance on Big Boy’s Neighborhood, Marlon shared how Damon bluntly told him,
“Look, I’m going to be honest. You’re not gonna get the part.”
Marlon also added in his impersonation,
“First of all, I never thought we looked alike.”
Facing Strong Competition for the Role
In the action comedy, Marlon and Damon were intended to portray brothers alongside Stacey Dash, who later became well known for her role in Clueless. Damon had initially expressed a preference for Kadeem Hardison for the part, saying,
“But to be very honest with you, I think you’re funny, but I want Kadeem Hardison.”
However, Hardison reportedly declined the invitation due to his commitment to the television show A Different World, which had a substantial budget that conflicted with the film’s production constraints. The casting team also considered Claude Brooks, an actor known from Amen and True Colors, because of his resemblance to Damon, but it was not a perfect match.
Marlon recalled being told,
“I don’t think his ears are big enough to be my brother, so you have a shot.”
He was encouraged to focus on making Damon laugh during his audition, as others “don’t know what’s funny.”
Creating Original Material to Impress Damon
Determined to stand out, Marlon went beyond simply reciting his brother’s existing jokes.
“I didn’t do his jokes. I went in there, and I wrote brand new stuff on top of his jokes,”
he explained.
“So I gave him something different that he didn’t write, because he’s already expecting what he wrote. So if I give him something different, and I make him laugh with that, now he knows he has another writer on the set.”
Marlon wanted to prove his creative abilities rather than just acting as
“his little brother, just saying the words,”
showing that he could contribute fresh ideas and add value to the production. He noted, “He knows that, ‘Hey, I can give you the ball and, even if you don’t have that shot, you can create off the dribble.’
Support and Validation from Friends
Before his audition, Marlon’s best friend Omar Epps, who also planned to audition for the role, saw Marlon’s preparations and was impressed. Marlon recalled,
“He saw all the squiggly lines and he was like, ‘Oh, I’m not even going to audition.’”
When Marlon asked why, Epps replied,
“You got this part. This is yours.”
Continuing Collaboration Among the Wayans Siblings
Marlon ultimately secured the role, marking the beginning of continued creative partnerships within the Wayans family. The siblings, who include Damon Wayans Jr., have worked together on numerous projects. In fact, Marlon appeared last year on Poppa’s House, a CBS sitcom starring Damon and Damon Wayans Jr., strengthening their family and professional bonds.
This Marlon Wayans audition story offers an intense glimpse into persistence and ingenuity during a challenging audition, as well as the complex dynamics of working closely with family in Hollywood. It underscores Marlon’s determination to earn respect beyond his familial ties by showcasing his unique talent and drive.
