Marlon Wayans went to Instagram on Saturday to announce the death of his father, Howell Wayans. The Hollywood star shared a photo of his father kissing him on the forehead and described his loved one as a “legend.”
“Thank you Pop for being of a Man to all your boys. I pray all young Black boys can grow to be a Man like you,” Marlon wrote. “Baby boy loves you and If ever I need you I know exactly where to find you…in my Bible that now sits by bed Rest well. Kiss Ma for me.”
Elvira Wayans, the family matriarch, died in 2020 at the age of 81.
“Tell her her babies miss her,” Marlon wrote as he showed love to his mother while paying tribute to his father. “I got two angels. I feel y’all lifting me already. If there’s a heaven i know you sitting in VIP sippin’ the best wine jesus can make…”
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In a separate post on Saturday, Marlon announced the death of his friend Marikit “Kitchie” Laurico, who died in a car accident on March 31 at the age of 49 according to the Atlanta Black Star. Marlon described his longtime friend as one of the best souls he has ever met.
“You loved every more than you even loved yourself. I’m hurting,” he wrote. “Thank you for your love, your smiles, your energy, your positivity and your loyalty to all of us who were lucky enough to be loved by you. You was an angel in a human disguise. Love you Kitchie… miss you already… ps look for my Dad y’all will be arriving around the same time. He’ll get you in them heaven gates.”
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Some of Marlon’s closest friends paid their respect to the Wayans family. Omar Epps, a longtime friend of the family, said Howell “was a GIANT amongst giants.”
“This man Pop Wayans was a true father to me thru out my life,” he said. “Always teaching me, giving me jewels that I walk with to this day. I love you Pop! Thank you for taking me under your wing as if I was one of your own.”
Howell, who worked as a grocery store manager in New York City, married Elvira, who was a social worker. The couple raised 10 children.
The cause of Howell’s death hasn’t been determined.
