Photo Credit: Patrick Wymore for TBS
Unless you’ve been living under a rock all of these years, you gotta know who Marlon Wayans is. Known best for his roles on shows like Fox’s ‘In Living Color’ and box office hits ‘White Chicks’ and ‘Scary Movie’, there’s no denying that Marlon brings the type of humor that will have you rolling on the floor.
And now ladies and gentleman, the comedian of all comedians (my favorite anyways) will be coming to Helium Comedy Club in Buffalo to perform his stand-up act beginning Thursday, Nov. 20. I can’t tell you how excited I was to hear he would be in The Queen City and then even more elated when I inquired about doing an interview with him and he accepted!
So, the phone call kind of went like this. He called. I said hello. He responded. And then I screamed, ‘Marlon Wayans!!!’ Yeah, not very professional, but I just couldn’t help myself. I quickly apologized and said how sorry I was for my outburst, but come on; I was talking to Marlon freakin’ Wayans!!!
I grew up watching Marlon Wayans’ movies and shows along with the also hysterical Wayans Brothers. I always wondered how so many people could be funny in one family. It almost seemed impossible, but Marlon reassured me it’s not.
“We were supposed to be criminals and gangsters, but somehow we got dropped on our heads and we became funny,” said Wayans.
Hey, whatever happened, we’re all glad it did. I discussed with Marlon how laughter is clearly the best medicine and how he must feel so much happiness knowing that his comedic career is one that will always make someone smile.
“I agree, everyone likes to laugh,” said Wayans. “The greatest holiday in the world is laughter.”
Marlon says he enjoys performing in front of a live audience and appreciates every opportunity he’s been given. His show consists of original jokes he has prepared to ensure the audience has an unforgettable time.
“I love stand-up because it’s a connection with a live audience,” he said. “You can do the same show, but it always turns out different. And when you have a crowd that wants to have fun and laugh, it takes people places. You improvise and it makes you better and quicker on your feet. I gotta tell you, I love it. It’s the greatest thing I ever thought of doing.”
When Marlon isn’t working, which he said most of the time he is, the comic enjoys spending time with his teenage son and daughter who, by the way, don’t take dad’s fame too seriously.
“They’re 12 and 14 and hate the fact that their friends watch my movies. I’m the cool dad and they tell their friends to ‘Get over it. He’s just my dad, he’s not that funny.’ I say, ‘You guys are all haters.’
While he’s not looking forward to Buffalo’s cold weather, Marlon said he would prepare himself by wearing some long johns and perhaps indulging in some Buffalo fun.
“I’ll have a shot of tequila, that will warm me up.”
Tickets to see Marlon Wayans at Helium are still available and can be purchased in advance online or at the box office. Show times are 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 and 7 or 9:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 23.
