Damon Kyle Wayans is an American stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who began his career as a stand-up comic in 1982. He is one of the Wayans brothers.

Wayans was born in New York to Elvira, a homemaking mother, and Howell Wayans, a supermarket manager. He has four sisters, Vonnie, Nadia, Kim, Deidre, and four brothers, actors Marlon Wayans, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Dwayne Wayans. He was raised in his father's Jehovah's Witness religion and has described his upbringing as "strict". He had a clubbed foot as a child. This attribute would also be given to his character in My Wife & Kids and his character on the cartoon series "Waynehead". Wayans attended Murry Bergtraum High School

Wayans married Lisa Thorner. They divorced in 2000. He is the father of Damon Wayans, Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, and Kyla Wayans. He is also the uncle of Damien Dante Wayans and of Craig Wayans.

Wayans is a close friend of NBA legend Michael Jordan.