The Wayans Family Patriarch, Howell Wayans, Passes

Howell Wayans, the father of the legendary Wayans family, has passed.

His son, Marlon Wayans, confirmed his passing Saturday with a heartfelt post that included a picture of him and Howell and the caption, “Legend. When i was a child I asked my Dad what did you want to be when grew up? He simply said ‘I wanted to be a man’ I said ‘not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?’ He said, ‘just a man.'”

The actor wrote about how his father had told him not everyone grows up to be a man and elaborated on what it takes to become one, which he says includes owning up to one’s responsibilities and taking care of one’s family.

Marlon says that convo with Howell made him aspire to be just that.

“Thank you Pop for being an example of a Man to all your boys. I pray all young black boys can grow up to be a Man like you. 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. Tell her her babies miss her,” he continued.

Howell, 86, raised 10 children in NYC alongside his wife, Elvira, who passed three years ago.

His loved ones described him as a disciplinarian and a hard worker who instilled core tenets and values in all of his kids, as well as supported all of their dreams, which paid off big time, considering the Wayans are a household name.

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