The Wayans Legacy: Unpacking The Surprising Details Of Damon Wayans Jr.'s Six Children

Damon Wayans Jr., a prominent member of the iconic Wayans comedy dynasty, has built a successful career in Hollywood, but it is his life as a devoted father to a large, vibrant blended family that often captures the most curiosity. As of late 2025, the actor, known for his roles in *New Girl* and *Happy Endings*, is a proud father of six children, navigating the complexities of co-parenting and a bustling home life with his current wife, Samara Saraiva. The narrative of his family is a compelling mix of Hollywood glamour and private, high-stakes family matters, including a notable custody battle that brought his personal life into the spotlight. The question of "How many kids does Damon Wayans Jr. have?" has a definitive, yet complex answer: six. This large, cohesive unit is the result of his previous relationship with ex-partner Aja Metoyer and his current marriage to Samara Saraiva, creating a modern, blended family that honors the Wayans tradition of keeping family close while maintaining the children’s privacy. The next generation of the Wayans clan is growing, and Damon Jr. is keen on guiding them, whether they choose the path of entertainment or forge their own way.

Damon Wayans Jr. Biography and Family Profile

Damon Kyle Wayans Jr. is an American actor, comedian, and writer who has successfully carved out his own niche within one of Hollywood's most famous comedic families.

• Full Name: Damon Kyle Wayans Jr.
• Date of Birth: November 18, 1982
• Age (as of late 2025): 43
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Damon Wayans (father) and Lisa Thorner (mother)
• Siblings: Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, and Kyla Wayans
• Notable Roles: Coach in *New Girl*, Brad Williams in *Happy Endings*, Jake in *Let's Be Cops*, and Roger in *Poppa's House* (upcoming/recent).
• Current Spouse: Samara Saraiva (m. 2016)
• Ex-Partner: Aja Metoyer
• Children: Six (a blended family)
• Family Legacy: Part of the renowned Wayans family, which includes uncles Keenen Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Kim Wayans.
• Recent Work: Announced to be joining the cast of *Scary Movie 6* alongside other family members, keeping the Wayans tradition alive.

The Two Eldest Daughters: Amara and Aniya Wayans

Damon Wayans Jr. shares his two eldest daughters, Amara and Aniya, with his ex-partner, reality television personality Aja Metoyer. This relationship, while ending years ago, remains a significant part of his family life due to the ongoing co-parenting responsibilities.

Amara Wayans: Following in Her Father's Footsteps

Amara Wayans is the oldest of Damon Wayans Jr.'s children. Born in 2003, she is approximately 22 years old in 2025 and has already begun to dip her toes into the entertainment industry.

The eldest daughter has shown an interest in the behind-the-scenes work of Hollywood, reportedly working as a stand-in on her father's CBS sitcom, *Poppa's House*. This early exposure to the family business suggests that the Wayans comedic and creative gene may be passed down to the third generation. Her involvement in her father’s projects highlights the close bond they share despite the family's complex structure. Amara's journey will be one to watch as she decides whether to fully embrace the spotlight or stay behind the camera.

Aniya Wayans: The Private Teenager

Aniya Wayans, born in 2004, is the second daughter from Damon Jr.'s relationship with Aja Metoyer, making her around 21 years old in 2025.

Unlike her older sister, Aniya’s life is kept more private, which is a common choice for children of celebrities who wish to maintain a sense of normalcy. Both Amara and Aniya are Wayans women in their own right, growing up with the unique experience of being part of a comedy dynasty while their parents navigated a high-profile co-parenting arrangement. Their mother, Aja Metoyer, is also known for having a child with basketball star Dwyane Wade, further connecting the girls to a wider circle of high-profile individuals.

The Blended Family of Six: Damon Jr. and Samara Saraiva

Damon Wayans Jr. married his long-time partner, Samara Saraiva, in 2016. Samara is a private individual and entrepreneur who has brought stability and a new dimension to Damon Jr.'s family life. Together, they have created a large, loving blended family of six children.

The Children with Samara Saraiva

The actor and Samara Saraiva have been very protective of the privacy of their children together. While the exact names and birth order of all four children they share or co-parent are not always publicly detailed, some names have surfaced, painting a picture of their full house.

• Berlyn Wayans: A confirmed daughter of Damon Jr. and Samara Saraiva. She is one of the four children the couple shares and is often mentioned when discussing their immediate family.
• Maverick Wayans: Referenced as Samara's son, he is part of the blended family unit. The inclusion of children from both partners’ past relationships is what makes their family a true modern blend.
• Unspecified Children: The couple has two other children whose names and gender are not widely publicized, maintaining a high level of privacy. One daughter was reportedly born around 2020, making her about five years old in 2025.

Samara Saraiva has embraced her role as a stepmother to Amara and Aniya, with the entire group of six children forming a cohesive unit. This dynamic highlights the commitment of both Damon Jr. and Samara to prioritize the well-being and happiness of all their children, regardless of parentage.

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The High-Profile Custody Battle with Aja Metoyer

The co-parenting dynamic between Damon Wayans Jr. and Aja Metoyer was not without its public challenges. In a high-profile legal move, Damon Wayans Jr. took legal action against Metoyer to renegotiate their custody agreement.

The actor sought full custody of his two teen daughters, Amara and Aniya. The legal battle, which played out in the media, saw Metoyer prepared to fight for primary custody. A key point of contention in the dispute was the issue of child support. Metoyer’s legal team reportedly argued that Damon Jr.’s attempt to gain full custody was a strategy to reduce his child support payments. Damon Wayans Jr., on the other hand, was reportedly concerned about the environment his daughters were in, prompting his request to change the arrangement.

While the specific final details of their custody arrangement remain private, the case underscored the difficulties and emotional toll of co-parenting in the public eye. Both parents have since focused on maintaining a stable environment for their daughters as they transition into young adulthood. The Wayans family, known for its tight-knit nature, provides a strong support system for Damon Jr. as he balances his professional demands with the responsibilities of being a father to six children.