Damon Wayans, the legendary comedian, actor, and producer best known for his roles in In Living Color and My Wife and Kids, has a personal life that has often been a subject of curiosity, especially concerning his marital status. As of late 2025, the truth is that the entertainment icon is currently unmarried, having been divorced for over two decades. His sole wife to date was the notoriously private former model and actress, Lisa Thorner.
This article dives deep into the life of the woman who was Damon Wayans' real wife, the details of their 16-year marriage, their four famous children, and the current state of the actor's romantic life, including recent headlines about his post-divorce relationships. The story of Damon and Lisa is a classic Hollywood tale of a long-term relationship that ultimately ended, but left behind a powerful legacy in the entertainment industry.
Damon Wayans Sr. Full Biography and Profile
Damon Kyle Wayans, Sr. is a prominent figure in American comedy and a key member of the influential Wayans family, a comedic dynasty that has shaped modern entertainment.
- Full Name: Damon Kyle Wayans, Sr.
- Date of Birth: September 4, 1960
- Age (as of 2025): 65
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, United States (specifically Harlem)
- Nationality: American
- Siblings: He is one of ten children, including brothers Keenen Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and sister Kim Wayans, all successful entertainers.
- Profession: Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer, Director.
- Notable Works: In Living Color (co-creator/writer/performer), Major Payne, My Wife and Kids (creator/star), Lethal Weapon (TV Series).
- Marital Status: Divorced (Currently Unmarried)
- Ex-Wife: Lisa Thorner
- Children: 4 (Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Wayans, Cara Mia Wayans, Kyla Wayans)
Lisa Thorner: The Only Woman to Hold the Title of Damon Wayans' Wife
For 16 years, Lisa Thorner was Damon Wayans' real wife, and the mother of his four children. Their relationship began long before Wayans achieved his major comedic breakthroughs, starting in the early 1980s.
The Marriage and Family Life
Damon Wayans and Lisa Thorner tied the knot on April 24, 1984. Their marriage lasted until 2000, a significant period in Hollywood terms. During this time, they welcomed four children who have all followed their famous father into the entertainment world, extending the Wayans family legacy:
- Damon Wayans Jr. (born 1982): An accomplished actor and comedian, known for Happy Endings and New Girl.
- Michael Wayans (born 1985): Actor and comedian.
- Cara Mia Wayans (born 1987): Actress and writer.
- Kyla Wayans (born 1991): Actress.
Lisa Thorner, a former model and actress, maintained a very low profile throughout their marriage, a characteristic she has continued to uphold even after the divorce. This level of privacy has made her a figure of mystery to many fans of the Wayans family.
Why Did Damon Wayans and Lisa Thorner Divorce?
The couple's marriage came to an end in 2000. Lisa Thorner was the one who filed for divorce, officially citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split. While the specifics of the breakdown remain private, Wayans himself has made comments in recent years expressing regret over the divorce, indicating that chasing fame and success might have contributed to the end of their long relationship.
Despite the separation, the divorce was reportedly amicable. The former couple agreed on joint custody of their four children, and the financial settlement was significant, with Thorner reportedly receiving a substantial spousal support package, including a reported \$3.6 million.
Damon Wayans' Dating History and Current Status in 2025
Since his divorce from Lisa Thorner, Damon Wayans has been linked to several women, but he has not remarried. His current relationship status is single, though he has been active in the dating world.
Post-Divorce Relationships and Public Encounters
After being single for a few years following the split, Wayans began dating again. His dating history includes a few notable names, though the relationships were generally kept out of the intense media spotlight:
- Charity Duplechan: Wayans was in a relationship with actress Charity Duplechan, though details on the length of the relationship are sparse.
- Tisha Campbell: There were reports of a relationship with his My Wife and Kids co-star, Tisha Campbell, between 2001 and 2004, though this remains largely speculative.
- Regina Hall: Wayans was also reportedly involved with actress Regina Hall at one point in his post-divorce life.
The Viral Story of Dating His Nephew's Ex-Girlfriend
In a recent and highly publicized interview in 2024, Damon Wayans made headlines by openly discussing a relationship he had with a woman who had previously dated one of his nephews.
The comedian explained that the relationship began around 2001, shortly after his divorce from Lisa Thorner, and he had been single for about two years. He claimed he was unaware of the family connection initially, stating, "I didn't know the history when we met." He admitted that he "fell in love" with the woman, and while the situation caused some friction and he was "clowned" by his family, he maintained that the relationship was a genuine connection that happened after his nephew had moved on.
This candid discussion confirms that Damon Wayans has been actively dating since his divorce, but it also solidifies that he has not taken another woman as his wife. His focus remains on his career, his stand-up comedy, and his relationship with his four adult children, all of whom are thriving in their own careers. The title of Damon Wayans' "real wife" belongs solely to Lisa Thorner, a chapter in his life that closed over two decades ago.
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