After greater than three a long time, Marlon Wayans has lastly acquired what was rightfully his all alongside.
The beloved comic and actor not too long ago returned to his alma mater, Fiorello H. LaGuardia Excessive College of Music & Artwork and Performing Arts in New York Metropolis, to gather his long-overdue diploma from the category of 1990. What started as a routine interview for “CBS Sunday Morning” was a significant second of closure for the “Scary Film” star.
The reunion took place when Wayans visited LaGuardia to movie a section discussing his scholar expertise on the prestigious performing arts establishment.
In response to the varsity’s Fb publish, Superintendent Beidleman and Principal Marwah welcomed the entertainer again to campus, the place he spoke about his early life as a scholar. Throughout his go to, directors realized he had by no means acquired his bodily diploma regardless of finishing all commencement necessities along with his class in 1990.
As soon as the assembly was over, Wayans proudly posed along with his certificates, sharing the milestone on social media with the caption, “Simply obtained my LAG diploma… 35 years later.”
The accompanying picture confirmed him sporting a tan trench coat paired with gentle denim denims, brown suede boots, a white T-shirt, and designer black sun shades.
His followers instantly celebrated the achievement, with actor Dondre Whitfield commenting, “Growth!!!!!! My Lil Bro is all grown up and has turn into an superior man. Love you fam.”
Actress Bresha Webb chimed in with enthusiasm, declaring, “You bought it tho!!!!! No time restrict on greatness & will.”
The response from followers was equally supportive, with one writing, “Congrats.. They owe you a celebration and a parade.. Make it Marlon’s Day,” whereas one other stated, “I’m a drama trainer there! Ha, I can’t imagine they nonetheless had it there for you!”
When individuals appeared confused by whether or not or not the comedian had simply accomplished his highschool schooling, one other fan famous, “How Sway! You went to Howard College.”
After graduating from highschool, Wayans attended Howard College for 2 years earlier than dropping out to pursue performing full-time.
Fellow LaGuardia graduates confirmed love utilizing the hashtag #LaGForever, reflecting on Wayans’ time on the faculty that not solely formed his schooling but additionally sparked lifelong friendships.
Amongst his classmates was Omar Epps, who would additionally go on to attain appreciable success in Hollywood. The 2 actors mirrored on their highschool bond in a candid dialog throughout a March 2023 episode of “The Day by day Present” with Wayans because the visitor host interviewing his highschool buddy. That sit-down revealed each their aggressive spirit and deep friendship.
“It’s kinda bizarre, man, as a result of we grew up collectively,” Wayans recalled about their early relationship.
“After we first met, Omar was this skinny child with an enormous head, carrying round this little blue ball all over the place. He appeared like an arrow—you may simply sling him.”
Marlon Wayans and Omar Epps have a long-standing friendship that dates again to their childhood. They grew up in the identical neighborhood in New York Metropolis and even attended the identical performing arts highschool. #MarlonWayans #OmarEpps #MitchellMarchand pic.twitter.com/I5kTcu6dvZ
— Demonshae Webster (@WDemonshae) October 15, 2024
Epps laughed, explaining his Rocky-inspired routine: “I had that blue ball. It was my ‘Rocky’ factor. I used to be ingesting uncooked eggs and bouncing that ball round, pondering I may combat anyone.”
Their friendship wasn’t rapid, as Wayans admitted they “didn’t even like one another at first” and almost got here to blows earlier than realizing they had been higher as allies than enemies.
“We nearly fought one time—we each had one another in a headlock, locked in a stalemate,” he remembered. Epps confirmed the story, noting how they finally determined to “be a part of forces” after discovering they shared the identical preventing method.
The dialog revealed memorable highschool adventures, together with walks by town and Epps’ infamous shoplifting incident involving a large bottle of juice.
Omar Epps and Marlon Wayans at LaGuardia Excessive College Promenade in NYC (1990) pic.twitter.com/KVlXNXPxWP
— AfterSchool (@AfterSchool90) Could 11, 2022
“Omar was a shoplifter—I didn’t know!” Wayans laughed, describing how his buddy tried to hide a 96-ounce bottle earlier than getting caught by a retailer cashier. The embarrassing second grew to become faculty legend, with college students teasing Epps about it for days.
After 35 years, Wayans lastly receives his diploma from LaGuardia’s performing arts program, closing a circle that started within the very hallways the place his goals had been first spoken into existence.
After leaving Howard, he was thought-about for the position of Robin within the 1992 movie, “Batman Returns,” however producers finally reduce the character. Regardless of this, Wayans claimed he was nonetheless paid for the position and continues to obtain residuals on the Sept. 2024 episode of his “The College of Greatness” podcast interview.
Wayans later appeared on his brother Keenen’s iconic sketch present, “In Dwelling Colour,” and in 1995, he co-starred along with his brother Shawn in “The Wayans Bros.,” a sitcom that grew to become The WB’s flagship program.
Marlon Wayans broke into mainstream movies, starring along with his brothers in “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central,” adopted by the primary three installments of the “Scary Film” movie franchise. He’s additionally a part of the 2026 reboot.
His different accolades embrace successful the 2025 NAACP Picture Award for Excellent Visitor Efficiency in Peacock’s “Bel-Air” and being nominated for the 2024 NAACP Picture Award for Excellent Writing in a Tv Film or Particular for “Marlon Wayans: God Loves Me.” In 2004, the “White Chicks” actor additionally took dwelling the BET Comedy Award for Excellent Writing for a Field Workplace Film.
