Elvira Alethia was much more than a homemaker. She was the heart and foundation of the famous Wayans family. She raised ten successful children, and it was her efforts that led to the development of one of the most influential African-American families in Hollywood.
And if you have ever wondered about the children of Elvira Alethia and their occupations and whether her love had any bearing on them, you have come to the right place. Continue reading to see her family life, her motherhood, and the overall legacy of the Wayans family.
Early Life Of Elvira Alethia
Elvira Alethia Green was born on 9 July 1938 in New York City, the United States. She is the daughter of Ivory Garret Green and Elvora Green. Her mother was a homemaker and her father was a social worker.
Although she had a low profile, her life was dedicated to the family as she acted as a mentor to her children. Her principles show that she not only guided them in the home but also in Hollywood.
Marriage & Family Life
Elvira got married to Howell Stouten Wayans in 1957. He is a supermarket manager. They all moved in together in Chelsea, New York City.
With regard to a large number of fans, a question has been raised: How many kids does Elvira have? Or How many children did Elvira Wayans have?
The answer is ten. All the children are following their own different careers in the entertainment or creative world.
The Wayans brothers (oldest to youngest) are: Dwayne, Keenen Ivory, Diedra, Damon Sr., Kim, Elvira, Nadia, Devonne (Vonnie), Shawn, and Marlon. This family setup formed the basis of decades of cinematic and television inventions. Elvira was both a homemaker and a supporter of the ambitions of her children, which made her the family pillar.
How Elvira Alethia Shaped Her Children?
Elvira Alethia’s impact is far beyond basic parenting. She sowed discipline and creativity in her children. She managed to maintain a balance between support and guidance even in a busy household of ten.
What happened to Marlon Wayans’ mother? Marlon often speaks fondly of how her influence shaped his approach to comedy and life. Her guidance continues to resonate through the family’s next generation, including Damien Dante Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., and Chaunté Wayans.
Meet Elvira Alethia’s Children
Elvira Alethia’s dedication to her children’s growth is evident in their accomplishments:
- Dwayne Howell Wayans (born 1957): The eldest, Dwayne is a writer and film-score composer. He contributed to projects like ‘Major Payne’ and ‘In Living Color’.
- Keenen Ivory Wayans (born 1958): Actor, comedian, director, and writer. He is credited with creating ‘In Living Color’ and directing ‘White Chicks’. Keenen has a net worth of $65 million and is the richest in the family.
- Diedra Wayans (born 1959): She is a talented screenwriter and producer. Diedra has worked on shows such as ‘A Polished Soul’ and ‘Roxi Blews’.
- Damon Wayans Sr. (born 1960): He is a renowned comedian and actor known for ‘My Wife and Kids’ and ‘Major Payne’. Damon has openly discussed his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
- Kimmerley Nichole Wayans (born 1961): TV and film actress, writer, and director.
- Elvira Wayans (born 1964): Screenwriter and producer.
- Nadia Wayans (born 1965): Nadia is a former actress who played in the initial Wayans family projects.
- Devonne “Vonnie” Wayans (born 1966): Works in the hospitality industry.
- Shawn Mathis Wayans (born 1971): Actor, comedian, and producer of The Wayans Bros and Scary Movie.
- Marlon Lamont Wayans (born 1972): Actor, comedian, writer, and producer of white chicks, Little Man, and Requiem for a Dream.
Fans often ask, Who is the oldest Wayans? That distinction belongs to Dwayne Wayans, the firstborn who helped set the stage for the family’s entertainment empire.
The Wayans Family Legacy
The Wayans family has been very influential in film and television. They have produced cult hits such as ‘Scary Movie’, ‘Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood’ and ‘The Wayans Bros’.
They have changed the face of African Americans in the non-comedy mainstream media.
The family became the inaugural inductees into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame in 2025, solidifying its role in shaping contemporary comedy and culture.
How Much Is The Wayans Family Worth?
Their combined net worth is above 300 million, the result of successful decades of careers. Regrettably, the family has suffered as well.
Which one of the Wayans’ families passed away? Elvira Alethia died in July 2020, and her husband, Howell Wayans, died in April 2023. They have contributed significantly to the history of entertainment.
In Summary
Elvira Alethia Wayans was not just a mother but the center of a comedy empire. Her love truly changed the lives of ten children, with many of them becoming household names in Hollywood.
Elvira Alethia and her children are the story that shows that behind all the really great entertainers, there is a powerful, supportive parent. Her legacy, the Wayans family tree, is a living tribute to her commitment and her legacy that will live on and on.