Gregg Wayans Parents: Meet His Mother, Father and Famous Hollywood Relatives

Gregg Wayans belongs to one of Hollywood’s most recognizable entertainment families, whose influence continues through television, comedy, and film. His connection to the Wayans family’s celebrated comedy legacy has attracted renewed attention as the franchise associated with his famous relatives continues reaching new audiences. Behind his own acting career are his parents, Diedra Wayans and Greg Benson Jr., who raised him in California.

Born Gregory Wayans-Benson Jr. on December 26, 1988, in Los Angeles, Gregg grew up surrounded by relatives who were already building successful careers in entertainment. His mother belongs to the original generation of Wayans siblings, while his father has largely remained outside the public spotlight.

Who Are Gregg Wayans’ Parents?

Gregg Wayans’ parents are Diedra Wayans and Greg Benson Jr. His mother is a member of the famous Wayans family, which includes actors and comedians Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Kim Wayans.

Gregg was born in Los Angeles and raised in Diamond Bar, California. His upbringing connected him to a family known for producing popular television shows and comedy films.

Although Gregg’s relatives have spent decades working in Hollywood, his parents have maintained different levels of public visibility. Diedra has worked behind the scenes in entertainment, while information about Greg Benson Jr.’s professional life remains limited.

Who Is Gregg Wayans’ Mother, Diedra Wayans?

Diedra Wayans is Gregg’s mother and one of the ten children born to Howell and Elvira Wayans. She grew up in New York City alongside siblings who would eventually become major figures in American comedy.

Unlike her brothers Damon, Shawn, and Marlon, Diedra did not build her career primarily through acting or stand-up comedy. Instead, she has been associated with writing, production, and creative projects.

She is also connected to Wayans Girl Productions, a company she co-founded with her daughter Summer. Her work reflects the family’s long-standing involvement in developing entertainment projects both in front of and behind the camera.

Diedra has generally preferred a quieter public life, although her family connections remain an important part of Gregg’s background.

Who Is Gregg Wayans’ Father, Greg Benson Jr.?

Greg Benson Jr. is Gregg Wayans’ father. He and Diedra Wayans raised Gregg in Southern California, where the future actor spent much of his childhood.

Unlike the Wayans relatives who became household names through comedy and television, Greg Benson Jr. has maintained a comparatively private life. Reliable public details about his occupation, personal background, and current activities are limited.

Gregg’s full name, Gregory Wayans-Benson Jr., reflects his connection to both sides of his family. Although he professionally uses the name Gregg Wayans, his paternal family name remains part of his identity.

There is little verified information about his father’s direct involvement in the entertainment industry.

Gregg Wayans’ Famous Uncles and Family Connections

Gregg Wayans is the nephew of several well-known Hollywood personalities. His uncles include Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Marlon Wayans.

Keenen helped establish the family’s entertainment legacy through the groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Color. Damon became widely recognized for his television and film performances, while Shawn and Marlon gained popularity through projects such as The Wayans Bros., Scary Movie, and White Chicks.

Gregg is also related to actors Damon Wayans Jr., Damien Dante Wayans, and comedian Chaunté Wayans.

These family connections placed him close to an established entertainment network, although he has pursued his own acting opportunities over the years.

Gregg Wayans’ Grandparents and Family History

Gregg’s maternal grandparents were Howell Stouten Wayans and Elvira Alethia Green Wayans. They raised ten children in New York City, long before the family became famous in Hollywood.

Howell worked as a supermarket manager, while Elvira was associated with homemaking and social work. Their children grew up in a large household where family relationships played an important role.

The Wayans family’s entertainment achievements received major recognition when the family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame in February 2025.

The honor celebrated the family’s influence on American comedy and its contributions across multiple generations.

Does Gregg Wayans Have Siblings?

Gregg Wayans comes from a large family. His siblings include Craig Wayans, Jamel, Summer, Brandee, and Justin.

Craig Wayans has also worked in entertainment, particularly as a writer and producer. Summer has been associated with creative and business projects, including Wayans Girl Productions.

Although some family members have pursued careers connected to Hollywood, others maintain relatively private lives.

Gregg’s extended family includes numerous actors, comedians, writers, and producers, making the Wayans name one of the most recognizable family names in entertainment.

How Gregg Wayans Started His Acting Career

Gregg Wayans began appearing on screen in the comedy film Dance Flick in 2009. The movie was closely connected to his family’s filmmaking tradition and marked an early step in his professional career.

He later appeared in television projects including Zane’s The Jump Off and My Crazy Roommate. His film credits include A Haunted House 2, Fifty Shades of Black, and Sextuplets.

He has also appeared in the television comedy Marlon, which starred his uncle Marlon Wayans.

These projects allowed Gregg to develop experience across different comedy and entertainment formats.

His career demonstrates how younger members of the Wayans family have continued participating in an industry where their relatives established a lasting reputation.

Gregg Wayans’ Family Life and Children

Gregg Wayans is also a father. Public biographical information identifies his daughter as Khamani.

However, he has generally kept details about his parenting life and personal relationships away from extensive media coverage.

This approach is similar to that of several members of the extended Wayans family who work in entertainment while maintaining boundaries around their private lives.

Although Gregg’s family name attracts public curiosity, he has not shared extensive information about his daughter or household.

Gregg Wayans’ Relationship With His Family Today

Gregg Wayans remains connected to a family whose contributions have shaped American comedy for decades. His professional journey reflects both his individual ambitions and the creative environment surrounding his upbringing.

His mother, Diedra Wayans, represents an important connection to the family’s original generation, while his father, Greg Benson Jr., has maintained a life largely outside Hollywood publicity.

For those searching for Gregg Wayans’ parents, his mother is Diedra Wayans and his father is Greg Benson Jr. Their son has built an acting career while remaining part of the wider Wayans entertainment legacy.