In a candid sit-down with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, comedy legend Damon Wayans opened up about Behind the Smile, a never-before-seen film he wrote, directed, and starred in. The project, which also features Marlon Wayans, Terry Crews, Katt Williams, and the late Bob Saget, explores the darker side of a young comedian’s rise through Hollywood.
According to Wayans, the film received glowing feedback—including praise from none other than Dave Chappelle. Netflix once expressed interest, but Damon ultimately passed on the offer, saying the deal didn’t feel right. “I just didn’t like the business side of it,” he told Sharpe. Still, he remains open to selling the film if the right opportunity presents itself. “Marlon and Katt were phenomenal in it,” he added, noting that the performances are what make the project special.
The cast also includes comedy icons George Wallace and Jim Belushi, making Behind the Smile a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Wayans also touched on his growing vault of unreleased scripts, describing writing as a therapeutic outlet that brings him peace. Beyond the unreleased work, he’s currently focused on Papa’s House, a new TV series that brings multiple members of the Wayans family together on-screen.
But don’t get it twisted—family ties don’t equal automatic roles. Damon emphasized that his son and granddaughter had to earn their spots on Papa’s House just like anyone else. “It’s about putting in the work,” he said.
As the showrunner, Wayans is dedicated to creating a collaborative space for writers while also making sure the creative direction remains focused. “Everybody’s voice is heard, but I have the final say,” he explained.
