Marlon Wayans has paid tribute to his late father with a touching post.
On Saturday, it was announced that the patriarch of the infamous Wayans family, Howell Wayans, had passed away at the age of 86.
Taking to Instagram, the 50-year-old actor branded his father a "legend," writing: "When I was a child I asked my Dad what did you want to be when grew up? He simply said 'I wanted to be a man.' I said 'not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?' He said 'just a man.'
Marlon continued: "I said 'but every boy becomes a man.' Dad said 'Not true'; I asked 'then what’s a man?' My Dad said 'A man takes care of himself and his responsibilities. His family is always FIRST.' From that day on I wanted to be a MAN."
He then went on to thank his father for being such an inspiration to all of his siblings, especially the boys.
"I pray all young black boys can grow up to be a Man like you. Baby boy loves you," he wrote before adding: "And if ever I need you I know exactly where to find you... in my Bible that now sits by bed.
"Rest well. Kiss Ma for me. Tell her her babies miss her. I got two angels. I feel y’all lifting me already. If there’s a heaven I know you sitting in VIP sippin’ the best wine Jesus can make..."
Other heartfelt tributes from the rest of the Wayans siblings also poured in.
"My Heart is Heavy," Deidra Wayans wrote via her own tribute on Instagram. "I thank God for allowing Us to have so many years of love, memories and great parents. The kind that never gave up on their kids. I know I was a handful but through y’all tough love, discipline and devotion, I became a phenomenal woman just like you Momta. A Spiritual woman like you Dad.
"Thank you for teaching me about the Lord. I know he will give us strength and courage during our time of mourning. Since Momta left Dad, you kept saying you want to be with your girl. And so it ends with a beautiful love story. Back together again. I can only imagine the joy y'all experienced seeing and holding each other again. Miss y'all already. Until we meet again our love is for Infinity. Say hello to Momta."
Diedra's son, Craig Wayans also paid tribute to his grandfather with a photo, alongside a caption that read: "I love you pops[.] Jehova has an elite one with him. He has a firm seat next to Jehovah..."
According to TMZ, Marlon found out about the death of his father just mere hours before he was set to perform stand-up at a gig out in Burbank, California.
Sources told the outlet that he was notified after the first show, but still went ahead with his second performance without telling the audience until the end of the performance. They also revealed that Marlon was incredibly emotional on stage, breaking down as he spoke of his father.
Those in attendance applauded the star, with some even shedding tears of their own at the tragedy.
No cause of death has yet been revealed.
As per Page Six, Howell Wayans had 10 children with his wife Elvira, most of whom have become entertainers - Keenan Ivory, Damon, Shawn, Dwayne, Kim, Nadia, Elvira, Diedra, Vonnie, and the youngest, Marlon.
Howell's wife, best known as the family matriarch, died in July 2020 at the age of 81.
Rest in peace.