When you grow up in a comedy dynasty like the Wayans family, "normal" is usually a relative term. You've seen the movies, the sketches, and that iconic smile that basically screams 1990s television. But for Damon Wayans Jr., the New Girl and Happy Endings star, the spotlight on his personal life hasn't always been as bright as his career. It leaves fans constantly asking: is Damon Wayans Jr married?
The short answer? Yes. Honestly, he’s been off the market for a lot longer than some people realize.
While the internet loves a good celebrity scandal or a messy breakup, Damon has managed to pull off a bit of a magic trick in Hollywood: he’s kept a stable, long-term marriage largely out of the tabloids. He is married to Samara Saraiva. If that name doesn't ring a bell immediately, it’s because she isn't exactly chasing the paparazzi.
Who Exactly is Samara Saraiva?
Most people expect the spouse of a Wayans to be a fellow comedian or a high-profile influencer. Samara is a bit of an enigma in that regard. She’s an actress, sure, but she’s mostly known for being the rock behind the scenes.
The two of them have been a "thing" since at least 2014. If you look back at red carpet photos from the premiere of Let’s Be Cops, you’ll see her right there on his arm. They didn't just rush into things, though. They took their time before tying the knot.
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They officially got married in 2016. During an appearance on the Sherri show in late 2024, Damon actually confirmed they’d been married for eight years. Do the math, and we’re looking at a solid decade of partnership as we move through 2026.
That "Meet-Cute" That Almost Didn't Happen
Life has a funny way of working out. Damon actually met Samara at a random dinner in Miami, but here’s the kicker: he was originally supposed to be set up with her cousin.
"We've been together ever since," Damon told People magazine.
It wasn't some scripted Hollywood moment where they locked eyes across a crowded room and knew instantly. In fact, he’s admitted they didn't even click immediately. But something stuck. He’s gone on record saying he’s "crazy about" his wife, calling her awesome and emphasizing how much fun they have together. In a world of "starter marriages" and three-month flings, ten years is basically a lifetime.
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The Reality of a Blended Family (And 6 Kids!)
You read that right. Six.
If you thought his house was quiet, you haven't been paying attention. Damon Wayans Jr. is a father of six children. This is where the story gets a little more complex and human.
- The Early Years: Damon has two older daughters, Amara and Aniya, with his high school sweetheart, Aja Metoyer.
- The New Chapter: With Samara, the family expanded significantly. They share four children together: two daughters and two sons.
- The Grandfather Era: Believe it or not, Damon became a grandfather at 40. His daughter Berlyn (from his relationship with Aja) welcomed a daughter named Itali in 2022.
Managing a blended family of that size is no joke. While Damon and Aja Metoyer have had some very public legal disputes over custody and child support—specifically back in 2018 when Damon expressed concerns about the girls' education—it seems the family has found a rhythm in recent years.
A Quick Breakdown of the Kids
- Amara Wayans: She's already following in the family footsteps, making her acting debut alongside her dad and grandpa in the show Poppa's House.
- Aniya Wayans: A social media favorite, often appearing in TikToks with her dad.
- Berlyn Wayans: The one who made Damon a "G-Pa."
- The Younger Crew: Damon and Samara have kept their four youngest children mostly out of the public eye. Privacy is a currency in their household.
Why We Don't See Them Everywhere
You won't find Samara Saraiva posting daily "What I Eat in a Day" videos or starting drama on a reality show. That’s intentional. Damon has been very vocal about wanting his younger kids to have a normal childhood.
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He hails from a family where everyone is a household name. He knows the pressure. By keeping his marriage with Samara relatively private, he’s managed to protect that "home base" feeling. They show up for the big stuff—like the premiere of his Netflix movie Players in 2024—but they aren't selling their souls to the gossip blogs.
Fact-Checking the Rumors
Because people love to speculate, you might see old articles linking him to different people or questioning his relationship status. Let’s set it straight:
- Is he divorced? No. Still happily married to Samara.
- Was he ever married to Aja Metoyer? Nope. They were high school sweethearts and co-parents, but they never walked down the aisle.
- Is his wife famous? She’s an actress and a public figure by association, but she isn't a "celebrity" in the way the Wayans brothers are.
What’s Next for the Wayans-Saraiva Clan?
As we move through 2026, Damon is busier than ever. With Poppa's House bringing three generations of Wayans together (Damon Sr., Damon Jr., and Amara), the family legacy is clearly the priority.
Samara continues to be the silent partner in all of this. She’s reportedly been a huge influence on his work, even inspiring some of the character dynamics in his projects. It turns out that having a stable home life actually makes you a better comedian. Who knew?
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch for Legacy: Keep an eye on Poppa's House to see how the family dynamic plays out on screen—it’s a rare look at the Wayans chemistry in 2026.
- Respect the Privacy: If you follow Damon on social media, you’ll notice he shares the "funny" but keeps the "intimate" close to the chest. It’s a good blueprint for how to handle fame.
- Check the Credits: Samara occasionally works on projects behind the scenes; she’s more than just a "wife" in the industry.
The Wayans name might mean "funny" to the rest of the world, but for Damon Wayans Jr., it clearly means "family." Married life seems to suit him, even if it means changing a lot more diapers than the average sitcom star.