When you grow up in a family as legendary as the Wayans crew, "privacy" usually isn't in the vocabulary. Most of the family is out there—front and center—making us laugh until we can't breathe. But Damon Wayans Jr. has always played things a little differently. If you’ve been scrolling trying to figure out who is damon wayans son married to, you aren't alone. It’s actually one of the most searched things about the New Girl star, mainly because he doesn't post his personal business all over Instagram like some other A-listers.
Honestly? He’s been off the market for a long time.
Damon Wayans Jr. is married to Samara Saraiva. They’ve been together for what feels like forever in Hollywood years, having tied the knot back in 2016. While Damon is the one with the famous last name and the sitcom deals, Samara is the steady force in the background. She isn't just a "plus-one" at premieres; she’s an actress herself, though she definitely keeps a much lower profile than the rest of the Wayans dynasty.
The Story of How They Actually Met
You’d think a guy like Damon Wayans Jr. would meet his wife at some glitzy Hollywood after-party or on a movie set. Nope. It was way more "normal" than that.
They actually met at a random dinner in Miami. Get this: Damon was actually supposed to be set up with her cousin. Talk about an awkward dinner table situation! Apparently, the sparks didn't fly with the cousin, but he and Samara hit it off immediately. They started dating shortly after and have been pretty much inseparable since.
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By 2014, they were already hitting red carpets together, like the premiere of his movie Let’s Be Cops. They didn't rush into a massive, televised wedding. Instead, they waited until 2016 to officially say "I do" in a private ceremony that stayed largely out of the tabloids. In an industry where people get married and divorced in the time it takes to film a pilot, their decade-plus relationship is kinda impressive.
Navigating a Massive Blended Family
One thing people get confused about is the kids. If you look up Damon Wayans Jr., you'll see he has a big family. He’s a father of six. Yes, six.
Before he married Samara, Damon was in a long-term relationship with Aja Metoyer, who some might recognize from Basketball Wives. They were childhood sweethearts and have two daughters together, Amara and Aniya. If you follow them on TikTok, you’ve probably seen the girls; they’re hilarious and clearly inherited the family's "funny" gene.
When Samara came into the picture, she stepped into a pretty complex situation. Blending families is never easy, especially when the exes are also in the public eye. But by all accounts, Samara fit right in. Damon has mentioned in interviews—specifically on Sherri in 2024—how much he loves his wife and how she manages their chaotic household with six kids ranging from toddlers to adults. They have four children together: two sons and two daughters.
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- Amara & Aniya: His oldest daughters with Aja Metoyer.
- Berlyn: His daughter who is already making him a grandfather (yes, Damon Jr. is a grandpa!).
- The Younger Kids: He and Samara have three more children, including a daughter born around 2020.
He keeps the younger ones almost entirely off social media. It’s a deliberate choice. He wants them to have a normal childhood away from the "Wayans" pressure until they're old enough to decide if they want the spotlight.
Why You Don't See Much of Samara Saraiva
If you search for her on social media, you won't find much. Samara isn't a "lifestyle influencer." She doesn't do "Get Ready With Me" videos. She’s appeared in some projects, but her main focus seems to be their family life.
Damon has said before that he’s "crazy about his wife." He describes her as his best friend. That’s probably the secret sauce to why they’ve lasted so long. They actually like each other. In 2018, he told BUILD that they have a lot of fun together and she provides a "solace" from the hectic nature of show business.
It’s also worth noting that she’s influenced his work. Damon has hinted that some of the relationship dynamics in his shows—like the vibe in Happy Together—were inspired by his real-life marriage.
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Clearing Up the Misconceptions
There’s a lot of old info floating around the internet. People often mix up the Wayans brothers and their sons because, let's be real, there are a lot of them.
- Is he still with Aja Metoyer? No. They haven't been together in years. While there was some public legal back-and-forth regarding custody and child support back in 2018, they seem to have settled into a co-parenting rhythm now.
- Is his wife famous? Not in the way the Wayans family is. She’s an actress, but she prioritizes her privacy.
- Are they still married? Definitely. They were spotted together at the Netflix Players premiere in late 2024, looking just as coupled-up as they did a decade ago.
What This Means for the Wayans Legacy
The Wayans family is essentially American comedy royalty. Seeing the "next generation" like Damon Jr. build a stable, long-lasting marriage is a bit of a shift from the typical Hollywood narrative. He’s managing to balance a high-profile career—currently starring in Poppa's House on CBS alongside his dad—while keeping his home life shielded.
If you’re looking to follow in his footsteps or just keep up with the family, the best way is to watch their work. Damon Jr. is very active on TikTok with his older daughters, and his chemistry with his dad on screen is better than ever.
If you want to keep tabs on his latest projects or see those rare family cameos, check out his official social media pages, but don't expect a "house tour" or marriage tell-all anytime soon. They’ve clearly mastered the art of being famous while staying private.
Your next move? If you're a fan of the family dynamic, go check out Poppa's House. It's the first time in years Damon Wayans Sr. and Jr. have shared the screen for a full series, and the real-life father-son energy is impossible to fake.