Damon Wayans Jr., best known for his roles in New Girl, Happy Endings, and the new CBS sitcom Poppa’s House, may come from a Hollywood dynasty, but when it comes to his personal life, he keeps things low-key. Since marrying Samara Saraiva around 2016, Wayans has shared occasional glimpses into their relationship, offering a rare look into the woman who’s stood by him through his rising career and fatherhood journey.
As of 2025, Wayans Jr. is 42 years old, balancing family life and professional success. His estimated net worth is $9 million, earned through years of acting, writing, and producing. But when he’s not on screen, he’s a devoted husband and father, living a grounded and laughter-filled life with Samara Saraiva.
From Awkward Dinner to Lifelong Love
The beginning of Wayans and Saraiva’s love story is anything but conventional. In a 2020 interview, the Love, Guaranteed star recalled meeting Samara at what he described as a “random dinner” in Miami. Ironically, he was being set up with her cousin at the time—but fate had other plans.
“We didn’t really click that night,” Wayans said. “Me and her cousin didn’t vibe either—not in a bad way, just different kind of people.”
Still, a second chance brought them together again. They reconnected at a party where, according to Wayans, “we made each other laugh—and we’ve been together ever since.”
Private Wedding and a Close-Knit Dynamic
Though Wayans has been open about his admiration for Saraiva, the couple has kept many of the details about their wedding private. However, during an appearance on Sherri in October 2024, the actor confirmed that he and Saraiva had been married for eight years, dating their nuptials back to around 2016.
Despite being married into the famous Wayans family, Saraiva fit in quickly. “Her family’s crazy too,” Wayans joked on Sherri. “They’re just as goofy. They make jokes all the time about people. Like they roasted me the first time they met me. I roasted them back.”
The lighthearted nature of their families only strengthened the bond. Wayans has credited their humor as one of the foundations of their strong connection.
A Blended Family of Six Kids
Wayans and Saraiva are raising a blended family of six children, something the actor embraces with love and humor. He shares two daughters, Amara and Aniya, with his ex-girlfriend Aja Metoyer. He and Saraiva have three younger children together, including a daughter named Berlyn, a son, and a youngest daughter, who was confirmed to be 4 years old as of late 2024.
“I’ve got a Biblical amount of children,” Wayans quipped during his Sherri interview. It’s clear that fatherhood is something he takes seriously—but also with a comedic twist.
In a feature for PEOPLE’s 2024 Sexiest Man Alive issue, Wayans shared that one of his favorite date-night activities with Saraiva involves lying in bed and “roasting the s— out of [their] kids.”
“It’s fun! We just laugh and laugh,” he said. “Then we kiss them in the morning and say we love them. But at night—it’s open mic.”
Relationship Inspiration On and Off Screen
Wayans has often drawn from his real-life marriage when portraying romantic relationships on screen. During a 2018 interview with BUILD, he shared that his role in the CBS series Happy Together was heavily inspired by his own relationship with Saraiva.
“I do put a lot of how I feel about how my character feels about my wife in the show,” he said. “I pull that from my actual relationship.”
That kind of authenticity is rare in Hollywood, and fans have long appreciated how Damon keeps it real both on screen and off.
Red Carpet Appearances and Supportive Moments
Though the couple mostly keeps their relationship out of the public eye, Saraiva has made red carpet appearances alongside Wayans over the years. She attended the 2014 premiere of Let’s Be Cops, well before they tied the knot, and later walked the red carpet with Wayans and some of their children at the Big Hero 6 premiere.
Most recently, in February 2024, Saraiva accompanied her husband to the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s Players. The couple was photographed hugging on the red carpet, a public but affectionate moment that fans loved.
Whether it’s cheering him on during movie launches or simply being a supportive partner behind the scenes, Samara has been a constant in Wayans’ life over the past decade.
Who Is Samara Saraiva?
Despite being married to a high-profile actor, Samara Saraiva keeps a low profile. She does not appear to be active on public social media, and little is known about her professional background. Her focus appears to be on family life, which Wayans has spoken about with admiration.
What we do know is that she shares her husband’s love for humor, parenting, and laid-back living. Their relationship thrives on genuine connection, mutual respect, and the ability to laugh—especially when the house is full of kids.
