Wayans Family Member Makes Acting Debut in ‘Poppa’s House’

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Amara Wayans is set to make her acting debut in the April 21 episode of the family sitcom ‘Poppa’s House,’ where she joins family members onscreen. The episode showcases a unique behind-the-scenes collaboration featuring contributions from her sisters, Cara Mia and Kyla Wayans, and cousin Aniya Wayans.

After serving as the stand-in for Essence Atkins throughout Season 1, Amara steps into a prominent role in Episode 17, titled ‘Babygirl.’ In her debut, she portrays Natalie, the younger sister of her real-life father, Damon Wayans Jr. This character navigates tensions stemming from a fractured family bond, primarily because Poppa (Damon Sr.) estranged Natalie after infidelity led to his split from her mother, Catherine.

During the episode, Natalie visits her brother Junior to share the news of her engagement. However, a confrontation with Poppa adds an unexpected twist. In a poignant moment, as she asks Junior to escort her down the aisle, he hesitates, indicating the friction between the siblings. “Someone has to do it though, and it’s not going to be him,” Natalie states, highlighting the complexities of their family dynamics.

The episode, crafted by Cara Mia and Kyla Wayans, also includes a story developed with input from Amara and Aniya. This collaboration adds a layer of authenticity to the episode, which is one of many produced under the Wayans family legacy.

Damon Sr. returns to the directorial chair for the fourth time in the series, underlining his ongoing commitment to the project. In addition to his directing work, Wayans is well-versed in the entertainment industry, having directed critically acclaimed works such as ‘Eddie Murphy Raw’ and ‘The Meteor Man.’

‘Babygirl’ marks a significant moment for the Wayans family as they continue to expand their legacy in television comedy. The show is scheduled to air on CBS on April 28 at 8:30 PM/7:30 PM Central, leading into the season finale where viewers anticipate climactic family revelations.