Aniya Wayans: Rising Social Media Star & Wayans Family Member

Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up in one of Hollywood’s most legendary comedy families? Aniya Wayans is giving us a front-row seat through her social media presence. As the daughter of Damon Wayans Jr. and part of the third generation of the iconic Wayans family, Aniya is carving her own path while honoring her family’s incredible legacy.

Aniya Wayans Bio/Wiki

FactsDetails
Full NameAniya Wayans
Birth DateSeptember 30, 2004
Age20 (as of 2025)
Zodiac SignLibra
Height5’3″ (158-160 cm)
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityAfrican-American
ReligionChristianity
Current ResidenceLos Angeles, California
FatherDamon Wayans Jr. (Actor, Comedian)
MotherAja Metoyer (Reality TV Personality)
SiblingsAmara Wayans (Sister)Maverick, Berlyn, Lua Wayans (Half-siblings, father’s side) Xavier Zechariah Wade (Half-brother, mother’s side)
GrandfatherDamon Wayans Sr. (Comedian, Actor)
Extended FamilyKeenen Ivory, Shawn, Marlon, Kim Wayans (Great-uncles & aunt)
TikTok@aniya_wayans222 (Nearly 400,000 followers)
Instagram@aniya.wayanss (Over 10,000 followers)
Public Appearances“Players” movie premiere (February 2024)
Notable AchievementsCo-created “Babygirl” episode of “Poppa’s House”
EducationCompleted high school

Aniya Wayans Personal Information

Born on September 30, 2004, Aniya Wayans is currently 20 years old, embodying Libra energy with natural charm and balance that shines through her content. Standing at around 5’3″ (158-160 cm), she’s inherited those unmistakable Wayans family features, with many fans noting her strong resemblance to her aunt Kim Wayans. (Briefly News)

Family Background

Aniya Wayans Family Background and Parents
Damon Wayans Jr. second wife Samara Saraiva in middle of photo and Aniya real mother, first wife Aja Metoyer in top of photo. Image source: AOL (modified by author)

Aniya Wayans Parents

Aniya’s father, Damon Wayans Jr., has built a successful career in comedy and acting with roles in “Happy Endings” and “New Girl,” while her mother, Aja Metoyer, gained recognition through the reality series “Basketball Wives”.

The two were childhood sweethearts who knew each other since Aja was 12 years old. Though they never married, they created a family together before eventually separating. Despite their split, both remain actively involved in Aniya’s upbringing.

Aniya Wayans Siblings

Aniya Wayans Family Background and Siblings
Image Source: Yahoo Entertainment (modified by author)

Family connections run deep for Aniya! Her older sister Amara Wayans, born on November 13, 2002, frequently appears alongside her in social media posts, showcasing their close bond.

Through her father’s 2016 marriage to Samara Saraiva, Aniya gained three half-siblings: brother Maverick Kai Wayans and sisters Berlyn and Lua Wayans. She also has a half-brother named Xavier Zechariah Wade (born November 10, 2013) through her mother’s relationship with NBA player Dwyane Wade. (Famous Birthdays)

Extended Family

Aniya’s grandfather is comedy legend Damon Wayans Sr., creator and star of “In Living Color” and “My Wife and Kids.” The broader Wayans dynasty includes her great-uncles and aunts Keenen Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Kim Wayans – essentially American comedy royalty. (Wikipedia)

Aniya Wayans Custody History

In 2018, a custody disagreement made headlines when Damon Wayans Jr. filed for more custody of Aniya and her sister Amara. At that time, Aja Metoyer had primary physical custody of the girls. (VergeWiki)

Damon expressed concerns about their education and financial matters, while Aja suggested his motivation was to reduce child support payments. After legal proceedings, they established a joint custody arrangement that prioritized the girls’ wellbeing.

Today, Aniya maintains positive relationships with both parents, frequently featuring her father in her social media content.

You May Like: Jamie Hartwright: The Private Daughter of Judge Judy

Education

Specific details about Aniya’s education remain private, but she’s completed high school and, as of 2025, is likely pursuing higher education or career opportunities.

Growing up in a family of creative professionals has provided her with a unique education in entertainment, learning the business from industry veterans while maintaining her traditional academic studies.

Aniya Wayans Career and Professional Activities

Aniya Wayans Career and Professional Activities
Image credit: Instagram profile of Aniya

Social Media Presence

Aniya has established herself on social media with an impressive following. Her TikTok account @aniya_wayans222 has gathered nearly 400,000 followers, while her Instagram @aniya.wayanss has over 12,000 fans. (Amomama)

What sets her content apart is her authentic blend of fashion posts, dance videos, family moments, and lifestyle content. Unlike many celebrity children who distance themselves from famous relatives, Aniya often incorporates her father and grandfather in her videos, highlighting their shared humor and close connections.

Viral Moments

Aniya’s most famous viral moment features her Damon Wayans in a hilarious TikTok where she pretends to style his bald head to the song “My Hair, It Don’t Move.” The video amassed millions of views, showcasing both her comedic timing and their special relationship.

@aniya_wayans222 Stiff where🙄✋🏽 #foryoupage #viral ♬ original sound – Mrs Jean-Jacques 💍

Another standout moment came in 2024 when she joined her father and grandfather for dance videos set to Kendrick Lamar’sSquabble Up,” delighting fans with the multi-generational Wayans talent.

Public Appearances

Aniya has begun making more public appearances at industry events. In February 2024, she attended the Los Angeles premiere of “Players” alongside her father, sister Amara, half-sister Berlyn, and stepmother Samara. (People)

These appearances give fans glimpses of her evolving personal style and growing comfort in professional settings. As she matures, we can expect to see more of Aniya at industry events, potentially representing her own projects in the future.

Family Quotes About Aniya

The Wayans family openly expresses their love and support for each other. In a 2024 BET Talks interview, Damon Wayans Jr. spoke about fatherhood as his “happy place,” emphasizing how he enjoys spending time with his children, helping them, and sharing laughter.

Her grandfather Damon Wayans Sr. has expressed the joy of grandparenting, appreciating the ability to spoil his grandchildren without full parental responsibilities.

Aniya’s mother Aja Metoyer has shared heartfelt messages on social media, expressing her deep love and gratitude for her daughter.

Aniya Wayans Career Interests

Aniya Wayans Career Interests
Image source: briefly news and entertainment

While Aniya hasn’t announced specific career plans, she’s developing skills that could translate to several entertainment paths. Her natural camera presence, timing, and audience engagement suggest potential in acting, hosting, or content creation.

In 2025, she received a “story by” writing credit on the CBS sitcom “Poppa’s House,” which stars her father and grandfather, indicating her interest in the creative side of entertainment. (Variety)

With the Wayans family’s extensive connections, Aniya has exceptional mentors available regardless of which direction she chooses to pursue.

Public Perception

Fans have warmly embraced Aniya, appreciating her authentic presence and the glimpses she provides into Wayans family life. Many followers note how she’s inherited the family’s famous humor and timing.

Unlike some celebrity children who face intense scrutiny, Aniya has maintained a positive public image, focusing on relatable content rather than controversy. This approach has helped her build a supportive fan base who often comment on how grounded she seems despite her famous background.

Read Also: Janel Bloodsworth: Life & Reality Behind Tom Guiry’s Marriage

Aniya Wayans Financial Information

While Aniya’s personal finances remain appropriately private given her age, she comes from significant privilege through her family connections. Her father Damon Wayans Jr. has built an estimated net worth of $9 million, while her grandfather Damon Wayans Sr. has accumulated approximately $35 million throughout his legendary career. (AniyaWayans.com)

The collective Wayans family net worth reportedly exceeds $100 million, representing decades of groundbreaking work in entertainment. This foundation provides Aniya with opportunities and security as she develops her own path.

Relationships of Aniya Wayans

Aniya maintains appropriate privacy regarding her personal relationships. In 2020, social media buzz emerged when LeBron James Jr. (Bronny) commented on her Instagram posts, leading to speculation about a potential connection.

Neither Aniya nor Bronny confirmed these rumors, and such privacy is completely appropriate for young public figures. What’s clearly visible through her social media is the strength of her family bonds, particularly with her sister Amara, father, and grandfather.

You May Like: Caressa Suzzette Madden: All About the Life of Delonte West’s Wife

Current Activities of Aniya Wayans

As of 2025, Aniya continues growing her social media presence while stepping into traditional entertainment. Her writing credit on “Poppa’s House” demonstrates interest in behind-the-scenes content creation beyond just appearing on camera.

Her increasing comfort with industry events, like the “Players” premiere in 2024, signals her emergence as an independent talent rather than simply “Damon Wayans Jr.’s daughter.”

Notable Facts

Aniya represents the third generation of the legendary Wayans entertainment dynasty, one of Hollywood’s most successful family legacies.

Her viral TikTok with grandfather Damon Wayans Sr. showcases both her comedic instincts and their close relationship.

She co-created the “Babygirl” episode (Season 1, Episode 17) of “Poppa’s House” with her sister, marking her entry into professional entertainment creation.

Many fans have noted Aniya’s striking resemblance to her great-aunt Kim Wayans, highlighting the strong family genes.

The Wayans Legacy and Future Prospects

The Wayans Legacy and Future Prospects
Damon Wayan Sr. with his whole family at premiere in Hollywood. Image source: AOL (modified by author)

The Wayans family has built an extraordinary entertainment legacy spanning decades. From Keenen Ivory Wayans’ groundbreaking work to Damon Sr.’s sitcom success and Damon Jr.’s contemporary career, they’ve consistently created innovative content and opportunities.

Aniya represents an exciting future direction for this dynasty. As a Gen Z family member, she brings digital-native perspective to traditional entertainment expertise. Her social media fluency combined with family knowledge positions her uniquely in today’s evolving landscape.

Whether she pursues acting, writing, producing, or digital content creation, Aniya has both the foundation of family wisdom and her own distinctive voice.

Conclusion

At 20, Aniya Wayans stands at a fascinating intersection – carrying an extraordinary family legacy while defining her unique identity in the digital age. Her growing platform demonstrates she’s inherited the family’s natural charisma while applying these gifts in ways that connect with her generation.

What makes Aniya particularly compelling is how she embraces rather than distances herself from her family connections. The genuine joy in her videos with relatives reveals a family that remains closely bonded despite whatever challenges they’ve faced.

As she continues developing her voice and talents, Aniya represents both the enduring strength of the Wayans legacy and entertainment’s evolution in the social media era. Whether following directly in family footsteps or creating her own path, her journey promises to be worth watching.

FAQ’s

How old is Aniya Wayans? 

Aniya was born on September 30, 2004, making her 20 years old as of 2025.

Who are Aniya Wayans’ parents? 

Her father is actor and comedian Damon Wayans Jr., and her mother is reality TV personality Aja Metoyer.

Does Aniya Wayans have siblings? 

Yes! She has sister Amara, three half-siblings through her father’s marriage (Maverick, Berlyn, and Lua), and half-brother Xavier through her mother.

What is Aniya Wayans known for? 

She’s recognized for her growing social media presence, particularly viral TikTok videos with family members, and her initial steps into television writing. (TV Insider)

Is Aniya Wayans in the entertainment industry? 

She’s beginning to enter the industry professionally, receiving a writing credit on “Poppa’s House” in 2025, suggesting a potential future in creative development.

What happened with her parents’ custody arrangement? 

In 2018, her father filed for increased custody, citing educational concerns. After legal proceedings, they established a joint arrangement that better served the family.

Is Aniya dating anyone? 

Aniya maintains appropriate privacy regarding personal relationships. While 2020 rumors linked her with LeBron James Jr., neither confirmed any relationship.

Leave a Comment