EURweb Exclusive: Damon Wayans Explains Why He Quit ‘Lethal Weapon’

Damon Wayans

'Lethal Weapon' star Damon Wayans stunned his fans when he announced he is quitting the series. Wayans spoke exclusively to EURweb.com about his decision.

EURweb's Jill Munroe was on the set of the show to speak with actress Keesha Sharp (who plays Trish Murtaugh) when Wayans told Munroe the shocking news.

via EURweb.com -- An emotional and clearly hurting Damon Wayans went on to explain that as a 58-year-old diabetic, working 16-hour days had become too much. He also felt the strain that his current job was putting on his personal life. His mother and daughter recently underwent surgeries that the actor said he missed because he was working.

“It’s hard for me to play this loving, supportive father/husband/ friend on TV, but be the guy in life that is telling everyone, I can’t I have to work.”

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

  • FukkFolks2018

    I applaud him. Because it truly is a struggle. And that struggle is awful. To go to work or to be there for loved ones in their time of need. I can't count how many times I've missed funerals that I wanted to attend to support. Medical procedures. School activities. All because you have to work and make a living for your family... so I totally and completely understand

  • Django the God

    I just watched Major Payne two days ago.

    Classic.

  • Dee

    How is he helping with no job ?

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1lo6u-UIbo Nancy Drew-Natural & Luv’n It!

    Damon still looks good for his age and considering his health problems. Take care of yourself sir!

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1lo6u-UIbo Nancy Drew-Natural & Luv’n It!
  • FukkFolks2018

    Back at cha!?

  • stav

    Good for him ,a man that recognizes where his priorities lie.

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1lo6u-UIbo Nancy Drew-Natural & Luv’n It!

    Maybe he can get a less demanding job (if he NEEDS one at all). Work-life balance is a real consideration when you have competing priorities and obligations.

  • Victorious82

    That’s a good looking 58 tho.

  • Malcom Flex

    Props to you Sandra for giving EURWEB their credit unlike other swagger jacking blogs.

  • RICHIE_RICH

    Hey Damon ??, he looks good for 58 ??

  • bemetoo

    the wyans are so underrated

  • Django the God

    Did you watch Marlon's Netflix special?

  • Ang

    You know he’s a millionaire even without this job, right?

  • DaughterOfaQueen

    Right, the whole clique is tight...ion know nothing bout this 2nd and 3rd generation of Wayans tho?

  • Scromes1212

    Good for him ain't no money worth your health. Plus it ain't nothing like being your own boss

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1lo6u-UIbo Nancy Drew-Natural & Luv’n It!

    not yet (but i'm sure it's in my queue!)

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1lo6u-UIbo Nancy Drew-Natural & Luv’n It!

    *cackles*

  • Dahl

    This was a brave decision, good for him...

  • Bashi22

    Great from him attend to your family. Auntie Sandra can you explain why diabetes people cannot work long hrs. I know Damon Wayans already secured his money bag from time. Maybe he invested wisely so work would be a passion for him. I’m just asking on behalf of other personnel who as diabetes need to work lots of hrs to survive. Medical Minute please

  • justlooking
  • stevetheque

    Lol he got old boy Riggs fired then quits!! Cold Blooded

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1lo6u-UIbo Nancy Drew-Natural & Luv’n It!
  • justlooking

    This. MOTHER unsung heroes.

    The days you skipped checkups for your self stomach is tore up, you feel like you got the flu and pneumonia.

    Good For Him, he has the ability to do it.

  • Sha

    I agree, I love them.

  • RICHIE_RICH

    Say what , so that’s why the new guy is on it . What had happened?

  • RICHIE_RICH

    Sho is , they were the jump start for many people’s career in Hollywood. Hey J.Lo , Jim Carey, Jimmie Fox etc

  • RaginB

    I fw Damon,he use to have me rollin on my wife&kids

  • Judge Mental Will

    Damn 58 he look good! He can get it! His son too! At the same time! Don't Judge me, I own my Hoe-ness ??????

  • Soda

    First dude was a jerk on set and was fired after being reprimanded twice.

  • I want to be free

    I'm going to miss him on that show! I loved it!!

  • stevetheque

    May 15, 2018 · Fresh off the news of Clyne Crawford's firing from Lethal Weapon due to ... actor's firing has arrived, courtesy of former co-star Damon Wayans.

  • Soda

    Because as I said, he was a jerk.

  • Miss3rdWard

    Aw, I JUST started watching that show... it's a good watch on a lazy day.

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1lo6u-UIbo Nancy Drew-Natural & Luv’n It!
  • RICHIE_RICH

    Bloop I know that’s correct ?

  • stevetheque

    Yeah but Damon said me or him and he had to know he was tired of the 19 hour days and was going to bow out. So if you and him had problems and you were going to recuse yourself, why go through the hassle. Just saying

  • I want to be free

    I don't think Damon got him fired but it seemed like he was a bit much on the set. Read here - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fired-lethal-weapon-star-clayne-crawford-claims-he-was-blackmailed-set-up-fail-1138388

  • RICHIE_RICH

    I just read the article. Warner Brothers so shady ,they hired his former American Pie castmate??

  • TamG

    Sorry, the “I need to spend more time with family” bit is rarely the whole story. This is no exception.

    My guess: He is feeling the heat from helping to get his co-star (the one most responsible for the show’s success) fired. Fans were livid when he did, and ratings are probably down now so Wayans knows he will be blamed.

    P.S. I forget his former co-star’s name, but I first saw him in this little known show called ‘Rectify.’ Phenomenal actor! One of the best shows ever made. I think it’s on Netflix now. Check it out if you get a chance. (It is a mature show with deep themes, not for the average viewer. Just FYI)

  • RICHIE_RICH

    The article I read , Clayne said Damon made his life hell on set after he was injured doing a scene Clayne was directing

  • Miss3rdWard

    Bless you! I totally get it. I decided a while ago that I can't get with that at all tho. If me or someone in my house is sick, daughter has a program, child needs to be picked up early - I'm out! Grant it, I'm not as far along in my career as I would like and that is the consequence, but it is what it is. I applaud people like you who's pendulum swings in the other direction tho... my Mom was like that.

  • Soda

    Damon wasn't the only one bothered by him:

    Before his firing, according to the Hollywood Reporter, Crawford
    admitted he had been twice reprimanded for his on-set behavior,
    including an outburst over what he considered unsafe working conditions.
    He apologized for those incidents, but there were other problems —
    including, as Crawford said in a post-firing podcast, repeated conflicts
    with Wayans, whom Crawford called “a waste of space.”
    The situation became so bad the Hollywood Reporter said “many connected with
    the series have said they would rather not work with” Crawford. To keep
    the show going, the studio dropped Crawford and brought in Scott — and
    on this show, it doesn’t really matter who’s jumping just ahead of yet
    another explosion.

  • stevetheque

    Did you see the injury? You get a worse cut shaving with a dull razor.

  • jeniefrumdabloc™

    58 Chile ...... he looks great ...... Makes since to me sir..... and sounds about right ..... much love to him

  • RICHIE_RICH

    No I didn’t see the cut

  • stevetheque

    No one else went on record but Damon. Who are the others?

  • jeniefrumdabloc™

    His sister writes kids book ... .the tall one she is one of the few I follow on twitter hell she follows me and sent me a nice message for following her .... like the whole family ... could you imagine growing up with them as kids hilarious

  • RICHIE_RICH

    Clayne Crawford.... America Pie

  • stevetheque

    I would say the fault lies somewhere in between there is blame enough to go around. Damon and Clayne..

  • I want to be free

    They had good chemistry on-screen (acting) but not behind the scenes. Too bad. I really liked the show.

  • Soda

    I don't care, I don't watch the show!

  • RICHIE_RICH

    I did too, tried watching it last night , but it ended up watching me after me and Mary got to it. Bae left me right on the sofa ???????

  • stevetheque

    Crawford revealed that there's much more to the shocking tape in which Crawford called Wayans a "p---y" and said Wayans was only famous because of his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans. A whole lot more, apparently.

    "I told him that we could bring Steve Harvey in from the Family Feud today and the audience would embrace it. I told him we could bring f---ing Keenen [Wayans] out of retirement. Shit, we could take Damon Jr. - who is a great guy and a great actor," Crawford recalled, noting that he went off on Wayans because "I had to tell him what I thought of him and that he's a waste of space and that nobody cares."

  • I want to be free

    LMAO...She didn't try to wake you up or let you know she was going to bed???? Bwaaaahaaa

  • RICHIE_RICH

    You know Mary can be a Whole T ???

  • Skin Deep Beauty

    All money ain't good money...GOOD DECISION MAKING DAMON!

  • JazzyBossyJen

    What an Selfless act many actors are when it comes to their families..

  • Renee26

    58! Damn he looks good... Never watched the show but he will be fine writing and producing behind the scenes like the rest of his siblings

  • Renee26

    Got him fired...How??

  • Alextra Ballard

    Ima hate to see him go. Lethal Weapon is one of my fav shows. I haven't missed one episode. But his health is far more important than anything.

  • Mrs. King

    My sentiments exactly. The show doesn't have the same chemistry without Martin Riggs

  • SMDH x2

    Word on the street is Clayne complained about Damon's tardiness on the set. Damon complained about Clayne being mean to the women on set and he took a stunt too far that left a cut on Damon's head. I enjoyed watching the show with the both of them on it, but after Clayne was fired due to Damon's whining I didn't tune in to this season. The raitings dropped big time

  • Alextra Ballard

    So yew think the entire staff was line about Clayne being batshidt crazy?

  • Alextra Ballard

    I wish I could give you 1000 like...I loved it as well

  • Alextra Ballard

    His son is handsome....lmaoo live yo Hoe-ness,aint no shame.. own it!

  • Kanyade

    Aw man. I was getting used to Damon's character with Sean William's Scott's character.

    Nothing is more valuable than piece of mind and good health.

  • Li-Wright

    Well, he gives good reasons in the interview with thr.com. It makes sense. It's about his health and his family. He's diabetic and working 16 hr days. That's not good.

    OT: Good read about James Brown https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/behind-family-feud-james-browns-100m-estate-1148572

  • Dun Dilly

    In other words : I secured THE BAG...I'm out!

  • dontgetblocked

    After 40..45, your perspective on life changes. God, family, and health become more important. No one has time to go to a negative work environment and spend most of your day there. Nope! Keep it moving. Stress will only make you sick.

  • therealkym

    He's at that age, he knows what's really important in life <3

  • ????Marina????

    He lost his talent

  • hi-liter

    He ain’t hurting for no money, and if it ain’t fun no more then hay ?????.....

  • Nicol B

    I think we have to get to that age to understand where he is really coming from. He ain't got the hunger for that anymore..

  • Nicol B

    Amen!

  • Nathan Hastings

    Diva

  • ????Marina????

    Maybe, how old is he anyway?

  • Alextra Ballard

    He's probably still very talented. ..the man is just tired. You don't have the same energy in your late 50's as you did in your 20's/30's

  • Alextra Ballard

    Correct,your priorities change

  • Coffee1st

    You're right. The things that don't come with a price tag become very precious and valuable to you.

  • Alicia.Ashe

    Do what you have to do. Love lethal weapon and will miss him.

  • Django the God

    Damn, that's deep.

    Very introspective.

  • ????Marina????

    Possibly

  • iWasteTime

    so you don't read the write up?
    Per the write up, he's 58, diabetic and his mother and daughter have recent health issues. All contributing to his decision

  • iWasteTime

    I commended him for putting his family and health first.
    Let Jr and 'em do it now and you take care of yourself and mom.

  • Notatall

    I'm glad he quit....those devils want to flip the story on Damon- his old co star was a bully and Damon handled it by not whoopin' his azz and now all those cracker fans of the old co star running they mouth calling Damon a punk because he handled it like a man and professionally.

  • Judi Jupiter

    Good for him....

  • ????Marina????

    Oh ok

  • http://suzar.com/BOTW/BOTW-ch1d-pages7-8.html Staci Elle

    You’re an idiot.

  • ????Marina????

    Thank you

  • http://suzar.com/BOTW/BOTW-ch1d-pages7-8.html Staci Elle

    Thank your parents or the wolves who raised you.

  • ????Marina????

    Ok, should I write ho on my face and make it my avi? Will that please you?

  • Darkandlovely617?

    ?????
    ? I still haven’t figured out if marina is real or a bot?

    Cause a few comments up, someone said “wolves” and she read “whores” ?????

  • KcoolMuziq

    I know exactly what he’s talking about! This business U often have to choose between your personal life and work. 12-16 hour days leaves no time. Which is why relationships and marriages break up with entertainers let alone lesser knowns .

    When U have to explain U don’t know when your getting off. The average person doesn’t understand that. U spend more time with your co- star then your family and loved ones. Which is how on-set affairs happen.
    The money is GREAT! But U have no life WHATSOEVER .

  • pecancandy

    In living color was my ish.

  • 2gr8ful

    He looks good for 58!!! Great decision choosing your family.

  • Junkanoo

    Got to walk the talk, good on him.

  • morenYAHdelsur

    That episode with him trying to grow hair and going crazy ? LMAO! He’s foolish ? I still watch that show.

  • MissHarlem23

    I guess when u grow up in such a big family, u can never forget that family is always the priority

  • tintin

    Oh no i love him on lethal weapon Sad that white boy is gone now him but health comes first

  • hottlanta

    Love the waymons. Black family comedy dynasty. Cant nobody beat cha.

  • Oh Tommie

    Man the Wayans are so underrated!!! I love them

  • http://www.pureromance.com LA

    Watched that show (Rectify).. I liked it. But dudes character was a f'd up individual.

  • http://www.pureromance.com LA

    My six yr old loves that movie. He be cracking up, lol..

  • RICHIE_RICH

    Who knows , it’s Hollywood

  • http://suzar.com/BOTW/BOTW-ch1d-pages7-8.html Staci Elle

    I don’t you’re a ho I think you’re an idiot and a racist.

  • ????Marina????

    I understand, so I guess there’s nothing I can do.

  • Storm’s Rage!

    How did he lost HIS talent, idiot?

  • ????Marina#???? #YLAF

    Chill boo boo

  • Vonn

    Especially with diabetes. It will tear your body down if you don't take the proper steps to control it.

  • Lolly Asher

    Interesting.

  • the chosen one

    He does look great and still looks the same.

  • the chosen one

    Diabetes is no joke. My dad suffered with it. It brings about MANY health complications.

  • Django the God

    Yeah, I got it for my kids around that age. They never had seen it.

  • ClaireHuxtable

    Best wishes for good health and a fulfilling life.

  • xenaD

    Putting family first. Who can be mad at that? He will never be broke! I mean if he can afford it! Why not? Damon Wayans best wishes ?? ??

  • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

    Yeah it's ironic that In Living Color launched the careers of J Lo and Jim Carey, but the Wayans brothers never really blew up.

    Tell me that racism isn't real.

  • http://suzar.com/BOTW/BOTW-ch1d-pages7-8.html Staci Elle

    Stop making ill informed comments- you can do that.

  • ????Marina#????

    Ok fine, sorry again

  • Lovey

    The show was great until they got rid of Riggs! They fed off of one another, I am not interested in watching now anyway.

  • http://www.NeCola.Mayvenn.com Chile_Pleeze

    they were creators writers and directors.. they made more money doing that instead of "blowing up".. basically "blowing up" is the equivalent to playing for a team in the NFL .. I'd rather OWN a team..

  • Trey

    The guy they fired said he was fired because of Damon in the first place...how ironic

  • Trey

    The guy they fired said he was fired because of Damon in the first place...how ironic

  • LYRICS

    Since "Riggs" left, haven't watched, so it's fine, carry on sir....wish you the best!

  • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

    I'm sorry but I haven't seen reruns of 'In Living Color' any where on tv in years so how are they making money?

    Do you honestly believe that the Wayans are worth more than either Jim Carey or J Lo or have more influence than either of them?

    If you believe that then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.

  • HelloToni

    Why did they fire Riggs?

  • WHYJESUSWHY

    That's a good looking 58!

  • Yoni7

    And Jamie Foxx.

  • Yoni7

    They come on MTV (or VH1). They've been on. Probably the only show I WILL watch when I do watch TV. They've shown reruns here, I KNOW FOR SURE, within the last month or so.

  • Junkanoo

    Watched this show one time didn't do it for me but Keesha Sharp is sexy

  • Zeta Phi Beta 1920

    “It’s hard for me to play this loving, supportive father/husband/ friend
    on TV, but be the guy in life that is telling everyone, I can’t I have
    to work.”

    THIS IS CALLED A MOMENT OF CLARITY. GOD BLESS HIM & MAY HE STICK WITH THIS CHOICE.

  • Yui

    Damon Wayans Explains Why He Quit ‘Lethal Weapon’
    ———-

    Coz no one was watching? (Just joking ?)

    Damon looks good for almost 60!

  • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

    J Lo just finished her $100 million residency at Las Vegas and bish can't 'sang'. She can carry a tune but she's known more as a performer and of course she got her start as a choreographer for the Fly Girls on ILC.
    I have no idea how much Jim Carey is worth. Hell he probably is broke after spending it on drugs.

  • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

    Thanks I usually watch Bounce and MeTV and ESPN.
    I will check the schedule so I can record a couple of episodes.

  • FukkFolks2018

    so how are they making money?
    ^^^^^^^^^^
    That was only one show. They were all involved in My Wife and Kids and Wayans Brothers. And both of them STAY on. White Chicks stays on often too and I saw someone say Major Payne was on not too long ago...and Low Down Dirty Shame and Im Gonna Git You Sucka BOTH make a regular appearance on home TV screens as well. Add in their behind the scenes joke writing and you have a dynasty

  • FukkFolks2018

    Not that I always believe these numbers...but these folks are not poor.

    Keenan Ivory Wayans – $65 Million.
    Damon Wayans – $35 Million. ...
    Shawn Wayans – $30 Million. ...
    Marlon Wayans – $15 Million
    Damon Wayans Jr. – $5 Million. ...

  • Peppermint Patty

    Damon lookin DAMN good!!

  • Peppermint Patty

    Good point....

  • Tiffany Miller

    And Chris Rock

  • KcoolMuziq

    He was mean,abusive and a ticking time bomb to the other cast & crew.

  • Look@m3

    I hated her role on Girlfriends (MMy favorite show in the entire world) but I love her as an actress!

  • KcoolMuziq

    Jim Carrey(whom I worked with on The Majestic) is not broke.

  • Dollmeshia Dee-Dee Clark

    wow didn't realize he's 58....he looks great!

  • Jersey Girl

    Not poor at all! They do it the right way! They remain in the background! Which is where the real money is! The wayans are legends in Hollywood!

  • Quitedeliteful

    Yep. Good Black don't crack...

  • Quitedeliteful

    That's probably the real reason... and he does look good.

  • Trace da Ace

    I completely understand where he is coming from....and for real tho ...he is a fiiinnnneeee ass 58 year old....he has always looked the same....sexy and bringing ball heads back in the game!!! #teamWayans

  • Guess Who

    Damn he's almost 60? Doesn't seem to age much.

  • HelloToni

    Oooh no. That's awful. So he was true to his character in a sense. Thank yo.

  • Junkanoo

    Her character is shadier than the Amazon rainforest but she did have some funny lines.

  • Blue

    Maybe its a grass-is-always-greener for me but I'd love to be a working actor instead of in this office acting like I'm working.

  • Junkanoo

    I wanted to become an actor but you need super tough skin to deal with loads of rejection. The other thing is only a tiny percent of actors work regularly I think it's under 20% of sag members who work often. I don't have it in me to sleep my way up the Hollywood food chain.

  • Eileen

    I agree God Bless him in his next phase of life...

  • Eileen

    He made a wise descision...God Bless him

  • disqus_FW7pCIigCY

    hmmm...it probably going to come out later that some female from the past is accusing him of something....I don't believe him....what Black male celebrity on a hit tv show would just quit...he's the star of the show, it's about 3 Black men STARRING on a major television shOw....acting jobs are hard to come by when you're black..and he's quitting...hmmmm

  • Carrington

    He did all that to get his co-star fired and then quit himself?

  • http://sandrarose.com SandraRose

    Diabetics can work long hours as long they take breaks to eat at least six times during the day.

  • http://sandrarose.com SandraRose

    Thank you! Props to the legend, Lee Bailey, for sending me the link!

  • Ant Hill

    Riggs got killed in the season 3 finale

  • Bashi22

    Thank for that information because I was thinking. Why he cannot work long hrs but others does

  • Browneyes

    who got fired. I'm super late

  • monique

    Imagine a job doing actual hard labor for 8-12 hours a day for 6 or 7 days a week. He gets to sit and relax in between scenes, vacation, millions and still complaining. I didn't know he was on a show.

  • Bee jaay Cee

    they do show reruns of ILC on cable.

  • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

    You accidentally proved my point.
    Those aren't 'mainstream' movies unlike 'Maid in Manhattan'.

  • Yui

    Heeeey Damon.

  • https://www.thewhatsup.org Hair Lova ???

    Not true. They do more of the creative stuff like producing and creating shows. You make more behind the scenes then in front of the camera. Hell Keenan is responsible for this show.

  • https://www.thewhatsup.org Hair Lova ???

    Damon has my wife and my kids. And no telling what else he produced besides the movies. Keenan has a production company. And do does Shawn and Marlon I believe. Not 100% on that one tho.

  • https://www.thewhatsup.org Hair Lova ???

    But she doesn’t own that movie. Their movies may not be “mainstream” but they own their movies. And look how many they have under their belt? All those Scary movies they did as well. They have an impressive catalog.

  • https://www.thewhatsup.org Hair Lova ???

    Exactly. That’s like being a singer verses being a writer. I rather play the background and day.

  • Readytochokemothernatureout

    Well buh bye to that show.

  • abby500

    Right... something smells here

  • Sojourner’s Truth

    Those Becky's will do it every time.

  • GrapeCrush

    IF he’s telling the truth

  • GrapeCrush

    Try again...
    The Wayans family has a combined domestic box office gross of over $1 billion dollars with more than $300 million of those coming from Keenan, Shawn, and Marlon alone.

  • Malcom Flex

    Yeh he was too handsy with chicks.

  • Worst Lender

    Good

  • BloodBlood

    We wasn't watching the show no way ????

  • Karen Brady

    :- )

  • Wakando Shamar Taylor

    so u push the other guy out who was clearly the star of the show and then u quit?

  • Kimocha

    Well he should be able to retire by now anyway... It's about time!

  • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

    You upvoted yourself?

    Ha,ha,ha!!