Wayne Brady is an American comedian, actor, singer, and television personality with an impressive net worth of $10 million. He is best known as the host of the popular improv comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and as a regular on the sketch comedy series Kelsey Grammer Presents The Sketch Show.
Wayne Brady’s Early Life
Wayne Alphonso Brady was born in Columbus, Georgia, on June 2, 1972. His mother, West Indian Elaine Brady, was a singer, and his father, Wayne Brady Sr., was a salesman. Brady credits his grandmother for his love of performing, as she would take him to plays and musicals when he was young.
Brady attended Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida, where he started performing in school productions. After graduating in 1989, Brady attended the University of Miami. He was a school baseball team member before an injury ended his athletic career. Brady turned his full attention to performing arts and graduated in 1996 with a BFA in theater.
Wayne Brady Career Beginnings
After graduating from college, Brady moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting and comedy career. His television career began when he was hired as a performer on the British version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? in 1998. His improvisational skills and quick wit made him a standout on the show.
When the American version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? premiered on ABC in 1998, Brady was one of the few performers brought over from the British cast. The new show was a hit, and Brady’s talent for improv comedy and impersonations quickly made him a fan favorite.
He remained on Whose Line until its cancellation in 2006 while also guest starring on other shows like 30 Rock, Dirt, and Everybody Hates Chris.
Wayne Rise to Fame on Television
While still working on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Brady landed his daytime talk show in 2001 called The Wayne Brady Show. It featured celebrity interviews and comedy sketches, showing off Brady’s versatility. The show was nominated for six Daytime Emmy awards during its two-year run.
In 2003, Brady began hosting the popular Fox series Don’t Forget the Lyrics!. His quick wit and singing skills made him the perfect host for the karaoke game show. He hosted until the show’s initial cancellation in 2009 and again when it was revived from 2010 to 2011.
Brady took over hosting duties on the comedy improv show Drew Carey’s Improv-A-Ganza in 2011. He also became the host of the CBS game show Let’s Make a Deal in 2009, adding his flair to the beloved program.
Over the years, Brady has also been a guest star on numerous television shows, displaying his acting chops. His notable guest appearances include How I Met Your Mother, The Hero, Black-ish, Sophia Grace, and Rosie’s Royal Adventure.
Wayne Brady’s Success on Stage
Aside from his prolific television career, Brady is an accomplished stage actor. In 2003, he debuted as lawyer Billy Flynn in the Chicago musical on Broadway. He briefly took over the role of Lola in Kinky Boots on Broadway in 2017.
Brady’s other significant stage credits include playing Simon Stimson in Our Town in 2002 and performing in the Vegas productions of Mama Mia! and Kiss Me, Kate. He also starred as Aaron Burr in the Chicago production of Hamilton in 2018.
Brady has toured with his live shows, blending comedy, music, and improv games. His popular VEGAS Unfiltered show has been performed to sold-out crowds in Las Vegas.
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Wayne Brady’s Personal Life
Brady was married to Diana Lasso from 1993 until 1995. In 1999, he married dancer Mandie Taketa. The couple has one child named Maile Masako Brady, who was born in 2003. After over 10 years of marriage, Brady and Taketa divorced in 2007.
Brady keeps his personal life fairly private. He has been linked romantically to actress Teyana Taylor and choreographer Carrie Ann Inaba over the years but generally stays mum about his relationships.
An advocate for several charities and organizations, Brady works with the Ronald McDonald House and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He is also on the corporate council for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Wayne Brady Unknown Facts
- Brady can play the piano and guitar quite well. He has incorporated both instruments into his comedy and television performances.
- In 2012, Brady won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host for Let’s Make a Deal, adding to his two previous Daytime Emmys.
- Brady provided voice work for animated shows like Sofia the First, The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe, and the Webby-award-winning Carpool Karaoke: The Series.
- An avid dancer, Brady co-choreographed the dance routine in the famous Chappelle Show sketch “Trading Spouses.”
- Brady can speak multiple languages, including Japanese, Spanish, and Russian.
- He starred alongside Ryan Reynolds in the 2018 Netflix film The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.
Wayne Brady Net Worth
With a career spanning over two decades in television, comedy, film, and theater, Brady has amassed an estimated net worth of $10 million. While the exact figure fluctuates year to year, there is no doubt that Brady’s hard work and diverse talents have allowed him to become financially successful.
Most of Brady’s wealth comes from his television work. As host of popular primetime and daytime programs for over 20 years, Brady has likely earned millions in salary and residuals over his career. His work on stage, comedy tours, and films has also contributed to his multimillion-dollar net worth.
Wayne Brady is a perfect example of a performer whose varied skills in comedy, acting, singing, dancing, and hosting have allowed him to build longstanding success in the entertainment industry, as evidenced by the estimated $10 million net worth he enjoys today. His talents continue to bring him new opportunities, likely leading to even greater fortune in the future.
FAQ’s?
What is Wayne Brady’s age?
Wayne Brady was born on June 2, 1972. As of 2023, the talented comedian, actor, and television personality is 50. He was born in Columbus, Georgia, and grew up in Orlando, Florida.
Who is Wayne Brady?
Wayne Brady is an Emmy-winning American comedian, actor, singer, dancer, and TV host, best known for his improvisational skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway? He’s a multifaceted performer who has starred in Broadway shows, hosted his talk show, appeared in numerous TV shows, and lent his voice to animated series.
Who is Wayne Brady’s wife?
Wayne Brady is currently unmarried. He married Diana Lasso from 1993 to 1995 and Mandie Taketa from 1999 to 2007. Brady and Taketa have a daughter named Maile together, born in 2003.
Is Wayne Brady married?
No, Wayne Brady is not married as of 2023. His second marriage to Mandie Taketa ended in divorce in 2007. He keeps his dating life private these days. Brady remains focused on parenting his daughter Maile and his successful entertainment career.
Is Wayne Brady gay?
Wayne Brady has not publicly labeled his sexuality. In a 2006 interview, he said he couldn’t care less about defining himself; he loves who he loves. Brady keeps his romantic life very private. He has been linked to actress Teyana Taylor and dancer Carrie Ann Inaba.
What movies has Wayne Brady been in?
Wayne Brady’s most notable movies include Crossover, Roll Bounce, The Hero of Color City, Foodfight!, 1982, and Forever My Girl. He has also acted as a voice for animated films like Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Monster Musical.
What game show does Wayne Brady host?
Wayne Brady has hosted the CBS game show Let’s Make a Deal since 2009, taking over hosting duties from Monty Hall. His quick wit, energy, and humor make him perfect for reviving the beloved series.
Did Wayne Brady compete on Dancing with the Stars?
Yes! Wayne Brady was a contestant on season 2 of Dancing with the Stars in 2006. He and his professional dancing partner Cheryl Burke made it to the finals and won the competition.
