Marlon Wayans: NBC Passed on "Wayans Bros." Over Pops

Marlon Wayans recently revealed on Keke Palmer’s podcast, Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, that NBC initially rejected John Witherspoon’s iconic “Pops” character in The Wayans Bros.. The network deemed his portrayal “too ghetto” and suggested replacing him with someone like Danny Glover.

“We did a table reading, and they thought [Witherspoon’s character] was too ghetto,” Wayans shared. “They wanted us to have a different father… like a Danny Glover type.”

The Wayans brothers refused to compromise. “We was like, ‘It’s John Witherspoon or it’s not.’ … And they was like, ‘Well, negro, you’re not doing the show,’” Marlon recalled.

The WB Saves the Day

When NBC passed, The WB network embraced the show, launching The Wayans Bros. in 1995. Witherspoon’s Pops became the heart of the series, delivering humor and wisdom that resonated with audiences. His one-liners and authentic portrayal of Black fatherhood made him a cultural icon.

“Everything is God,” Wayans reflected. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

A Lasting Legacy

Witherspoon’s performance proved NBC wrong, as The Wayans Bros. thrived for five seasons and continues to connect with new generations. His portrayal of Pops remains a testament to the power of authenticity in storytelling.

Watch Marlon Wayans’ full interview on Baby, This is Keke Palmer below!