Wayans family patriarch Howell Wayans dies at 86

The Wayans family patriarch Howell Wayans has died at the age of 86 from unknown causes as his famous sons remember him always putting 'family first.' 

Howell Wayans' son Marlon confirmed the news on Saturday on Instagram, calling his father a 'legend' and saying he was the 'example of a man to all your boys.' 

'When I was a child I asked my Dad what did you want to be when grew up? He simply said: "I wanted to be a man," I said: "Not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?"

'He said: "Just a man."'

When he told his father that every little boy eventually becomes a man, Howell told him that was 'not true' and that 'a man takes care of himself and his responsibilities. His family is always FIRST.' 

Howell Wayans (right) has died at the age of 86, his son Marlon (left) confirmed on Saturday. Marlon said his father taught him that 'a man takes care of himself and his responsibilities. His family is always FIRST,' and he strived to be that 

Howell (right) was the father of 10 famous children, including Marlon, Keenen, Shawn, Damien (second right), and Craig (left)

'From that day on I wanted to be a MAN,' Marlon wrote in a tribute post. 'Thank you Pop for being an example of a Man to all your boys. I pray all young black boys can grow up to be a Man like you.' 

'Baby boy loves you. And if ever I need you I know exactly where to find you…in my Bible that now sits by bed. Rest well. Kiss Ma for me. Tell her her babies miss her. I got two angels. I feel y’all lifting me already. If there’s a heaven I know you sitting in VIP sippin’ the best wine Jesus can make,' he concluded. 

The patriarch raised his family of comedians - including Marlon, Keenen, Shawn, and Damien - in New York City alongside his late wife Elvira, who died three years ago. The family has a combined net worth of $100million. 

Howell raised his children in New York City, alongside his wife  Elvira, who died three years ago

Howell's (pictured) children have gone on produce, write, and direct several TV and film, including popular movie White Chicks, which Marlon and Shawn starred in

His children have gone on produce, write, and direct several TV and film, including the popular movie White Chicks, which Marlon and Shawn starred in. 

Family friend Omar Epps also posted a tribute to the patriarch, calling him a 'giant.'

'Words can’t even describe how I’m feeling right now. This man was a GIANT amongst giants. Pop Wayans was a true father to me [through] out my life. Always teaching me, giving me jewels that I walk with to this day. I love you Pop! 

'Thank you for taking me under your wing as if I was one of your own. We’re all devastated, but yet somehow, you prepared us for this moment. I LOVE YOU!!'

Comedian DL Hughley also wrote: 'He was man and King among men. It’s evident in the legacy of FAMILY he raised [and] cared for.'