Damon Wayans Reveals the Brilliance Behind Katt Williams: “I Knew He Was Going to Blow Up”

In a revealing interview that’s creating buzz across social media, comedy legend Damon Wayans shared fascinating insights about his relationship with Katt Williams, offering fans a rare glimpse behind the curtain of comedy’s most distinctive voice.

“Cat used to open for me,” Wayans revealed casually, dropping a bombshell that many fans didn’t know. “I knew cat was going to blow up. That’s why I brought him on ‘My Wife and Kids.'”

What makes Katt Williams special? According to Wayans, Williams was destined for greatness from the beginning.

Recalling taking Williams to perform in Las Vegas early in his career, Wayans shared: “He got standing ovation, 20-minute set. He was powerful—still powerful.”

Wayans painted a vivid picture of the young Williams that longtime fans will appreciate: “When he was young, he was all over there doing splits and sliding across the stage. I just go, ‘Wow, I got to bring my A-game!'”

What truly sets Williams apart in the comedy world? Wayans explained it perfectly: “Cat is one of the fewest comedians that in one word, you know who it is as soon as he opened his mouth.” He places Williams in elite company alongside Wanda Sykes and Chris Rock—comedians with instantly recognizable styles.

“When I watch a comedian, I’m watching funny. I’m watching what’s going on behind his eyes,” Wayans shared, explaining how Williams “thinks funny” in a way few others can match.

Perhaps the most intriguing revelation from the interview is the existence of an unreleased film starring Katt Williams that Wayans described as “Oscar worthy.” Titled “Behind the Smile,” the dark comedy features an incredible cast including Williams, Marlon Wayans, George Wallace, Bob Saget, and Jim Belushi.

“Marlon is absolutely brilliant in this movie,” Wayans revealed about the film, which follows a comedian from Cleveland who moves to LA, meets his idol (played by Wayans), and experiences the dark side of comedy fame. The film was completed around 2004-2005 but has been kept in Wayans’ vault after he didn’t like Netflix’s initial offer.

Even Dave Chappelle has seen it, reportedly calling it “my favorite movie—that’s why I went to Africa,” referring to Chappelle’s famous career break.

Despite the recent controversy surrounding Williams’ viral interview where he called out several fellow comedians, Wayans offered perspective on the situation, laughing it off: “Cat is funny… he was just having fun. Got that liquor in him, had the fire going behind him.”

While Wayans personally believes in the fraternity of comedy—”there’s enough stuff going on out there for you to be talking about instead of talking about what’s going on in here”—he understands the comedic impulse behind Williams’ roasting session.

Unlike many headliners who restrict their opening acts, Wayans revealed his unique approach to mentoring rising comedians: “What most comedians respected about me is I never told them to not do material.” When openers would ask which jokes to avoid, Wayans would say, “No, go do you… I don’t want you to tamp down. Don’t hold it in, just go. I just have to be better.”

This mentorship philosophy explains how Williams developed such a fearless, authentic voice—he had the freedom to be himself from the beginning.

As Williams continues to dominate headlines and sell out shows nationwide, fans are left wondering what’s next for the comedy icon. With Wayans hinting that his production company might revisit releasing their collaboration film, we might finally get to see this “Oscar worthy” performance that’s been hidden away for nearly two decades.

One thing’s certain—Katt Williams remains one of comedy’s most distinct, authentic voices, with the ability to captivate audiences through both his stand-up performances and dramatic roles.

As Wayans aptly put it when describing Williams’ effect on a crowd: “He was powerful. Still powerful.”

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