4:53 PM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Marlon actually learned of his father's death last night during a gig out in Burbank, CA -- where he was scheduled for two different stand-up comedy shows at a club called Flappers.
We're told that he was notified after his first show that evening, and went on to do his second show afterward ... where our sources say he worked the tragedy into his material, which amounted for an incredibly emotional set -- one where he was already discussing the passing of his mother.
God is checking off my Celebrity Bucketlist 😭🙌🏾. I’m still in awe that I got to see @MarlonWayans live and the brilliance he embodies! Love you Marlon! ♥️ #Flappers #MarlonWayans #Burbank #My90sCrush pic.twitter.com/UXbJuyuM5Q
— Sherissa 🏆🤍💋 (@BaddieRi) April 1, 2023
Our sources say Marlon held off the big news about his father only until the end of his show -- this after going deep into his family dynamic/history as one of the Wayans. We're told he said it at the end, noting his father had just passed 3 hours ago ... and he wept too.
The crowd, we're told, gave him a standing O ... and there were some tears shed in the audience. There was a bit of a delay as well for his 9:30 PM show -- now, we know why.
The Wayans family patriarch, Howell Wayans, has died ... and his children are paying tribute.
Marlon Wayans confirmed the sad news Saturday with a touching post. He threw up a pic of him and Howell together, with the latter kissing his son on the head. MW writes, "Legend. 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.'"
He continued to explain how Howell told not everyone grows up to be a man, elaborating on what it takes to become that ... including owning up to one's responsibilities and taking care of one's family. Marlon says that convo with Howell made him aspire to be just that.
Marlon had more to say about the passing of his father, adding ... "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."
Omar Epps, a famous actor friend of the family, also sent condolences ... and praised Howell as a second father figure in his life, who took him under his wing as one of his own.
Howell raised 10 of his children in NYC alongside his late wife, Elvira, who died three years ago. That includes several who went on to be incredibly successful in showbiz ... Marlon, Shawn, Damon, Kim and Keenen. Just about all of the siblings have touched entertainment in one way or another ... and have all enjoyed successful careers in their own right.
Howell has been described by his loved ones as a disciplinarian and a hard worker who instilled core tenets and values in all of his kids. He was supportive of their aspirations for comedy, acting and writing ... and it clearly paid off, as the Wayans are a household name.
He's survived by his children and many grandchildren. Howell was 86.
RIP
Originally Published -- 2:03 PM PT