Marlon Wayans has finally received his high school diploma from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, more than three decades after he graduated with the class of 1990. The moment arose during a CBS Sunday Morning interview when Wayans returned to LaGuardia to talk about his student days, and administrators realized he had never received his physical diploma.
According to a post from LaGuardia, Superintendent Beidleman and Principal Marwah welcomed the alumnus back to campus, where he reflected on his formative years in the performing arts program. After the visit, it was confirmed that, despite completing all graduation requirements, Wayans had not been issued the actual certificate. He later posed with the diploma and shared on social media, “Just got my LAG diploma… 35 years later,” marking a full-circle moment for the actor and comedian.
Wayans’ reunion with LaGuardia classmates was celebrated by many, including actors Dondre Whitfield and Bresha Webb, who congratulated him and celebrated the milestone online. Fans noted the nostalgic connection and joked about how long it had taken, with some still cheering his success as a reminder of the school’s enduring impact. The back-and-forth also touched on Wayans’ educational path, including his two years at Howard University before he left to pursue acting full-time.
Among LaGuardia’s notable alumni is Omar Epps, who shared a longtime friendship and collaboration with Wayans that began in high school. The two later discussed their bond on a March 2023 episode of The Daily Show, where Wayans hosted and they recalled growing up together, their playful rivalries, and the stories that formed the foundation of their later careers. One colorful anecdote involved Epps’ early “Rocky” habit—carrying a blue ball and drinking raw eggs—paired with memories of a high school shoplifting incident involving a 96-ounce bottle that became school legend.
Beyond his LaGuardia moment, Wayans’ career has been marked by a string of landmark roles and projects. After high school, he pursued acting opportunities, including a near-miss for Robin in Batman Returns in 1992, a role that ultimately didn’t come to pass but still contributed to his momentum through residuals and ongoing recognition. He later found success on In Living Color and co-created The Wayans Bros., which helped propel the Scary Movie franchise and a broader Hollywood presence. He remains involved in projects tied to his family’s comedy legacy and continues to explore new work, including a 2026 reboot of Scary Movie.
In addition to his acting work, Wayans has earned industry recognition in recent years. He won the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Guest Performance in Peacock’s Bel-Air and received a 2024 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special for Marlon Wayans: God Loves Me. Earlier in his career, he also received the BET Comedy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Box Office Movie in 2004.
The moment at LaGuardia closes a chapter that began in the very halls where Wayans first voiced his dreams aloud. It also highlights the enduring value of arts education and the power of recognizing and honoring artists who nurture their talents over time. Wayans’ story stands as a reminder that perseverance and passion can create lasting, celebratory milestones—even decades after a student first walked across a stage.
Summary: Marlon Wayans returned to LaGuardia High School to receive his long-overdue diploma from the class of 1990, 35 years after graduation. The moment followed a CBS interview, and the celebration included praise from peers and fans, a reconnection with fellow alumni like Omar Epps, and a spotlight on Wayans’ notable career and awards. The milestone underscores the impact of arts education and the resolve to honor long-standing achievements.
Overall, Wayans’ retroactive diploma moment offers a hopeful, positive note about perseverance, the importance of recognizing educational milestones, and the lasting bonds formed in the performing arts community.