Damon Wayans Sr. and his son, Damon Wayans Jr., recently sat down for an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, where they fondly reminisced about their former neighbour, Michael Jordan. While most NBA fans remember Michael Jordan for his legendary buzzer-beaters on the court, the Wayans family has a different memory of him – as an avid snack eater! The father-son duo shared their experiences of living next door to the basketball legend in the 1990s, when he was filming the iconic movie ‘Space Jam’.
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Damon Jr., now 42 years old, recalled how Jordan would frequently visit their house for one particular reason – snacks. He jokingly mentioned, “So many snacks. Your snack game was off the chain. Michael Jordan used to come over and eat all my snacks. That’s how good our snacks were.” Damon Jr. was just a pre-teen at the time and fondly remembers Jordan’s regular visits, saying, “He came over too much.” It seems their snack supply was unmatched, even for a sports superstar like Jordan.
According to Damon Sr., having Michael Jordan as a neighbour was an incredible experience. He reflected on the excitement it brought to him and his friends, who were more interested in catching a glimpse of Jordan than visiting him. However, Damon Sr. made it clear that he had one rule for his friends – ‘don’t bother him’. Despite the temptation to see Jordan every day, the Wayans family respected his privacy and only engaged with him when invited.
The memories shared by Damon Jr. and Damon Sr. paint a picture of a unique and exciting time in their lives. Damon Jr. recalled a specific incident where they watched Jordan from their window, with his dad even ‘Army crawling’ to get a better view. Looking back, Damon Jr. expressed gratitude for his childhood, describing it as a dream come true. Living next to a basketball legend like Michael Jordan was undoubtedly a highlight for the family.
As they prepare for the mid-season premiere of their CBS sitcom, ‘Poppa’s House’, Damon Wayans Sr. and Damon Wayans Jr. took a moment to reflect on the cherished memories of their past. The father-son duo highlighted the joy and privilege of having a neighbour like Michael Jordan and the unforgettable experiences that came with it. Their story serves as a reminder of the unique connections and experiences that can come from unexpected encounters, even with a global superstar like Jordan.
The Wayans family’s account of their time as neighbours to Michael Jordan offers a glimpse into the personal side of the basketball icon, showing a casual and friendly interaction that transcended his on-court fame. By sharing their story, Damon Wayans Sr. and Damon Wayans Jr. provide a refreshing perspective on the human side of a sports legend, reminding us that even the greatest athletes enjoy simple pleasures like good snacks and friendly neighbours.
In a world where celebrity encounters are often glamorised and distant, the Wayans family’s recollection of their everyday interactions with Michael Jordan brings a sense of relatability and warmth. Their memories showcase the value of simple moments and the bonds that can form between neighbours, regardless of their fame or status. As they gear up for the return of their sitcom, the Wayans family’s story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the joys found in unexpected friendships and shared experiences.