Angelica Zachary: What Happened to Marlon Wayans’ Ex-Wife After the Breakup?

Have you ever wondered what happened to Angelica Zachary, the woman Marlon Wayans spent over 20 years with?

She’s not a celebrity who runs after fame. She doesn’t post flashy photos. She doesn’t give interviews. But she was once the center of Marlon Wayans’ world.

In this article, we’re going to walk through Angelica’s life—from how she met Marlon to what she’s doing now in 2026. You’ll learn about her love story, her kids, her peaceful lifestyle, and why people still care about her today.

Let’s begin.

Angelica Zachary Quick Bio

Who Is Angelica Zachary?

Angelica Zachary is best known as the long-time partner of actor and comedian Marlon Wayans. While Marlon built a big name in Hollywood with movies like White Chicks and Scary Movie, Angelica stayed away from the spotlight.

She was born in New York City and still lives there today. Angelica is a private person. She doesn’t do public events or interviews. But people are still curious about her because she lived quietly next to someone so famous—and helped raise two amazing kids.

Even with all the attention around Marlon, Angelica kept her life calm and peaceful. That’s what makes her so different—and interesting.

How Did Angelica Zachary Meet Marlon Wayans?

Angelica met Marlon Wayans back in the early 1990s, before he became a big star. At that time, Marlon was just starting out in comedy and TV. Their connection was real and strong from the start.

They didn’t rush into fame or show off their relationship in public. Instead, they built a home, raised their kids, and lived a simple life together. Even though they were often seen together, they never made a big deal out of it.

To the world, they seemed like a quiet, loving couple. And for a long time, they truly were.

Were Angelica Zachary and Marlon Wayans Ever Married?

This is a question many fans ask: were they really married?

Some sources say they got married around 2005. Others say they never had a wedding or legal papers. Even Marlon himself said once that he never got married because he wanted his mother to stay the most important woman in his life.

So while they weren’t married in the legal sense, they lived together like husband and wife. They shared a home. They raised two children. They were deeply committed. That’s why many people called Angelica his wife—because she truly was a partner in every way.

Angelica Zachary and Marlon Wayans’ Breakup

After over 20 years together, Angelica and Marlon quietly broke up in 2013. It came as a surprise to many people who thought they’d be together forever.

Around the same time, Marlon was seen on a yacht kissing another woman. This started cheating rumors. A month before that, Marlon had appeared on The Wendy Williams Show and said he was still in a relationship. So when the yacht photos came out, people were shocked.

Neither Angelica nor Marlon talked much about what happened. But in 2018, Marlon posted on Instagram that he had “failed” the relationship. He didn’t go into detail, but he did say how much he still respected and loved her.

What Happened to Marlon Wayans’ Ex-Wife After the Breakup?

After the breakup, Angelica didn’t disappear—but she didn’t chase fame either. She went back to doing what she always did: caring for her kids and living quietly.

She never gave interviews. She didn’t go online to talk badly about Marlon. In fact, Marlon said she never once spoke badly about him to their children. That kind of strength and respect is rare.

Even now, Marlon posts about her on Mother’s Day and her birthday. In one post, he called her a “lioness of a mother” and thanked her for being loyal and loving. That shows just how much she still means to him.

Angelica Zachary and Her Two Children

Angelica is the proud mother of two children with Marlon Wayans:

• Kai Zachary Wayans, born May 24, 2000 (originally named Amai)

• Shawn Howell Wayans, born February 3, 2002

Kai came out as transgender and now lives as a man. Marlon spoke openly about this, saying it was hard at first but he fully supports his child. Kai is now studying at the University of Southern California.

Shawn is more private but is known for his love of basketball. He’s a student at Loyola Marymount University and sometimes shows up on Marlon’s social media.

Angelica raised them with love, kindness, and patience. She still has full custody, but she and Marlon work together as great co-parents.

Angelica Zachary and Marlon’s Co-Parenting Bond

Even after their breakup, Angelica and Marlon stayed close—at least when it comes to parenting.

Marlon often calls her his “wife” on Instagram, even now. In one sweet post, he said:

“You’re responsible, you have integrity, a great heart… You’re a lioness of a mother.”

He even shared that Angelica kicked him out of her life for two years, but eventually forgave him. That kind of love, even after pain, shows the deep bond they still have.

They may not be a couple anymore, but they are still a team when it comes to raising their children.

Angelica Zachary’s Private Life Today

In 2026, Angelica Zachary still lives a calm and quiet life. She’s stayed in New York City, where she was born. She doesn’t go to big events or talk to the media. She enjoys her peace and keeps her circle small.

Even though she’s not a public figure, she does use Instagram—but only privately. Her account has over 300 posts, but only her followers can see them. In her bio, she says she loves psychology and philosophy. She also describes herself as a “lioness of a mother” and someone who believes in truth and growth.

Angelica has chosen to live a simple life. She focuses on her kids, her thoughts, and her happiness—not on fame.

What Is Angelica Zachary’s Job or Career Now?

Many people ask what Angelica Zachary does for work now. The answer is—she’s not active in Hollywood anymore. Her acting career was short. Her first role was in the 1988 comedy I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, where she played a pedestrian. She may have had a small role in White Chicks too, but it was never confirmed.

Even though she didn’t act much, Angelica played a quiet role behind the scenes. The NBC show Marlon (which ran from 2017 to 2018) was inspired by her real life. The story was about a man trying to co-parent with his ex—just like Marlon and Angelica did in real life.

So while she wasn’t in the show, her life helped shape it. That shows how powerful her presence really was, even if it wasn’t on screen.

Angelica Zachary’s Net Worth and Lifestyle

As of 2026, Angelica Zachary’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.5 million. This likely comes from her early acting work, quiet behind-the-scenes deals, and her long partnership with Marlon Wayans.

Even though Marlon is worth over $40 million, Angelica has never been flashy with money. She lives in a nice home in New York but doesn’t show off. She doesn’t wear designer brands in public or post about luxury trips.

Her focus has always been family, not fame or fortune. That’s part of what makes her story feel so honest and real.

Why Do Fans Still Talk About Angelica Zachary?

You might wonder—why are people still curious about Angelica Zachary in 2026?

It’s because she stayed true to herself. She never ran after cameras or attention. Even after her breakup with Marlon Wayans, she stayed calm, kind, and private. She raised two strong kids. She kept peace in her home. And she never said a bad word about the father of her children.

She also helped inspire the Marlon show, which showed real co-parenting, not fake drama. That made her story feel relatable for so many people.

Angelica Zachary reminds us that not every strong woman is loud. Some are quiet, thoughtful, and deeply loving. And that kind of strength leaves a mark.

Final Thoughts

Angelica Zachary may not be a celebrity in the usual way, but her story is powerful.

She was with Marlon Wayans for over 20 years. She raised two amazing kids. She kept her peace after the breakup. And she showed the world what it means to be strong without being loud.

Even now, Marlon Wayans says he still loves and respects her. He calls her family. That says everything.

So, what happened to Marlon Wayans’ ex-wife after the breakup? She didn’t fade away. She grew stronger—in her own quiet, beautiful way.

(FAQs)

Did Angelica Zachary really act in movies?

Yes, but only for a short time. Angelica appeared briefly in I’m Gonna Git You Sucka. She was also linked to White Chicks, but she never chased acting fame. She chose a quiet life instead.

What is Angelica Zachary’s ethnicity and nationality?

Angelica Zachary is American. She is African‑American by ethnicity. She keeps her family background very private and never talks about it publicly.

What is Angelica Zachary’s net worth in 2026?

Angelica Zachary’s net worth is around $3.5 million in 2026. What shocks people most is this—she has money, but she lives simply and avoids luxury and attention.

How many kids does Angelica Zachary have?

She has two children with Marlon Wayans.
• Kai Zackary Wayans, a transgender man and college student
• Shawn Howell Wayans, a student and basketball player
Angelica raised them with love, patience, and strong values.

Is Angelica Zachary related to Essence Atkins?

No, not at all. They are not related. Many people get confused because Essence Atkins played Marlon Wayans’ ex-wife on the show Marlon, which was based on Angelica’s real life.

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