New at BOP: Review: Matrix Resurrections Movie Review: Moonfall Movie Reviews: Scream The #1 Movie in America November Forecast The Many Saints of Newark October Forecast New Trivia Question All site updates Share & Save   Tweet

After bursting onto the comedy scene while working with his brother Keenan Ivory on films such as I'm Gonna Get You Sucka and the highly regarded television series In Living Color, Damon Wayans' career has been somewhat up and down. His movie career has fizzled, but his television series My Wife and Kids is one of ABC's most successful entertainment series. Now Damon will be venturing into the directing arena with a dark independent drama set in the world of standup comedy.

Based on his own screenplay, Behind the Smile will feature another Wayans brother, Marlon (Requiem for a Dream, White Chicks), as a young comic who leaves his Cleveland home to venture to Hollywood with hopes of pursuing stardom. Un the process, he becomes caught up in the seductive lifestyle of Tinseltown.

Also signed on for supporting roles are James Belushi and Shakara Ledard (Prey for Rock & Roll). Filming on the project is set to start in Summer of 2005. (Kim Hollis/BOP)

Vital statistics for Behind the Smile Main Cast Marlon Wayans, James Belushi, Shakara Ledard Director Damon Wayans Screenwriter Damon Wayans Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture