Exploring Grief and Humor: Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans' Emotional Journey in 'Him
Actor Tyriq Withers requested his co-star Marlon Wayans to joke about the death of Withers' older brother while filming the sports thriller Him. Withers shared his experience of merging his grief with his character Cameron "Cam" Cade in an interview with Variety. His older brother, Kionte, passed away in a car accident in 2021, a year before Withers landed a breakout role on the final season of Atlanta. Despite his loss, Withers remains involved in his late brother's son's life.
During the filming, Wayans hesitated but eventually joked about Kionte as requested by Withers. The jokes proved to be beneficial for a scene where Wayans' character humiliates Cade. Wayans mentioned that he approached Withers differently to bring out a certain performance, tapping into the darkness within his humor. Withers' bravery in asking for such a performance was evident, and the impact was visible in his eyes, leading to a heartfelt moment between the co-stars.
Him, released in September 2025, grossed $27.8 million globally but faced criticism from reviewers. Wayans defended the film on social media, comparing it to his previous successful projects like White Chicks and Scary Movie, stating that Him was "ahead of the curve." Despite the mixed reception, the collaboration between Withers and Wayans in exploring deep emotions and experiences on screen was a testament to their dedication to their craft and the art of storytelling.