Named one of Variety's Comics to Watch, Vulture's Comedians You Should and Will Know, and mentioned as one of The New York Times' Queer Young Comics Redefining American Humor, Dewayne Perkins is an Emmy and WGA Award-nominated writer, producer, actor, and comedian who has steadily built his comedic portfolio over the years. A true multi-hyphenate, Perkins has emerged as one of the most-watched Black queer creatives in film and television in 2023.

This year, Perkins can be seen starring in the upcoming feature film "The Blackening" (MRC, Lionsgate). Based on his acclaimed Comedy Central digital short of the same name that went viral with over 15 million views, Perkins co-wrote the script, produced the film, and stars opposite Antoinette Robinson, Sinqua Walls, Grace Byers, X Mayo, Melvin Gregg, Jermaine Fowler, Yvonne Orji, and Jay Pharoah. "The Blackening" debuted at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival to rave reviews and centers around a group of Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by his rules, the friends soon realize it isn't a game. "The Blackening" is slated for release on June 16, 2023.

In television, Perkins was recently tapped to write and executive produce Fox's upcoming animated series "Clue," which is based on the popular mystery board game. He is also currently a co-executive producer on season two of Amazon's "I’m A Virgo" and is developing feature projects for Sony, MGM, and 20th Century Studios.

Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Perkins graduated from Curie High School and was the first Black male student to receive an International Baccalaureate Diploma. He went on to attend DePaul University where he continued to hone his craft in writing and comedy. He worked at Second City and performed at iO Theater, and was a member of the improv trio 3Peat, where the sketch "The Blackening" was developed. As the sketch went viral, Perkins quickly became in-demand in the entertainment industry. One of his first big breaks was becoming a staff writer on "The Break with Michelle Wolf" for Netflix, he then joined the writing staff for season seven of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," where he was the only Black writer. Additional previous writing credits for Dewayne include "The Amber Ruffin Show" (Peacock), and he holds producing credits on NBC's "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," Peacock's "Saved by the Bell," and Amazon’s “Sausage Party.” Additionally, he has had projects in development with Hulu and ABC Signature.

As an actor, Perkins has appeared on Netflix's "The Upshaws," Peacock's "Saved by the Bell," and IFC's critically acclaimed sketch series "Sherman's Showcase." On the writing front, he has written for the WGA Awards, The Webby's, and the White House Correspondents Dinner, in which one of his jokes was listed in The New Yorker's "Best Jokes of 2018."

While working in film and television keeps Perkins busy, he has an innate love for stand-up comedy and has been named one of Comedy Central's "Up Next" comedians, A 2019 New Face at The Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, one of TimeOut New York's "Breakout LGBTQ Comedians to Watch," and was a finalist on NBC's "Stand Up." He has also performed at Comedy Central's Clusterfest, SF Sketchiest, and NBC's Breakout Festival.

Perkins currently resides in the LA area.