In Livng Color; History of how it begin ...
'In Living Color' was created after the success of Keenen Ivory Wayans' hit film "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka!" released in late 1988. After the success, he begin doin' screening for another film and invited FOX. But the film department of 20th Century FOX didn't show up, television did. The show was originally to be an hour long. Keenen wanted the hour, the network wanted 30 minutes. Keenen shortened it to 30-minutes. He gave up an hour for creative control.
He had history with sketch comedy. With his buddy and "Black Pack" member, Robert Townsend, he created 'Hollywood Shuffle' which was a bunch of sketches put together and released in 87. Also later that year, he was part of 'Robert Townsend Partners in Crime' variety specials that aired on HBO from 1987 to 1989 and 'Eddie Murphy RAW' which he helped write. In early 89', he had auditions in Chicago, Miami but mostly in LA at the 'Comedy Act Theater'. The cast was completed in June of 89' and included Keenen and his relatives Damon (who had sketch history himself as being a cast member on Saturday Night Live in 1985) and Kim. Damon's co-star from "Earth Girls are Easy" James Carrey, longtime Wayans friend David Alan Grier; Tommy Davidson, who Keenen had met a few years earlier with Robert Townsend. Kim Coles a young comedian and from Chicago Kelly Coffield and Crystal Walker (later Crystal T'Keyah Keymáh.) They started filming in July if 89 after they picked from a ton of auditions.
You'll be surprised who all auditioned for the show...
-Chris Rock: In an interview from 89' Rock says he was to be a performer and writer for the show. Rock had know Wayans for a few years, Wayans even put him in 'I'm Gonna Get You Sucka!" Keenen wanted him on the show, but FOX didn't. It goes back to a date rape joke he told on The Arsenio Hall Show (FOX affiliated.) He would however later work on the show in it's last season, but by than, the Wayans had left.
-Martin Lawrence: David Alan Grier said he had auditioned for the show with a group that included; Martin Lawrence, Susie Essman and Reggie McFadden. I guess Keenen and Fox liked him. Keenen cast him in the lead role for a “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka!” TV series, only a pilot was shown. And Fox gave him his own sitcom in 92 which featured episodes with many ILC alumni like his best friend Tommy Davidson, David Alan Grier, Kim Coles, Reggie McFadded and Chris Rock.
-Susie Essman: Auditioned with David Alan Grier, Reggie McFadden and the above mentioned Martin Lawrence.
-Reggie McFadden: He auditioned with the above mentioned; DAG, Lawrence and Essman. He actually auditioned for the series 3 times and he became a cast member in the final season (after appearing in the 4th season a few times.)
-D.L. Hughley: Tommy Davidson says he auditioned in 1989.
-Thomas Haden Church: Auditioned for a spot on the show, but was edged out by Jim Carrey.
-J.B. Smoove: In an interview, says he auditioned for the series.
-Donnell Rawlings: Auditioned for In Living Color, where he met Neal Breenan who apparently was a cameraman.
-Wesley Snipes: A BET special on the 30 Greatest TV Shows says he even auditioned for the series. In Living Color came in at number 8.
-Larry Wilmore: Was not able to audition, but was hired as a writer from season 3 on in 1991.
-John Leguizamo: Was asked to join the cast but he turned it down. I'm not sure which season, but I'm guessing it was after the Wayans left for season 5. One year later, he had his on version of In Living Color on FOX called "House of Buggin'" It lasted one season.
Even some famous Fly Girls auditioned.
-Jada Pinkett Smith: in 1989, came fresh from Baltimore to audition. She didn't make the cut but made a friends in Keenen Ivory Wayans who helped her get a door in Hollywood.
-Niecy Nash: Auditioned in 1990. She was a former dance but had retired, she came out to be a dancer, but didn't make the cut.
-Janet Jacme and Domonique Simone: These two porn stars went to an audition for the Fly Girls. They thought cause the had big breast and butts they'd be a shoe in. Janet was throwing down, but Domonique didn’t have enough back as what they told her. They even made a parody porn titled "In Loving Color." The series, "My Baby Got Back" comes from this audition also.