Lavell Crawford, a comedian, is a big family man. He is married to DeShawn Crawford, and the couple has a son named LJ Crawford. And while he has established himself as a one-of-a-kind father over the years, the Breaking Bad actor did not grow up with the same upbringing.
Daryl Crawford, Lavell’s father, abandoned his family when the comedian was a child. His mother, Annita Crawford, raised him and his sisters alone at the time. In an interview with DJ Vlad in April 2017, the 52-year-old comedian explained why his father abandoned his family. He revealed that his father was gay, and because he was afraid to admit the truth, he chose to flee.
“My father is gay,” he confessed. “He came out of the closet, or rather, he ran away.” We hadn’t seen him in like…20-some years.” He said that his family didn’t realize his father was gay until he returned after more than two decades.
During the candid conversation, Lavell joked that he didn’t know how to react when he discovered the truth. He was also perplexed that his father had fled for that reason alone. After returning, the St. Louis native asked his father if that was “why you stayed away?” He went on to say that his wife DeShawn persuaded him to believe the truth, saying:
Daryl was married to a white man when the family reconnected with him. But the family reunion was short-lived, as he died in 2015. He was a professional bodybuilder who competed in various bodybuilding competitions before his death, including the 2011 NPC Masters Nationals.
He introduces himself as “Momma’s Boy.”
Lavell has a special place in his heart for his mother, Annita, because he was raised by her. He frequently posts pictures of her on social media and refers to himself as a “momma’s boy.” In one case, on her birthday, August 20, 2020, he dedicated a post to her. He wished her a happy birthday and thanked her for never giving upon him. He also thanked Jesus for blessing him with a “mommy” like her.
Lavell also discussed his mother on a special Mother’s Day episode of Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show in 2015. “I’m a momma’s boy, and I’m looking for other people who love their momma,” he explained.
The Family Man, Lavell
The comedian and his devoted wife, an online boutique owner, have a 10-year-old son. The couple married in 2009 and have been together ever since. In 2011, they had their first child. Lavell frequently includes his wife and son in his social media posts, indicating that the family of three is content.
