Martin Lawrence

ABOUT
Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence, born April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany, is an American comedian, actor, producer, and writer. Renowned for his energetic style and versatile talent, Lawrence gained widespread recognition from the 1990s to the present. He is best known for his role in the television sitcom "Martin," which aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997. Additionally, he has achieved substantial success in film, starring in several box-office hits including the "Bad Boys" franchise, alongside Will Smith, and comedies like "Big Momma's House."

BEFORE FAME
Lawrence’s life began abroad, as his father was serving in the U.S. military stationed in Germany when he was born. After his parents divorced when he was eight, Lawrence grew up in a variety of places, including Maryland. He attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Landover, Maryland, and Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Maryland. Before catching his big break in comedy and acting, Lawrence pursued a career in boxing, aspiring to become a professional fighter. However, his natural knack for humor led him to perform stand-up comedy, starting at local clubs, which eventually paved the way for his entertainment career.

TRIVIA

• Lawrence's middle name, Fitzgerald, is in honor of the 35th U.S. President, John F. Kennedy.
• He was a leading figure in the resurgence of African-American sitcoms in the 1990s with his show "Martin."
• Martin Lawrence suffered a significant health scare in 1999 when he collapsed after jogging and was hospitalized for heat exhaustion, leading to a subsequent coma which he fully recovered from.
• He briefly hosted the iconic comedy show "Def Comedy Jam," which played a crucial role in his rise to fame.
• Martin Lawrence has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, established in 2020, solidifying his impact on the entertainment industry.

FAMILY LIFE
Martin Lawrence's father, John Lawrence, served in the U.S. military while his mother, Chlora, worked multiple jobs to support the family after the divorce. Lawrence has been married twice. His first marriage was to Patricia Southall, a former Miss Virginia USA, in 1995, with whom he shares a daughter named Jasmine Page. The couple divorced in 1997. He then married Shamicka Gibbs in 2010, and they have two daughters together, Iyanna Faith and Amara Trinity. The marriage ended in divorce in 2012, but Lawrence remains actively involved in his children's lives.

ASSOCIATED WITH
Martin Lawrence has collaborated with a host of famous actors and comedians throughout his career. Perhaps most notably, his work with Will Smith in the "Bad Boys" film series, where the dynamic and humorous on-screen partnership between the two actors garnered significant acclaim and success. Additionally, Lawrence's association with Eddie Murphy, with whom he co-starred in the critically acclaimed film "Life," further echoed his versatility and broad appeal in Hollywood. His career has also seen partnerships with other prominent figures in comedy, such as Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and Tracy Morgan, particularly within the stand-up circuit and ensemble comedy films.