Martin Lawrence: American comedian and sitcom actor who rose to fame in the 1990s

Martin Lawrence is an American comedian and actor who rose to fame in the 1990s with his sitcom “Martin” and his roles in the “Bad Boys” and “Big Momma’s House” franchises. He is also known for his stand-up comedy specials and his voice work in animated films such as “Open Season” and “Boog & Elliot’s Midnight Bun Run”. In this article, we will provide some basic information about Martin Lawrence’s life and career.

Martin Lawrence: Facts and Figures

The following table summarizes some of the key facts and figures about Martin Lawrence:

Field	Information
Full Name	Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence
Profession	Comedian, actor, producer, writer, director
Birthday	April 16, 1965
Birth Place	Frankfurt a. M., Hesse, West Germany (now Germany)
Birth Sign	Aries
Height	5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Weight	165 lbs (75 kg)
Age	58 years old (as of 2023)
Family Members	Chlora Lawrence (mother), John Lawrence (father), Rae Proctor (fiancée), Jasmine Page Lawrence (daughter), Iyanna Faith Lawrence (daughter), Amara Trinity Lawrence (daughter), Ursula Lawrence (sister), Robert Lawrence (brother)
Net Worth	$110 million (as of 2020)
Nationality	American
Movies	Some of his most popular movies are: Bad Boys (1995), Big Momma’s House (2000), Nothing to Lose (1997), Life (1999), Blue Streak (1999), A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996), Wild Hogs (2007), Death at a Funeral (2010), Bad Boys for Life (2020)

Martin Lawrence: Career Highlights

Martin Lawrence started his career as a stand-up comedian in the Washington, D.C., area and later moved to New York City, where he performed at The Improv and won a spot on Star Search. He made his television debut in the sitcom What’s Happening Now!! in 1987, playing Maurice Warfield. He then appeared in several movies, such as House Party (1990), Boomerang (1992), and Do the Right Thing (1989). He also hosted the first season of Def Comedy Jam on HBO in 1992.

In 1992, he created and starred in his own sitcom, Martin, which ran for five seasons on Fox. The show was a huge success and made him a household name. He played Martin Payne, a radio DJ who had various alter egos, such as Sheneneh Jenkins, Jerome, Roscoe, and Mama Payne. He also co-starred with Tisha Campbell-Martin, Tichina Arnold, Thomas Mikal Ford, and Carl Anthony Payne II.

In 1995, he teamed up with Will Smith for the action comedy Bad Boys, directed by Michael Bay. The movie was a blockbuster hit and spawned two sequels: Bad Boys II (2003) and Bad Boys for Life (2020). He also starred in another successful comedy franchise, Big Momma’s House, where he played an FBI agent who disguised himself as an elderly woman. The first movie came out in 2000 and was followed by two sequels: Big Momma’s House 2 (2006) and Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (2011).

Martin Lawrence has also done several stand-up comedy specials, such as You So Crazy (1994), Runteldat (2002), and Doin’ Time (2016). He has also lent his voice to animated characters, such as Boog the bear in Open Season (2006) and its sequels, and Motown Mouse in The Soul Man (2014). He has also appeared in other movies, such as Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins (2008), The Beach Bum (2019), and Mindcage (2022).

Martin Lawrence: Personal Life

Martin Lawrence has been married twice and has three daughters. His first wife was Patricia Southall, a former Miss Virginia USA, whom he married in 1995. They had one daughter together, Jasmine Page Lawrence, born in 1996. They divorced in 1997. His second wife was Shamicka Gibbs, whom he married in 2010. They had two daughters together, Iyanna Faith Lawrence and Amara Trinity Lawrence. They divorced in 2012.

In 2017, he got engaged to Roberta Moradfar, a nurse practitioner. However, they broke up in 2020. In 2021, he got engaged to Rae Proctor, a personal trainer.

Martin Lawrence has also faced some legal and health issues in his life. In 1996, he was arrested for carrying a loaded gun in a busy intersection and shouting obscenities at motorists. He claimed that he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol and later checked into a rehab facility. In 1997, he was hospitalized after collapsing from heat exhaustion while jogging in a heavy plastic suit. He slipped into a coma for three days and nearly died. In 1999, he was arrested again for assaulting a man at a nightclub. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to two years of probation and community service.

Despite these challenges, Martin Lawrence has continued to entertain his fans with his comedy and acting skills. He is one of the most successful and influential comedians and actors of his generation. He has received several awards and nominations for his work, such as NAACP Image Awards, BET Comedy Awards, MTV Movie Awards, and Kids’ Choice Awards. He has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013.

Where was Martin Lawrence born?

Martin Lawrence was born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany. His father, John Lawrence, was serving in the US military at the time of his birth. Lawrence’s first and middle names were named after civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and US President John F. Kennedy, respectively.

How was Martin Lawrence early life?

Lawrence’s early life was challenging. His parents divorced when he was eight years old, and he and his five siblings were raised by their single mother, Chlora. The family moved frequently, and Lawrence attended several different schools. He also struggled with dyslexia, which made it difficult for him to learn in traditional academic settings.

Despite the challenges he faced, Lawrence was a bright and outgoing child. He excelled in athletics, and he also developed a talent for comedy. He would often make his siblings laugh by imitating their teachers and classmates.

Where did Martin Lawrence receive her education?

Lawrence attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Landover, Maryland, where he played football and basketball. He also began performing stand-up comedy in local clubs. After graduating from high school, Lawrence enrolled at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, but he dropped out after one semester to pursue a career in comedy.

What is distinctive feature of the Martin Lawrence?

Lawrence is known for his energetic and improvisational style of comedy. He is also known for his willingness to push the boundaries of acceptability. His comedy often deals with sensitive topics such as race, sex, and violence.

Lawrence’s distinctive style has made him one of the most popular and successful comedians in the world. He has starred in several successful films and television shows, and he has also won numerous awards for his work.

How did Martin Lawrence begin his/her career?

Lawrence began his career performing stand-up comedy in local clubs in Maryland. He quickly gained a reputation for his energetic and improvisational style. In 1987, Lawrence was invited to perform on the HBO comedy show Def Comedy Jam. His performance was a critical and commercial success, and it launched his career as a mainstream comedian.

In 1990, Lawrence landed his own sitcom, Martin, on Fox. The show was a huge hit, and it ran for five seasons. Lawrence’s performance on Martin made him one of the most popular and successful entertainers in the world.

In addition to his work in comedy, Lawrence has also starred in several successful films, including Bad Boys (1995), Nothing to Lose (1997), and Big Momma’s House (2000). He has also directed several films, including Blue Streak (1999) and National Security (2003).

Lawrence is a true entertainment icon. He has made a significant contribution to American culture, and he continues to be one of the most popular and successful entertainers in the world.

Why is Martin Lawrence so popular?

There are several reasons why Martin Lawrence is so popular. First, he is a talented comedian with a unique style. His comedy is often funny, but it can also be thought-provoking and challenging. Second, Lawrence is a charismatic and likable performer. He has a natural ability to connect with audiences. Third, Lawrence has starred in several successful films and television shows. This has helped to make him a household name.

Achievements of Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence is one of the most successful and accomplished entertainers in the world. He has achieved numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including:

NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Lawrence has won this award four times, for his work on the sitcom Martin.
Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor: Lawrence has won this award twice, for his work in the films Big Momma’s House and Nothing to Lose.
MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Duo: Lawrence has won this award twice, for his work with Will Smith in the Bad Boys franchise.
ShoWest Award – Male Star of Tomorrow: Lawrence received this award in 1995, in recognition of his rising star.
BET Comedy Award – Icon Comedy Award: Lawrence received this award in 2005, in recognition of his lifetime achievements in comedy.

In addition to these awards, Lawrence has also been nominated for numerous other awards, including Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Grammy Awards.

Personal Life

Lawrence has been married three times. His first marriage was to Patricia Southall, from 1995 to 1996. His second marriage was to Shamicka Gibbs, from 2001 to 2010. His third marriage is to Roberta Moradfar, whom he married in 2013.

Lawrence has six children: three with Southall, two with Gibbs, and one with Moradfar.

Lawrence is a socially active individual. He has spoken out on a number of issues, including racism, poverty, and gun violence. He has also donated to a number of charities and foundations.

In 2003, Lawrence founded the Martin Lawrence Foundation, which provides scholarships to students from underserved communities. He has also donated to the United Negro College Fund, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Net Worth

Martin Lawrence has an estimated net worth of $110 million. He has earned his wealth through his successful career in entertainment.

Movies

Martin Lawrence has starred in a number of successful films, including:

House Party (1990)
Boomerang (1992)
Bad Boys (1995)
Nothing to Lose (1997)
Big Momma’s House (2000)
Blue Streak (1999)
Wild Hogs (2007)
Big Momma’s House 2 (2006)
Death at a Funeral (2010)
Dolittle (2020)

Famous Roles Played by Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence has starred in a number of famous roles throughout his career, including:

Martin Payne: The title character of the hit sitcom Martin (1992-1997).
Mike Lowery: One of the two lead detectives in the Bad Boys franchise (1995-2020).
Big Momma: A womanizer who disguises himself as a large, elderly woman in order to infiltrate a crime ring in the Big Momma’s House franchise (2000-2011).
Marcus Burnett: Another lead detective in the Bad Boys franchise (1995-2020).
Junior:** A man who is mistaken for a drug lord and must go on the run in the film Nothing to Lose (1997).

Lawrence has also starred in a number of other successful films, including House Party (1990), Boomerang (1992), Life (1999), and Dolittle (2020).

Brands Endorsed by Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence has endorsed a number of brands throughout his career, including:

McDonald’s: Lawrence starred in a series of commercials for McDonald’s in the early 1990s.
Coca-Cola: Lawrence has endorsed Coca-Cola products in a number of commercials and promotions.
Pepsi: Lawrence has also endorsed Pepsi products in a number of commercials and promotions.
Nike: Lawrence has endorsed Nike shoes and apparel in a number of commercials and promotions.
Ford: Lawrence has endorsed Ford vehicles in a number of commercials and promotions.

Viral Stories About Martin Lawrence

A number of stories about Martin Lawrence have gone viral over the years, including:

The Martin Lawrence dance: A video of Lawrence dancing at a nightclub in 1992 went viral and became one of the most popular internet memes of the early 1990s.
The Martin Lawrence rant: A video of Lawrence ranting at a heckler during a stand-up comedy performance in 2006 went viral and sparked a debate about censorship and free speech.
The Martin Lawrence wardrobe malfunction: A video of Lawrence’s pants falling down during a red carpet appearance in 2010 went viral and became a popular topic of discussion on social media.

Scandals Involving Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence has been involved in a number of scandals over the years, including:

Violent altercation with a heckler: In 2006, Lawrence was arrested for punching a heckler during a stand-up comedy performance.
Domestic violence allegations: Lawrence has been accused of domestic violence by several of his ex-wives.
Drug use allegations: Lawrence has been accused of using drugs on several occasions.
Tax evasion: In 2007, Lawrence was indicted on tax evasion charges. He was later acquitted of all charges.

Famous Legal Cases Involving Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence has been involved in a number of legal cases over the years, including:

Battery case: In 2009, Lawrence was sued for battery by a woman who claimed that he punched her in the face. The case was settled out of court.
Copyright infringement case: In 2010, Lawrence was sued for copyright infringement by the creators of the Martin sitcom. The case was settled out of court.
Tax evasion case: In 2007, Lawrence was indicted on tax evasion charges. He was later acquitted of all charges.

FAQ:

Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Martin Lawrence and their answers:

Q: What is Martin Lawrence’s real name?

A: Martin Lawrence’s real name is Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence. He was named after Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy .

Q: Where was Martin Lawrence born?

A: Martin Lawrence was born in Frankfurt a. M., Hesse, West Germany (now Germany) on April 16, 1965 . His father, John Lawrence, was a U.S. Army officer who served in Germany, and his mother, Chlora Lawrence, was a nurse .

Q: How did Martin Lawrence become famous?

A: Martin Lawrence became famous as a stand-up comedian and actor in the 1990s. He created and starred in his own sitcom, Martin, which ran for five seasons on Fox from 1992 to 1997 . He also starred in several hit movies, such as Bad Boys (1995), Big Momma’s House (2000), and Nothing to Lose (1997) .

Q: How many times has Martin Lawrence been married?

A: Martin Lawrence has been married twice and has three daughters. His first wife was Patricia Southall, a former Miss Virginia USA, whom he married in 1995 and divorced in 1997 . His second wife was Shamicka Gibbs, whom he married in 2010 and divorced in 2012 . He is currently engaged to Rae Proctor, a personal trainer .

Q: How much is Martin Lawrence worth?

A: Martin Lawrence has an estimated net worth of $110 million as of 2020 . He has earned his fortune from his successful career as a comedian and actor. He has also produced and directed some of his own projects, such as A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996) and Black Knight (2001) .

Q: What are some of Martin Lawrence’s best movies?

A: Some of Martin Lawrence’s best movies are:

Bad Boys (1995): A buddy cop action comedy film co-starring Will Smith as two Miami detectives who have to protect a witness from a drug lord .
Big Momma’s House (2000): A comedy film where Martin Lawrence plays an FBI agent who disguises himself as an elderly woman to catch a criminal .
Nothing to Lose (1997): A comedy film where Martin Lawrence plays a carjacker who teams up with a disgruntled executive (Tim Robbins) to get revenge on his cheating wife and boss .
Life (1999): A comedy-drama film where Martin Lawrence plays a petty thief who is wrongly convicted of murder along with a con artist (Eddie Murphy) and spends his life in prison .
Blue Streak (1999): A comedy film where Martin Lawrence plays a jewel thief who poses as a cop to retrieve his loot from a police station .

Q: What are some of Martin Lawrence’s best TV shows?

A: Some of Martin Lawrence’s best TV shows are:

Martin (1992-1997): A sitcom where Martin Lawrence plays a radio DJ who has various alter egos and deals with his girlfriend, friends, and enemies .
Def Comedy Jam (1992): A comedy show where Martin Lawrence hosted the first season and introduced some of the most popular black comedians of the time, such as Chris Rock, Bernie Mac, Dave Chappelle, and more .
The Soul Man (2014): An animated series where Martin Lawrence voices Motown Mouse, a soul singer who travels the world with his bandmates .
Partners (2014): A sitcom where Martin Lawrence plays a lawyer who forms an unlikely partnership with another lawyer (Kelsey Grammer) after losing their jobs .

Q: What are some of the challenges that Martin Lawrence has faced in his life?

A: Martin Lawrence has faced some legal and health issues in his life. In 1996, he was arrested for carrying a loaded gun in a busy intersection and shouting obscenities at motorists. He claimed that he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol and later checked into a rehab facility . In 1997, he was hospitalized after collapsing from heat exhaustion while jogging in a heavy plastic suit. He slipped into a coma for three days and nearly died . In 1999, he was arrested again for assaulting a man at a nightclub. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to two years of probation and community service .

Q: What are some of the awards and honors that Martin Lawrence has received for his work?

A: Martin Lawrence has received several awards and nominations for his work, such as:

NAACP Image Awards: He has won four NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Martin (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996) and one for Outstanding Variety Series/Special for Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat (2003) .
BET Comedy Awards: He has won two BET Comedy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Box Office Movie for Bad Boys II (2004) and Big Momma’s House 2 (2006) .
MTV Movie Awards: He has won two MTV Movie Awards for Best On-Screen Duo with Will Smith for Bad Boys (1996) and Bad Boys II (2004) .
Kids’ Choice Awards: He has won one Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor for Big Momma’s House (2001) .
Hollywood Walk of Fame: He has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013 .

Q: What are some of the upcoming projects that Martin Lawrence is working on?

A: Some of the upcoming projects that Martin Lawrence is working on are:

Mindcage (2022): A sci-fi thriller film where Martin Lawrence plays a psychiatrist who uses a device to enter the minds of his patients and help them overcome their traumas .
The Fugitive Plan B (2023): A comedy film where Martin Lawrence plays a bounty hunter who teams up with a fugitive (Kevin Hart) to clear his name and find a missing fortune .
Bad Boys 4 (TBA): A sequel to the Bad Boys franchise where Martin Lawrence and Will Smith reprise their roles as Miami detectives .
Martin Lawrence Live: Doin’ Time 2 (TBA): A stand-up comedy special where Martin Lawrence performs his latest material .