Martin Lawrence Biography: Age, Parents, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Movies
Martin Lawrence is an accomplished American actor and comedian who rose to prominence during the 1990s, solidifying his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Wiki
| Name: | Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence |
| Date of Birth: | April 16, 1965 |
| Wife: | Patricia Southall (m. 1995; div. 1997), Shamicka Gibbs (m. 2010; div. 2012) |
| Nationality: | American |
| Occupation: | Actor and comedian |
| Net Worth: | $110 million |
His journey to fame began with his role as Maurice Warfield in the television series What’s Happening Now!! (1987–1988).
Martin Lawrence Biography
Born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, Germany, in his early career, Lawrence performed comedy shows in the Washington, D.C., area, supporting himself through various odd jobs. It was in New York City that his comedic talent caught the attention of comedian Ritch Snyder, who recommended Lawrence make connections in the comedy scene there.
Martin Lawrence Age
As of January 2024, he was 58 years old.
Martin Lawrence Parents
His parents are Chlora Lawrence and John Lawrence.
Martin Lawrence Career
Consequently, Lawrence moved to New York City and found his way to The Improv comedy club, a pivotal moment that eventually led him to a performance spot on Star Search. Although he did not emerge as the winner, his exceptional talent caught the eye of executives at Columbia Pictures Television, resulting in his first acting job as Maurice Warfield in What’s Happening Now!!.
Following the cancellation of the show, Lawrence secured bit parts in various films and TV series, with his breakthrough role coming as Cee in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. This paved the way for his involvement in popular films such as House Party, House Party 2, Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, and the Eddie Murphy-starrer Boomerang. Simultaneously, he hosted the groundbreaking series Def Comedy Jam on HBO, providing mainstream exposure to several emerging comedians.
During his tenure with Def Comedy Jam, Lawrence also starred in his own immensely successful series, Martin, which aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997. The show became a flagship program for Fox’s Thursday night lineup, challenging the dominance of NBC’s “Must See TV.” Despite facing controversy, such as his temporary ban from NBC after hosting Saturday Night Live, Lawrence’s career continued to soar. He achieved considerable success in films like Bad Boys (1995) alongside Will Smith.
After Martin concluded in 1997, Lawrence transitioned to comedy films, often taking on second lead roles alongside prominent actors. His filmography boasted both box office hits and some less successful ventures, yet Lawrence’s salary consistently climbed, exceeding $10 million per film role. Notable successes included Nothing to Lose, Life, Blue Streak, Big Momma’s House, and Bad Boys II.
The mid-2000s marked Martin Lawrence‘s continued success with films like Big Momma’s House 2 and Wild Hogs. He diversified his roles, lending his voice to animated films like Open Season in 2006, where he portrayed the character Boog. In 2008, he took on a G-rated role in Walt Disney Pictures’ College Road Trip, co-starring with Raven-Symoné.
In 2020, Lawrence returned to the iconic Bad Boys franchise, starring in Bad Boys for Life alongside Will Smith, which was a significant financial success. He expanded his repertoire further in 2022, taking on his first dramatic role in Mindcage alongside Melissa Roxburgh and John Malkovich.
On April 20, 2023, Martin Lawrence received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, acknowledging his enduring contributions to the entertainment industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lawrence’s personal life has been marked by a series of highs and lows. In July 1995, during the filming of A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, he experienced a violent outburst that led to hospitalization. Subsequent incidents in 1996 involved brandishing a pistol in public, attempting to carry a gun on a flight, and facing allegations of sexual harassment filed by his Martin co-star Tisha Campbell-Martin. Despite legal challenges and personal struggles, Lawrence has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, showcasing resilience and talent throughout his career.
Martin Lawrence Wife
As of 2023, he was not known to be married, however, he has been married twice.
Martin Lawrence Children
He has three children – Jasmine Page Lawrence, Amara Trinity Lawrence, and Iyanna Faith Lawrence.
Martin Lawrence Net Worth
The estimated net worth of Martin Lawrence is around $110 million.
