Marsai Martin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marsai Martin
Martin in 2024
Born	Caila Marsai Martin (2004-08-14) August 14, 2004 (age 21) Plano, Texas, U.S.
Occupation	Actress producer
Years active	2014–present
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Caila Marsai Martin (born August 14, 2004) is a talented American actress and producer. She is widely known for her role as Diane Johnson in the TV show Black-ish. In 2019, Marsai also starred in and produced the comedy film Little. At just 14 years old, she became the youngest Hollywood executive producer for that movie, earning a Guinness World Record. Time magazine recognized her achievements by including her on its "Time 100 Next" list.

Early Life and First Steps in Acting

Marsai Martin was born in Plano, Texas. Her parents are Carol and Joshua Martin. Her acting journey began when a photographer offered her parents a discount on photos. In return, her father promised to send the pictures to talent agencies.

Getting Started in Show Business

The photos were sent to four agencies, and one quickly signed her. When she was five, Marsai got her first national TV commercial for Choice Hotels. To help her pursue acting, her family moved to Los Angeles in 2013.

Marsai Martin's Career Highlights

Becoming a Star on Black-ish

In 2014, Marsai was cast as Diane Johnson in the ABC sitcom Black-ish. She played the daughter of Andre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross). This role was a big breakthrough for her.

Awards and Recognition for Black-ish

For her work on Black-ish, Marsai received many awards and nominations. These include three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She also earned a Young Artist Award.

Breaking Through with Movies

Marsai Martin (second from right) with her Little co-stars Regina Hall and Issa Rae and director Tina Gordon

In 2016, Marsai made her film debut in An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win. This film was set in Detroit during the Civil Rights Movement. That same year, she lent her voice to the movie Nina.

Producing and Starring in Little

In 2019, Marsai starred in the comedy film Little. She also became an executive producer for the movie at just 13 years old. This made her the youngest person ever to produce a major film. She was also the youngest African-American producer.

Youngest Producer with a Studio Deal

In February 2019, Marsai's company, Genius Productions, signed a special deal with Universal Pictures. This deal allows her company to develop and produce films for Universal. Marsai was the youngest person to get such a deal at any major studio. Her first film under this deal was a comedy called StepMonster.

Recent Projects and Voice Roles

Marsai has continued to work on exciting projects. She voiced the character Liberty in the 2021 film PAW Patrol: The Movie. She returned to voice Liberty in the 2023 sequel, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie.

More Recent Work

In April 2022, Marsai starred alongside Kelly Rowland in the comedy film Fantasy Football. She also produced this movie. In 2023, she was an executive producer for Saturdays, a comedy TV series for Disney Channel. In 2024, Marsai competed on The Masked Singer as "Woodpecker."

Personal Life

Marsai Martin is currently in a relationship with NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth.

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Marsai Martin para niños