Martin Lawrence facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Martin Lawrence
Lawrence in 2013
Birth name	Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence
Born	(1965-04-16) April 16, 1965 (age 60) Frankfurt, Hesse, West Germany
Nationality	American
Years active	1987–present
Genres	Observational comedy physical comedy satire
Subject(s)	African-American culture
Spouse	Patricia Southall ​ ​ (m. 1995; div. 1997)​ Shamicka Gibbs ​ ​ (m. 2010; div. 2012)​
Children	3

Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence (born April 16, 1965) is a famous American comedian and actor. He started his career performing comedy shows. His first acting role was in the TV show What's Happening Now!! (1987–1988).

Later, he became very popular as the main character in the Fox TV sitcom Martin (1992-1997). This show helped him get bigger roles in movies. His first major movie role was in the action comedy Bad Boys (1995).

Lawrence has starred in many successful films. These include Nothing to Lose (1997), Blue Streak (1999), and Big Momma's House (2000). He also lent his voice to animated films like Open Season (2006).

Early Life and Growing Up

Birth and Family Background

Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence was born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany. He was the fourth of six children in his family. His father, John Lawrence, was serving in the U.S. military when Martin was born.

Martin's first name was chosen after the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.. His middle name was after U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Moving to the United States

When Martin was seven years old, his family moved back to the United States. They settled in Landover, Maryland, near Washington D.C. His parents divorced when he was eight.

His mother, Chlora, worked several jobs to support her six children. Martin grew up in a busy neighborhood.

Teenage Years and Boxing

As a teenager, Martin Lawrence was very good at boxing. He became a strong contender in the Mid-Atlantic Golden Gloves boxing competition. He attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School and Friendly High School.

Martin Lawrence's Career Journey

Starting in Comedy

In his early career, Martin Lawrence performed comedy shows in the Washington, D.C., area. He worked odd jobs to support himself. A fellow comedian, Ritch Shydner, encouraged him to move to New York City.

In New York, Lawrence performed at the famous comedy club The Improv. Soon after, he earned a spot on the TV show Star Search. He did very well on the show, reaching the final round.

First Acting Roles

After Star Search, executives from Columbia Pictures Television noticed Martin. They offered him a role as Maurice Warfield in What's Happening Now!!. This was his first acting job on television.

After that show ended, Lawrence got small parts in various films and TV series. His breakthrough movie role was as Cee in Do the Right Thing. He also appeared in films like House Party and Boomerang.

Hosting Def Comedy Jam and Martin TV Show

During this time, entertainment leader Russell Simmons chose Martin to host Def Comedy Jam on HBO. This show helped many comedians become famous.

While hosting Def Comedy Jam, Lawrence also starred in his own hit TV series, Martin. The show aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997. It was a huge success and helped Fox become a major TV network.

Movie Star Success

After Martin finished in 1997, Lawrence focused on comedy films. He often played a main role alongside other big actors like Eddie Murphy and John Travolta. Many of his films were very popular at the box office.

Some of his successful movies include Nothing to Lose, Life, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House. His salary for films grew to over $10 million per role.

In 2006, Lawrence voiced Boog, a main character, in the animated film Open Season. In 2008, he starred in his first G-rated film, College Road Trip, with Raven-Symoné.

Recent Projects and Recognition

In 2020, Lawrence returned as Detective Marcus Burnett in Bad Boys for Life, again with Will Smith. This movie was a big financial success. In 2022, he took on a dramatic role in the film Mindcage.

On April 20, 2023, Martin Lawrence received a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a special honor for people who have made great contributions to entertainment.

Personal Life and Family

Relationships and Children

Martin Lawrence was engaged to actress Lark Voorhies in 1993. He married Patricia Southall in 1995. They had a daughter named Jasmine Page. They divorced in 1997.

Lawrence then started a relationship with Shamicka Gibbs. They have two daughters, Iyanna Faith and Amara Trinity. They married in 2010 but divorced in 2012.

In May 2025, his daughter Jasmine married Eric Murphy, who is the son of actor Eddie Murphy.

Health Challenges

Throughout his career, Martin Lawrence has faced some health challenges. He has recovered and continued his work in entertainment.

Filmography

Movies

Television Shows

Awards and Recognitions

Martin Lawrence has received several awards and nominations for his work:

• Blockbuster Entertainment Award
  • Nominated for Favorite Comedy Team (2000) for Life
  • Nominated for Favorite Actor (2001) for Big Momma's House
• NAACP Image Award
  • Won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (1995) for Martin
  • Won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (1996) for Martin
  • Nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (1997) for Martin
• Kids' Choice Award
  • Nominated for Favorite Television Actor (1995) for Martin
  • Nominated for Favorite Television Actor (1996) for Martin
  • Nominated for Favorite Movie Actor (2001) for Big Momma's House
• MTV Movie Award
  • Nominated with Will Smith for Best On-Screen Duo (1996) for Bad Boys
  • Nominated for Big Momma's House
  • Nominated with Will Smith for Best On-Screen Team (2003) for Bad Boys II
• ShoWest – Male Star of Tomorrow (1995)
• Teen Choice Award – Nominated for Wipeout Scene of the Summer (2000) for Big Momma's House
• BET Comedy Award – Won Icon Comedy Award (2005)

See also

In Spanish: Martin Lawrence para niños