Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence was born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany, to John and Chlora Lawrence. His father was serving in the U.S. military at the time, while his mother worked various jobs to support the family. Named after civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Lawrence moved to the United States during childhood. Before pursuing comedy and acting, he had aspirations of becoming a professional boxer.
Martin Lawrence is a renowned stand-up comedian and Hollywood actor best known for his energetic style and humorous portrayals in film and television. His work draws from observational comedy, black comedy, and satire. He gained popularity through his starring roles in films such as Life, Big Momma’s House, and the Bad Boys franchise. Notable titles in his filmography also include Do the Right Thing, House Party, Boomerang, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Blue Streak, National Security, and Death at a Funeral.
Lawrence’s television success includes his self-titled sitcom Martin, which aired from 1992 to 1997, establishing him as a household name in American entertainment.
Martin Lawrence has had a complex personal life marked by multiple marriages and public relationships. In 1993, he was briefly engaged to actress Lark Voorhies, but the engagement was called off for undisclosed reasons. He later married Patricia Southall, a former Miss Virginia USA, in 1995. They had one daughter, Jasmin Page, born on January 15, 1996. The couple divorced in 1997.
That same year, Lawrence began dating Shamicka Gibbs. After a long-term relationship, they married in 2010 at his Beverly Hills home. Together, they had two daughters: Iyanna Faith (born in 2000) and Amara Trinity (born in 2002). The couple eventually divorced in 2012.
Throughout his career, Martin Lawrence has faced legal and personal challenges. He was arrested on several occasions—most notably for carrying a loaded firearm in public and for disorderly conduct. Concerns regarding his mental and emotional well-being surfaced in the 1990s, including a high-profile incident in which he collapsed after suffering from severe heat exhaustion due to jogging in heavy clothing, resulting in a brief hospitalization.
There is no verified public evidence or legal case confirming allegations of sexual misconduct or domestic violence. No reports from his former spouses or partners substantiate claims of abuse. Lawrence has openly battled for joint custody of his children and remains involved in their lives.
| Birth Date: | 16 Apr, 1965 |
| Age: | 55 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Frankfurt am Main |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American actor and director |
| Twitter Id: | Realmartymar |
| Net Worth 2021: | 110 million |
