Martin Lawrence is an American actor, director, comedian, and producer. He was born on April 16, 1965 in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany. He has three siblings, Robert, Ursula and Rae. Lawrence attended the Thomas G. Pullen School of Creative and Performing Arts in Maryland. In 1995, Lawrence married former Miss Virginia, Patricia Southall. They have a daughter named Jasmine Page. The couple later divorced. Lawrence has two other daughters from a later relationship named Iyanna and Amara.
Acting Career
Lawrence began his career in comedy. He performed in Kings Wood Comedy Club in Los Angeles, California. Lawrence made his acting debut in an episode on the television sitcom What's Happening Now!!. From 1992-1997, Lawrence starred in his own FOX television show called Martin. From there, he starred in the well known films Boomerang, Bad Boys, Big Momma's House, Big Momma's House 2, and Wild Hogs. His more recent works include Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins and College Road Trip.
Legal Problems
Lawrence became involved with drugs since becoming an actor. He has been arrested several times for charges including brandishing a pistol and yelling at Los Angeles tourists, carrying a loaded gun in his suitcase at the Burbank Airport, and allegedly assaulting a man in a night club in Hollywood. After those arrests, Lawrence checked himself into a drug rehab center. Martin co-star, Tisha Campbell, filed a suit against Lawrence in 1996 for alleged sexual harassment.
Featured Video
Martin Lawrence Timeline
Note: The majority of the links in this timeline are to IMDb, which has pop-ups.
1965: Born on April 16
1988: What's Happening Now! - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
1989: A Little Bit Strange - IMDb Listing
1990: House Party - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
1991: House Party 2 - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
1992: Boomerang - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
1992-1997: Martin - IMDb Listing
1994: Saturday Night Live - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
1995: Bad Boys - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
1996: A Thin Line Between Love and Hate - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
1997: Nothing to Lose - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
1999: Life - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
1999: Blue Streak - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2000: Big Momma's House - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2001: What's the Worst That Could Happen? - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2001: Black Knight - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2002: Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2003: National Security - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2003: Bad Boys 2 - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2005: Rebound - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2006: Big Momma's House 2 - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2006: Open Season - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2007: Wild Hogs - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2008: Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
2008: College Road Trip - IMDb Listing | Rotten Tomatoes Reviews