Martin Lawrence Biography Martin Lawrence born April 16, 1965 is an American actor and comedian who rose to fame in the 1990s, becoming a prominent figure in Hollywood. He started his career playing Maurice Warfield on What’s Happening Now!! (1987–1988) and is best known for his lead role in the Fox sitcom Martin, as well as his performances in the Bad Boys film franchise. His notable films include House Party, Boomerang, Life, Blue Streak, Big Momma’s House, Open Season, and Wild Hogs.
Martin Lawrence Biography 2024
Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an American actor and comedian. He came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor.
Born: 16 April 1965 (age 59 years), Frankfurt, Germany
Spouse: Shamicka Gibbs (m. 2010–2012), Patricia Southall (m. 1995–1997)
Height: 1.7 m
Children: Jasmin Lawrence, Iyanna Faith Lawrence, Amara Trinity Lawrence
Siblings: Ursula Lawrence, Rae Proctor, Robert Lawrence
Parents: Chlora Lawrence, John Lawrence
Martin Lawrence Biography 2024 Details
Birth name | Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence |
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Born | April 16, 1965 (age 59) Frankfurt, Hesse, West Germany (now Germany) |
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Nationality | American |
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Years active | 1987–present |
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Genres | - Observational comedy
- physical comedy
- satire
- blue comedy
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Subject(s) | - African-American culture
- human sexuality
- racism
- race relations
- self-deprecation
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Spouse | Patricia Southall Shamicka Gibbs (m. 2010; div. 2012) |
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Children | 3 |
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Notable works and roles | - Martin
- Bad Boys franchise
- Big Momma’s House franchise
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Category | Singers Bio |
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Early Life
Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence was born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany, while his father, John Lawrence, was serving in the U.S. military. His first and middle names honor civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and U.S. President John F. Kennedy, respectively. When he was seven, his family moved back to the United States, settling in Landover, Maryland. Lawrence’s mother, Chlora, relocated the family into the challenging King Square housing projects. After his parents divorced when he was eight, he had limited contact with his father, who later became the Police Chief at the Franklin D. Roosevelt VA Medical Center in Montrose, New York.
Growing up small for his age, Lawrence often found himself in street fights. He credits his mother and older brothers for keeping him out of trouble, as many of his childhood friends ended up in jail. In his teenage years, he excelled in boxing and became a Mid-Atlantic Golden Gloves contender while attending Eleanor Roosevelt High School and Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Maryland.
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Martin Lawrence’s Net Worth in 2024
As of 2024, Martin Lawrence’s net worth is estimated at $110 million. The acclaimed comedian and actor is renowned for his role in the sitcom Martin and his appearances in the Bad Boys film franchise, among other notable films like Big Momma’s House.
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Career Highlights
Lawrence, born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, Germany, attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School before transferring to Friendly High School, where he developed an interest in boxing and became a Golden Gloves contender. His entertainment career took off after participating in Star Search, which led to opportunities in stand-up comedy and acting. His stand-up specials, including Martin Lawrence: You So Crazy and Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat, showcased his comedic talent and contributed to his rising fame.
Early Acting Career
Lawrence made his acting debut in the TV series What’s Happening Now! and later starred in the film Do the Right Thing. He gained further recognition with roles in House Party and its sequel, Boomerang, and eventually starred in the iconic sitcom Martin, earning multiple awards and nominations.
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Bad Boys Franchise
Lawrence’s breakthrough role came as Marcus Bennett in the Bad Boys series. The first film grossed $141 million worldwide, and he was compensated $20 million for the sequel, Bad Boys II, and $6 million for Bad Boys for Life. He is set to reprise his role in the upcoming installment, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, for which he reportedly earned $10 million.
Big Momma’s House Series
In 2000, Lawrence starred in Big Momma’s House, which was a significant box office success, grossing nearly $174 million. He continued the franchise with Big Momma’s House 2 and Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son, which collectively earned over $224 million.
Other Notable Works
Throughout his career, Lawrence has appeared in various successful films, including A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Nothing to Lose, Life, and Open Season. His highest salary came from National Security, where he earned $20 million, matching his pay for Bad Boys II.
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Real Estate Investments
Beyond acting, Lawrence has invested wisely in real estate. He owns a home in Encino, California, purchased for $6.6 million, and has listed his 116-acre Virginia farm for $8.5 million. In summary, Martin Lawrence’s diverse career in comedy and film has led to substantial financial success, reflected in his impressive net worth.
Summary
Martin Lawrence is an American actor and comedian known for his breakout role in the sitcom Martin and the Bad Boys film franchise. Born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, Germany, he rose to fame in the 1990s, also starring in films like House Party and Big Momma’s House. Despite facing personal challenges, including legal issues and health problems, Lawrence has continued to achieve success in both television and film.