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Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence has established himself as one of America's most popular actor/comedians with starring roles in such hit movies as Big Momma's House, Bad Boys and its sequel Bad Boys II, Blue Streak, and National Security. Lawrence's many other screen credits include Do the Right Thing, House Party, Talkin' Dirty After Dark, House Party 2, Boomerang, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (which he also co-wrote and directed), Nothing To Lose, Life, What's the Worst That Could Happen? and Black Knight. Most recently, he was seen in the Twentieth Century Fox comedy Rebound and also voiced the character of 'Boog' in Sony Animation's upcoming Open Season.

Lawrence, inspired by Richard Pryor, began his career as a stand-up comedian, gained major attention at Hollywood's legendary Improv, and shortly thereafter won a performance spot on TV's popular talent showcase Star Search. Columbia Television executives, impressed by his Star Search appearance, offered Lawrence his first acting job, a regular role on the sitcom What's Happening Now!

Lawrence was then personally chosen by music mogul Russell Simmons to host his groundbreaking showcase for young comedians, HBO's Def Comedy Jam. Lawrence worked on the show for two seasons and is credited with helping expose a new generation of stand-up comics including Chris Tucker, Damon Wayans, Steve Harvey, and Cedric the Entertainer.

The actor/comedian went on to co-create, executive produce, and star in Fox Television's Martin. The hit sitcom, which ran from 1992-1997, earned three NAACP Image Awards, and is one of several series credited with helping solidify the fledgling Fox network within the industry.

Lawrence has also starred in two hugely successful concert films: You So Crazy and Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat; and has recorded a Billboard Top 10 concert album and the Grammy-nominated Funk It.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2006.
Read earlier biographies on this page.

Martin Lawrence Facts

OccupationActor, Producer
BirthdayApril 16, 1965 (58)
SignAries
BirthplaceFrankfurt, Germany
Height5' 7" (1m70)  How tall is Martin Lawrence compared to you?

Selected Filmography

Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins
Wild Hogs
The Gateway
Down Periscope
Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
A Goofy Movie
Martin Lawrence Doin' Time: Uncut
Going For The Oscar
Rebound
Continue » Find more details on the Martin Lawrence Movies page