Martin Lawrence is an American actor and comedian born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany.
He gained fame in the 1990s with roles in the Fox television sitcom, Martin, the Bad Boys franchise, and movies like House Party, Boomerang and Big Momma’s House.
Lawrence is known for his versatile acting career, including stand-up comedy, television and film roles, such as Detective Marcus Burnett in the Bad Boys trilogy.
His career has spanned various genres, showcasing his talent as an actor, writer, producer and director.
Net worth | $110 million |
Profession | Actor, writer, producer, director |
Date of birth | April 16, 1965 |
Nationality | American |
Early life
Lawrence, born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, Germany, is an American actor and comedian known for his versatile career in television and film.
His father, a U.S. Air Force serviceman, was stationed in Germany at the time of his birth.
Lawrence’s parents divorced when he was eight, and he rarely saw his father, who worked as a police officer.
Raised by his hardworking mother, Chlora, he attended various schools in Maryland, excelling in boxing during his teenage years.
Despite considering a professional boxing career, an eye injury led him to pursue comedy.
Encouraged by a teacher, Lawrence began his comedy journey by performing at open mic nights, leading to appearances on shows like Star Search and roles in films such as Do the Right Thing and Boomerang.
His breakthrough came with the sitcom Martin in the 1990s, followed by successful films like Bad Boys and Big Momma’s House.
Net worth
Lawrence’s net worth is estimated to be $110 million.
His wealth stems from a successful career in acting, stand-up comedy, and television, with notable roles in films like Bad Boys contributing significantly to his earnings.
Additionally, Lawrence has ventured into real estate investments, owning properties in prestigious locations like New Jersey, New York and Southern California, with his Beverly Hills estate alone estimated at around $45 million.
Despite facing challenges like being banned from Saturday Night Live for provocative language, Lawrence’s resilience and talent have solidified his position as one of the most financially successful actors and comedians in the industry.
Career earnings
Lawrence’s career earnings have been substantial, with notable salaries from various projects.
For instance, in 2002, he earned $20 million each for his roles in Bad Boys II and National Security, showcasing his high demand and earning power in the early 2000s.
Additionally, Lawrence received $16.5 million for Black Knight in 2000, $13 million for What’s the Worst That Could Happen? in the same year and $8.5 million for Life in 1998.
His success extended to the late 1990s, where he earned $6 million for Nothing to Lose in 1997.
These figures highlight Lawrence’s lucrative career in the entertainment industry, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid actors and comedians during his peak years.
Runteldat Entertainment
Runteldat Entertainment is a production company associated with Lawrence, known for projects like Big Momma’s House and Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat, a stand-up comedy concert film directed by David Raynr.
This company has been involved in producing successful films that have garnered both critical acclaim and box office success, showcasing Lawrence’s talent and influence in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, Runteldat Entertainment’s work reflects Lawrence’s commitment to creating engaging and entertaining content across different genres, from comedy to stand-up performances.
Car collection
Lawrence’s car collection includes a range of luxury vehicles, as showcased in various sources.
Some of the cars in his collection are the Aston Martin DB5 Convertible, Ferrari 458 Speciale A, Ferrari 288 GTO, Ferrari F50, Ferrari FXX, Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari GT Aperta and Ferrari FXX K.
Real estate properties
Lawrence owns impressive real estate properties, including a massive 116-acre ranch in Purcellville, Virginia, which he listed for $8.5 million.
This luxurious estate, built in 1980 and renovated in 2004, boasts a 22,538-square-foot home with five bedrooms, seven bathrooms and three half-baths.
The property features top-notch amenities like a basketball court, indoor pool, workout room, home theater and bowling alley.
Additionally, the ranch includes two lakes with docks for fishing and boating, making it a self-contained entertainment paradise.
Despite his fondness for the property and its use as a retreat for family and friends, Lawrence decided to sell the estate, offering a lucky buyer the chance to own a piece of Virginia’s countryside with exceptional entertainment options.
Comedy career
Lawrence’s comedy career has been a significant part of his success in the entertainment industry.
Before transitioning to comedy, he considered a career as a professional boxer, which instilled in him the discipline and focus necessary for his future endeavors.
Lawrence’s breakthrough came as the host of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, where he showcased his comedic talent to a wide audience.
His sitcom, Martin, which aired on Fox in the 1990s, further solidified his reputation as a comedic force, with his versatile performances as various characters on the show.
In the film industry, Lawrence starred in successful movies like Bad Boys and Big Momma’s House, showcasing his comedic skills on the big screen.
Despite facing challenges and controversies in his career, Lawrence’s comedy career has been a cornerstone of his overall success, earning him accolades, a loyal fan base, and a lasting impact on the comedy genre.
Martin Lawrence acting career
Lawrence gained fame in the 1990s with roles in the Fox television sitcom, Martin, the Bad Boys franchise, and movies like House Party, Boomerang, and Big Momma’s House.
His career trajectory showcases his talent as an actor, writer, producer, and director, with notable works spanning various genres and mediums.
From his early days excelling in boxing during his teenage years to his breakthrough in the entertainment industry, Lawrence’s journey has been marked by success and recognition for his comedic and acting prowess.
His ability to transition from stand-up comedy to television and film roles has solidified his position as a prominent figure in Hollywood, with a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Comedy specials
Lawrence has been involved in several comedy specials throughout his career, showcasing his comedic talent to audiences.
Some of his notable comedy specials include;
Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat (2002): A stand-up comedy special that captures Lawrence’s humor and wit, providing audiences with an entertaining experience.
Martin Lawrence: You So Crazy (1994): This stand-up comedy special filmed at the Majestic Theater in New York City covers a range of topics from racism to relationships, displaying Lawrence’s animated and hilarious delivery of jokes.
Def Comedy Jam (1992): While not a standalone special, Lawrence’s appearances on Def Comedy Jam in 1992 contributed significantly to his rise in the comedy scene and showcased his comedic skills to a broader audience.
These comedy specials have played a crucial role in establishing Lawrence as a prominent figure in the comedy world, allowing him to connect with fans through his unique style and humor.
Filmography
Some of Lawrence’s notable works include the Bad Boys trilogy, Big Momma’s House, Open Season, House Party, Boomerang, Wild Hogs, What’s Happening Now!!, Nothing to Lose, Life, Blue Streak, Martin and Def Comedy Jam.
These projects have contributed to his success and recognition in the entertainment industry, highlighting his versatility across different genres and formats.
Awards and accolades
Lawrence has received several awards and accolades throughout his career including the BET Comedy Awards, Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, Image Awards, Kids’ Choice Awards, USA, MTV Movie Awards, Razzie Awards, Genius Award at the 42nd Young Artist Academy™ Awards and a nomination for Best Spoken Comedy Album at the 38th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Additionally, there is a Martin Lawrence Award given to the best male and female actors, as seen at the University of Northampton where graduates Steve Banks and Zoe Davey received this recognition.
Lawrence’s talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have been acknowledged through various accolades, highlighting his success as an actor and comedian.
Family
Lawrence comes from a family of six children, born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany, to American parents.
His father, John Lawrence, served in the U.S. military at the time of his birth.
Lawrence’s first and middle names were inspired by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
After his parents’ divorce when he was eight, Lawrence rarely saw his father, who worked as a police officer in New York.
Raised by his hardworking mother, Chlora, Lawrence grew up in Landover, Maryland, where he attended schools like Eleanor Roosevelt High School and Friendly High School.
Despite challenges growing up in the King Square housing projects, Lawrence excelled in boxing during his teenage years.
His family background and upbringing have played a significant role in shaping his life and career as a successful actor and comedian.
Personal life
Lawrence has been married twice and has three daughters.
He had his first child, daughter Jasmin, with his ex-wife Patricia Southall in 1995.
Later, in 2010, he married Shamicka Gibbs, with whom he shares two daughters, Iyanna and Amara.
Despite his public persona and successful career in Hollywood, Lawrence is known for instilling strong values in his children and being actively involved in their upbringing.
His family life reflects a blend of personal challenges and successes that have shaped him as both a comedian and a father.
Controversial moments
Lawrence has faced significant behavioral issues throughout his career, which have been widely reported in the media.
These issues include erratic behavior, such as carrying a loaded gun while ranting at drivers on a busy street, taking a loaded gun to the airport, getting into a nightclub brawl and falling into a three-day coma after jogging on a 100-degree day while wearing heavy clothing.
Lawrence attributed some of these incidents to his past marijuana use, which he claimed led to odd and dangerous behavior.
Additionally, he suffered a nervous breakdown in 1996, where he was picked up by police for standing in the middle of a busy Los Angeles intersection and screaming at cars, symptomatic of mental health struggles related to stress from relationship allegations and legal issues.
Despite these challenges, Lawrence has openly addressed his past struggles in his comedy and emphasized the importance of mental health and well-being.