Martin Lawrence is the first to admit that he'll do anything for a laugh. But what endears him to audiences around the world is his uncanny ability to make them laugh through everything.
The popular actor/comedian is riding an exciting new wave in his successful career and is excited about the future. With a new film already in production, 1999 is off to a busy start for the very talented performer. Lawrence is currently the lead in Columbia Pictures' Blue Streak, directed by Les Mayfield (FLUBBER).
He is also preparing for the April 16th release of the Universal/Imagine Pictures' feature Life. The much anticipated Life finds Lawrence starring with Eddie Murphy a story about two friends given life sentences at a grim prison in the South. The picture follows their characters' antics from the 1940's to present day.
After five seasons and three NAACP Irnage Awards, Lawrence wrapped successful television stint as star and executive producer of Fox's much talked about sitcom "Martin." The series has since gone into syndication earning an estimated $60 million. Summer 1997 once again found Lawrence winning critical acclaim for his roll in the hit film Nothing To Lose, in which he starred opposite Tim Robbins.
Throughout his career, Lawrence has and continues to charm audiences with his unstoppable comic imp and clever physical shtick. Martin has had a string of successful films including the blockbuster Columbia Pictures hit Bad Boys, opposite Will Smith which grossed over $150 million worldwide; and New Line's A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, in which he also made his directorial debut.
Lawrence's career has been on a whirlwind since the release of You So Crazy, one of the top three all time highest grossing concert films. He followed that with the Grammy norninated, Billboard Top 10 concert album "Talkin' Sh*t"
Martin traces his comedy beginnings to his hyperactive boyhood in Landover, Maryland, where in grade school he would stand in the hall cracking jokes about everyone that walked by. As a teenager, he got his first taste of stand-up by cutting a deal with his art teacher: he'd be quiet during the first 45 minutes of class, and then she would turn over the last five rninutes to him. Eventually this same teacher encouraged him to check out open-mike night at a local comedy club; and although he bombed his first time up, from that night on stand-up was in his blood.
By working among hustlers and street performers in New York City's Washington Square Park, Martin then found his way to the legendary Improvisation. From there, he went on to win the first round of the "Star Search Showcase." His break finally came when executives from Columbia Pictures saw Martin's "Star Search" tape. This led to a regular series-role as a smart-mouthed busboy on "What's Happening Now."
In 1989 he landed a memorable supporting role in Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing, which led to larger roles in House Party and House Party 2, followed by his co-starring role with Eddie Murphy in Boomerang. Gratefully, Martin continues to maintain a loyal following frorn "Russell Simmons: Def Comedy Jam," which he hosted for two seasons.
Martin's dream is to make people laugh like they've never laughed before. Now he is getting the opportunity to do just that. Martin Lawrence was born April 16, 1965 in what was then West Germany, Martin was an Air Force 'Brat.' After his Dad got out of the service they moved to Queens, New York. And then to Landover, Maryland. Martin Lawrence was encouraged (by a School Teacher) to pursue a comedy career as a teenager, that teacher gave Martin the last few minutes of every class to entertain his fellow students.
Several years later, Hollywood talent scouts noticed Martin on Star Search. They asked him if he would be interested in acting. This led to his first regular television role, as the smart-mouthed busboy on the syndicated series What 's Happening Now.
By 1986 Martin had his own cable show called 'One Night Stand', then he hosted 'Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam' for two seasons. Martin made his first movie playing a minor role in Spike Lee's 'Do The Right Thing'. This led to another minor role in 'House Party', and then a more prominent role in Eddie Murphy's 'Boomerang'.
In 1991, Martin got his first starring role in a movie called 'Talking Dirty After Dark', This is about the same time that 'Martin', the FOX sitcom started. 'Martin' ran from 1992 to 1997.
The film 'Thin Line Between Love and Hate', Martin Starred in it, Directed it, Co-wrote it, and was even the Executive Producer. The movie 'Life', Martin and Eddie Murphy co-starred as two Mississippi inmates wrongfully imprisoned for life in 1933. Then came 'Blue Streak' where Martin plays a jewel thief on the run from the cops.
Martin's latest projects are 'Big Momma's House', due in cinemas nation-wide on June 6, 2000 - and 'See Spot Run', which is currently in pre-production, and due out in early 2001.
Martin was married to Patricia Southall, a former Miss Virginia. But Martin's life has not been trouble free. Martin has cleaned up his life, and is now drug, weapons, and alcohol free. He owns property in northern Virginia and has set up a vacation home and office there.
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