MARTIN LAWRENCE (Marcus Burnett) is one of America’s most popular actor/comedians, having made his mark in film and television. Recently, Lawrence returned to the stand-up comedy world from which he originated, with a national tour and the theatrical release of Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat, a hysterical offering of the comedian’s view on everything from the dangers of smoking to the trials and tribulations of relationships, peppered with a nonstop litany of raucous anecdotes, stinging social commentary and reflections about his personal life. The modestly budgeted concert film went on to become a box-office hit, reaffirming Lawrence’s position in the comedy lexicon. He also recently starred in Columbia Pictures’ action comedy National Security with Steve Zahn.
Lawrence’s impressive filmography, which has teamed him with some of the most successful actors in the industry, includes starring roles in numerous box-office hits such as Big Momma’s House, which he also executive produced, Blue Streak, the original Bad Boys co-starring Will Smith and Life opposite Eddie Murphy.
Additional film credits include Black Knight, What’s The Worst That Can Happen? with Danny DeVito, Nothing To Lose with Tim Robbins, Boomerang also with Eddie Murphy, the House Party films, Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing and A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, in which he not only starred but also co-wrote and directed.
A native of Landover, Maryland, Lawrence traces his comedy beginnings to his hyperactive childhood, where in grade school he would stand in the hall making jokes about everyone who walked by. A Golden Gloves boxer, Lawrence found his true calling when an art teacher encouraged him to go on stage at a local comedy club’s open-mike night. From that moment on, comedy was in his blood.
Relocating to New York, Lawrence eventually found his way to the legendary Improv comedy club. Shortly thereafter, he won a performance spot on the hugely successful talent showcase "Star Search" eventually making it to the final round. When executives at Columbia Television saw his "Star Search" appearance, they approached him with his first Hollywood job, the sit-com "What’s Happening Now!"
Following "What’s Happening Now!" Lawrence was personally chosen by Rap music mogul Russell Simmons to host the groundbreaking showcase "Def Comedy Jam" on HBO. As the host of the instantly popular show for two seasons, Lawrence is credited with giving exposure to a new generation of American comics including Chris Tucker, Damon Wayans, Steve Harvey, Cedric The Entertainer, and many more.
From 1992 to 1997, Lawrence starred in and served as executive producer of Fox Television’s hit series "Martin." Garnering three NAACP Image Awards, the successful series was seen by many in the entertainment industry as being the foundation on which the fledgling network was built, and continues to be one of the most popular television shows in syndication.
Lawrence also released You So Crazy, one of the top three highest grossing concert films of all time, which he followed with the Billboard Top 10 concert album "Talkin’ Shit" and the Grammy nominated "Funk It."
In 2001, Lawrence was honored for his contributions to the entertainment industry when his hand and footprints were placed in cement in front of Hollywood’s fabled Grauman’s Chinese Theater.
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