MARTIN LAWRENCE stars as Earl Montgomery, the talented but bombastic police academy reject, who wreaks havoc on Hank Rafferty (Steve Zahn). Lawrence also serves as an Executive Producer on National Security.
Having made his mark in film and television with a unique style and clever physical comedy, Lawrence has set himself apart as one of America’s most popular actor/comedians. Most recently, he returned to the stand-up comedy world from which he originated, with a national tour and the theatrical release of Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat. The concert film gave the heralded comedian’s viewpoints on everything from the dangers of smoking to the trials of relationships. The performance is a nonstop litany of raucous anecdotes, stinging social commentary and very personal reflections about his life. The modestly budgeted concert film went on to become a box-office hit, reaffirming Lawrence’s position in the comedy lexicon. He will next be seen in Bad Boys 2, which will re-team him with co-star Will Smith, director Michael Bay and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
Lawrence’s impressive filmography, which has teamed him with some of the most successful performers in the industry, includes starring roles in numerous box-office hits such as Big Momma’s House, which he also executive produced, Blue Streak, Bad Boys opposite Will Smith, and Life opposite Eddie Murphy. His additional film credits include Black Knight, What’s The Worst That Could 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, which he co-wrote, directed and starred in.
A native of Landover, Maryland, Lawrence traces his comedy beginnings to his hyperactive childhood. 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 an open-mic night at a local comedy club. From that night on, comedy was in his blood.
Relocating to New York, Lawrence eventually found his way to the legendary Improv. 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 a copy of 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 be the host of his groundbreaking showcase for young comedians, HBO’s "Def Comedy Jam." As the host of the instantly popular show for three seasons, Lawrence is credited with giving exposure to a new generation of comics, including Chris Tucker, 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 hugely successful series was seen by many in the entertainment industry as the foundation from which the fledgling network was built, and it 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. He followed it 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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