Martin Lawrence has sealed his place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic actors, with a career spanning over three decades and an impressive net worth that reflects his enduring popularity. From his humble beginnings in Germany to becoming a household name through the iconic Bad Boys franchise, Lawrence’s story is one of resilience, talent, and remarkable success.
Quick Facts About Martin Lawrence
| Full Name | Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence |
| Date of Birth | 16 April 1965 (59 years old) |
| Place of Birth | Frankfurt, West Germany |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’7″ (171 cm) |
| Net Worth | £88 million ($110 million) |
| Famous For | Bad Boys franchise, Martin TV series |
| Children | Jasmine, Iyanna Faith, Amara Trinity |
Biography
Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence was born on 16 April 1965 in Frankfurt, West Germany, where his father John was stationed with the US military. Named after civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy, Lawrence was destined for greatness from the start.
When Martin turned seven, his family relocated to the Washington D.C. area, specifically Landover, Maryland. However, their American dream quickly turned challenging when his parents divorced just a year later. With his father becoming a police chief in New York and rarely visiting, Martin’s mother, Chlora, found herself raising six children virtually single-handedly.
Life in the King Square housing projects wasn’t easy for young Martin. His mother worked multiple jobs—from sales representative to department store cashier—to keep the family afloat. The future comedy star often found himself in street fights, though he credits his mother and older brothers for keeping him out of serious trouble.
During his teenage years at Eleanor Roosevelt High School and later Friendly High School, Martin discovered his talent for boxing. He became a formidable Mid-Atlantic Golden Gloves contender, channeling his energy from street fights into organised sport.
But it was comedy that truly captured his heart. Martin began performing stand-up routines around Washington D.C., working odd jobs to support his comedy ambitions. His big break came when comedian Ritch Snyder spotted his act and encouraged him to try his luck in New York City.
Career
Taking Snyder’s advice to heart, Martin made his way to The Improv, one of New York’s premier comedy clubs. His performances were so impressive that he earned a spot on the popular talent show Star Search. Whilst he didn’t win the competition, making it to the finals caught the attention of Columbia Pictures Television executives.
This led to his first acting role as Maurice Warfield in What’s Happening Now!! (1987-1988), earning him £80,000 ($100,000) per episode. Though the show was cancelled after 22 episodes, it opened doors for Martin in Hollywood.
Martin’s breakthrough came with his role as Cee in Spike Lee’s acclaimed 1989 film Do the Right Thing. This performance led to roles in House Party, House Party 2, and Boomerang alongside Eddie Murphy, who became a lifelong friend.
In 1992, Martin achieved television gold with his self-titled sitcom Martin on Fox. The show ran for five successful seasons (1992-1997), making him a household name and earning two NAACP Image Awards. The series featured memorable characters like Sheneneh, Jerome, and Mama Payne—all brilliantly portrayed by Lawrence himself.
Bad Boys – A £25 Million Franchise
Bad Boys (1995)
In 1995, Martin was cast as Detective Marcus Burnett (not Mike Lowry, as often misreported) in Bad Boys alongside Will Smith’s Detective Mike Lowrey. The film was a massive success, with Martin earning £4.8 million ($6 million) compared to Smith’s £1.6 million ($2 million), reflecting Martin’s higher profile at the time.
Bad Boys II (2003)
By the sequel, both stars had reached equal footing, each earning £16 million ($20 million) for Bad Boys II. The film’s success solidified the franchise as a box office goldmine.
Recent Success
Martin reprised his role in Bad Boys for Life (2020), which grossed over £90 million ($112 million) in its first four days. He also appeared in the 2024 instalment Bad Boys: Ride or Die, proving that the franchise remains as popular as ever.
Total Bad Boys Earnings: Approximately £25.6 million ($32 million) across all films.
Career Major Earnings
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Martin commanded impressive salaries:
- Big Momma’s House (2000): £16 million ($20 million)
- Blue Streak (1999): £16 million ($20 million)
- National Security (2002): £16 million ($20 million)
- Black Knight (2001): £13.2 million ($16.5 million)
- Nothing to Lose (1997): £4.8 million ($6 million)
- Life (1999): £6.8 million ($8.5 million)
Voice Acting and Recent Projects
Martin has also lent his voice to animated projects, including Open Season (2006) as Boog and the upcoming Sneaks (2025). In 2022, he took on his first dramatic role in Mindcage alongside John Malkovich, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Personal Life
Martin’s personal life has been as eventful as his career. He first married Miss Virginia USA Patricia Southall in 1995, and they welcomed daughter Jasmine Page on 15 January 1996. The couple divorced in 1997.
In 2010, Martin married Shamicka Gibbs at his Beverly Hills home, with celebrity guests including Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington. The couple had two daughters: Iyanna Faith (born November 2000) and Amara Trinity (born August 2002). They divorced in 2012, though they’ve maintained an amicable relationship for their children’s sake.
Martin was engaged to nurse Roberta Moradfar from 2017 until they split. He’s currently believed to be dating Angie Gonzales, whom he brought to the 2024 Emmy Awards.
His friendship with Will Smith remains strong, with Smith regularly posting birthday tributes calling Martin his “ride or die” partner.
In May 2025, Martin’s eldest daughter, Jasmine, married Eric Murphy, son of his close friend Eddie Murphy, bringing the two comedy legends even closer together.
Martin’s life hasn’t been without its challenges. In 1999, whilst preparing for Big Momma’s House, he suffered severe heat exhaustion during a training session. His body temperature reached a dangerous 42°C (107°F), putting him in a three-day coma on life support.
More recently, fans have expressed concern about his health following his appearance at the 2024 Emmy Awards, though Martin has addressed these concerns and continues his successful career.
Net Worth
For years, Martin owned an impressive mansion in the exclusive Beverly Park community in Beverly Hills, where he married Shamicka. Following their divorce, the property was initially rented for £160,000 ($200,000) per month before being sold to property developer Bruce Makowsky for £13.8 million ($17.2 million) in 2013.
After selling his Beverly Hills estate, Martin purchased a stunning home in Encino, California, for £5.3 million ($6.63 million). He also owns a sprawling 116-acre farm near Purcellville, Virginia, which he listed for £6.8 million ($8.5 million) in 2018.
As of 2025, Martin Lawrence’s estimated net worth stands at approximately £110-160 million ($110-200 million), according to various celebrity wealth tracking sources. This impressive fortune stems from multiple revenue streams:
Primary Income Sources
Film Salaries: Over £160 million ($200 million) in confirmed earnings from major films. Television Work: Significant earnings from Martin and other TV appearances.
Real Estate Investments: Strategic property purchases and sales.
Voice Acting: Additional income from animated film work.
Stand-up Comedy: Ongoing touring and comedy specials.
Box Office Impact
Martin’s films have collectively grossed nearly £3.2 billion ($4 billion) worldwide, making him one of the most bankable stars of his generation.