Martin Lawrence was one of the most successful black comedians of the 90's.

Martin got his first big break shortly after appearing on Star Search and he didn't win however, executives at Columbia TriStar Television saw Martin's performance and offered him an appearance on the television sitcom What's Happening Now!!. Martin had bit parts in various films and television roles before Russell Simmons personally selected him to host the groundbreaking series Def Comedy Jam on HBO.

He appeared in his own sitcom, Martin, which aired on Fox. The show ran from 1992 to 1997 and was considered a success.

He has starred or co-starred in movies along side such talents as Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, and Tim Robbins.

Many of his films were blockbusters, which include Bad Boys (1995) and Big Momma's House (2000)