Martin Lawrence Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is Martin Lawrence’s net worth and Salary?

Martin Lawrence is a stand-up comedian and actor, boasting a net worth of $110 million. After graduating from a performing arts high school and becoming a Golden Gloves boxing champion, he ultimately chose a path in comedy. His journey to success began when he reached the stand-up comedy finals on “Star Search,” paving the way for further television opportunities. His on-screen professional journey kicked off in the late 80s, with appearances in shows like “What’s Happening Now!” and various pilots. From that point on, he shifted towards film and alternated between thriving projects in both big and small screens. Notable film credits include “Do the Right Thing,” “House Party,” and “Boomerang.”

In 1992, Martin secured a leading role in the television series “Martin,” which catapulted him to significant fame. His participation in “Def Comedy Jam” won him numerous new fans, and he starred alongside Will Smith in the hit summer film “Bad Boys,” along with its sequels.

However, during this time, personal issues began to arise. Between 1995 and 1997, he faced multiple hospitalizations and an arrest due to erratic and violent behavior; his unpredictable conduct on the set of “Martin” even led to a co-star filing a lawsuit against him. Fortunately, he has managed to reduce his workload and appears to be on a positive trajectory. In April 2023, Martin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Salary Highlights

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Martin ranked among the highest-paid film stars globally. Prior to the filming of “Bad Boys,” he was considered significantly more in demand and famous than his co-star Will Smith, earning $6 million for the first film while Smith made only $2 million. This created an uncomfortable scenario, with Lawrence reportedly refusing to participate in any sequels unless he received the same pay as Smith, who by that time had become the larger star. Fortunately, both actors reached an agreement for “Bad Boys 2” in 2003, each earning $20 million.

For the 1997 film “Nothing to Lose,” Martin earned $6 million, and for the film “Life” in 1999, he made $8.5 million. His paycheck for “Blue Streak,” also released in 1999, was $20 million. In 2001, he received $13 million for “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?” and $16.5 million for “Black Knight.” He then earned $20 million for both “National Security” and “Bad Boys II” in 2003.

Early Life

Born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfort, Germany, Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence was raised by American parents. Named after Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy, Martin moved back to the U.S. with his family when he was seven and settled in Landover, Maryland. His parents’ divorce occurred in 1973, which resulted in him rarely seeing his father thereafter. Martin attended both Eleanor Roosevelt High School and Friendly High School.

Career

At the outset of his career, Lawrence became a familiar face in the stand-up comedy scene within the Greater Washington D.C. Metro area. He took on various odd jobs…

To support himself, he took on various jobs during the day. One night, Ritch Snyder, a comedian, witnessed Lawrence’s standup performance and urged him to explore the New York City comedy scene. Following this encouragement, Lawrence relocated to New York City and became a part of the Improv’s showcase. Soon after, he participated in the talent search TV show “Star Search,” where he reached the final stages but didn’t secure the win. Nevertheless, his appearance caught the attention of television executives, leading to his first acting role on “What’s Happening Now!!”. Even after that show was canceled, Lawrence managed to land small roles in films and television. His big break came with his role in “Do the Right Thing.” In 1992, he was chosen to host “Def Comedy Jam,” while also starring in his own Fox sitcom, “Martin,” which aired from 1992 until 1997.

After hosting “Saturday Night Live” on February 19, 1994, Lawrence faced a lifetime ban due to his inappropriate comments regarding women’s personal hygiene and genitalia during his monologue, which was subsequently omitted from reruns of that episode.

Following the conclusion of “Martin” in 1997, he transitioned to appearing in comedy films, often taking on second lead roles. Notably, Lawrence starred alongside Will Smith in the “Bad Boys” franchise, with the first film debuting in 1995, the second in 2003, and the third in 2020. In 2022, he took on the role of Jake Doyle in “Mindcage,” and a fourth “Bad Boys” film is currently in development.

Personal Life

In 1995, Lawrence married Patricia Southall, who was crowned Miss Virginia, USA. Their daughter, Jasmine Page, arrived in 1996. However, Lawrence and Southall divorced in 1997.

In 1997, he began a relationship with Shamicka Gibbs, with whom he has two daughters: Iyanna Faith (born in 2000) and Amara Trinity (born in 2002). They wed on July 10, 2010, but Lawrence filed for divorce in April 2012.

Rumors in April 2019 suggested that Martin was engaged to a nurse named Roberta Moradfar. Reports indicated that he proposed to her with an engagement ring valued at $500,000.

Behavioral Issues

During the filming of “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” in 1995, Lawrence reportedly experienced a violent outburst, resulting in his hospitalization following a collapse.

In January 1997, Tisha Campbell-Martin, his co-star, filed a lawsuit against him, claiming sexual harassment and abuse both on and off the set of “Martin.” In April 1997, Campbell reached a settlement in the lawsuit and returned to finish the final episodes.

Two episodes of the series.

In August 1999, while preparing for “Big Momma’s House,” Lawrence went jogging in the extreme heat of 100 degrees, dressed in heavy clothing over a plastic suit. He collapsed due to heat exhaustion and lapsed into a coma for three days. His body temperature soared to 107 degrees, and he was on a ventilator to assist his breathing during the coma.

Real Estate

For many years, Lawrence possessed a spacious mansion in Beverly Park, located in Beverly Hills. This was the venue for his wedding with Gibbs. Following their divorce, the property was once listed for rent at a staggering $200,000 per month. In 2013, it was placed on the market for $26.5 million, ultimately selling to real estate developer Bruce Makowsky for $17.2 million. He subsequently purchased a residence in Encino, California, costing $6.63 million.

Additionally, Lawrence owns a farm near Purcellville, Virginia, with a 116-acre ranch that he listed for $8.5 million in 2018.