Lawrence, Martin Fitzgerald
1965- · Contribution: 1992-1997
Comedian & Actor
Co-created and starred in 'Martin,' a Fox sitcom that became Black television's flagship Thursday-night program in the 1990s; hosted HBO's groundbreaking 'Def Comedy Jam,' launching the mainstream careers of Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle, and Bernie Mac

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Quick facts
- Born
- 1965
- Active since
- 1992
- Category
- Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech
- Best known for
- Created and starred in "Martin"Hosted "Def Comedy Jam"1990s Black-TV flagship
Impact on the world
Lawrence built one of the defining Black sitcoms of the 1990s and, through "Def Comedy Jam," a launchpad for a generation of Black comedians. He helped power Fox's rise.
Sources
- Britannica
3 more sources and references are available to members.
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