You so crazy! It's the title of a Martin Lawrence film and an apt description of the man himself. Everything about him is unexpected, even his birthplace. Martin Lawrence was born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, Germany, where his father served in the Air Force. Eventually, the Lawrence family moved to the United States, initially settling in Queens, New York, before relocating to Landover, Maryland. A natural entertainer, Martin quickly made a name for himself as the "class clown" in school. One insightful teacher recognized his comedic talent and regularly granted him a few minutes to perform for his classmates. This early opportunity was pivotal, allowing him to develop "fresh material" on demand. Martin's unique style, blending expressive faces, biting insults, clever wisecracks, and relatable slices-of-life, quickly caught the attention of local comedy clubs. With a dedication to refining his comedic craft, Martin's big break came with an appearance on "Star Search," which opened numerous doors for him. The charismatic and zany performer became a regular on the syndicated sitcom "What's Happening Now," playing the role of a busboy. This exposure paved the way for his own cable series, "One Night Stand," and a two-year stint as the host of "Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam." Martin seamlessly transitioned into film acting, making his debut in Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing." His versatility shone both on-screen and on the stand-up stage, where he could masterfully take direction or improvise with wild abandon. In 1992, he landed his breakthrough role on Fox-TV's sitcom "Martin," which had a successful but often tumultuous run until 1997. Despite disruptions and tabloid stories about his personal life with his then-wife, Virginia, Martin Lawrence's star continued to rise. He boldly co-wrote, directed, and starred in "Thin Line Between Love and Hate," showcased his stand-up prowess in his concert film "You So Crazy," and collaborated with other film powerhouses, including Will Smith in "Bad Boys" and Eddie Murphy in "Life." Martin Lawrence remains a significant figure in comedy and film, beloved for his unpredictable humor and ability to entertain audiences worldwide.