Jesse L. Martin Biography

Fast Facts

• Nominated for a Critics Choice Award from the Broadcast Film Critics Association for Best Song and Best Acting Ensemble for his work in the play "Rent․"
• Was nominated seven times for an Image Award for his work in "Law & Order" and once for his work in "Ally McBeal․"
• Has been on the Board of Trustees for the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation
• Was a featured guest and presenter at the awards ceremony of the SunDeis Film Festival at Brandeis University in 2006
• Worked in restaurants in order to afford the tuition at New York University
• First developed his love of acting when he appeared in a school play in elementary school
• Made his primetime TV debut in a guest appearance on the police drama "New York Undercover․"
• Quote: "[Rent] was the first job that ever paid me․ I couldn't believe that they were paying me all that money to go around the country and do Shakespeare․ I would have done it for free․"
• Perhaps best known for his roles in "Rent" and "Law & Order․"