Jesse L. Martin

Birth Name:

Jesse Lamont Watkins

Birth Place:

Rocky Mount, Virginia, United States

Profession

Actor, Soundtrack, Producer, Music department

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․"

Fast Facts