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Jesse L. Martin Biography

Birth Name:

Jesse Lamont Watkins

Birth Place:

Rocky Mount, Virginia, United States

Profession

Actor, singer

Fast Facts

Family took to calling him by his middle name, Lamont
While in grade school, his family moved from Rocky Mount, VA, to Buffalo, NY and he hated to speak because of his southern accent
Was bit by the acting bug after he played a pastor in a grade-school play
Worked as a waiter at the Moondance Diner in New York City with Rent composer Jonathan Larson
Made his Broadway debut in Timon of Athens in 1993
Originated the role of Tom Collins in Rent, and played the character in the 2005 movie version

2006Critics' Choice Awards-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
2006Critics' Choice Awards-Best Song: nominated
2003Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
2001Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
2000Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
1999Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
1998Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated