Martin Lawrence has spent decades keeping audiences laughing on the silver screen, but his personal life has frequently captured equal public fascination. From high-profile engagements in the early 1990s to two distinct marriages and a tight-knit blended family, his romantic journey reflects the complexities of maintaining relationships under Hollywood's unrelenting spotlight.
Understanding Martin Lawrence relationship history requires looking past the tabloid headlines to examine the timelines of his marriages, long-term engagements, and how he navigated co-parenting his three daughters. This deep dive explores his past partnerships, high-profile breakups, and his current chapter.
Early 1990s Romances and High-Profile Engagements
Before walking down the aisle, Lawrence experienced several high-profile relationships as his comedy career and sitcom success skyrocketed.
In 1993, Lawrence became engaged to actress Lark Voorhies, who was then starring as Lisa Turtle on Saved by the Bell. The pair were one of the most recognizable young couples in Hollywood. Voorhies even made a guest appearance on Lawrence's hit Fox sitcom Martin. However, the whirlwind romance ended abruptly in 1994 when Lawrence announced publicly on television that he was single, catching the wedding preparations off guard.
Around that same period, rumors tied him to rapper MC Lyte. Those rumors largely stemmed from a playful and edgy bit in Lawrence's 1994 stand-up comedy special You So Crazy, which led many fans to mistakenly assume a real-life romance had occurred.
First Marriage: Patricia Southall (1995–1997)
Lawrence married his first wife, former Miss Virginia USA Patricia Southall, on January 7, 1995. The wedding took place in Portsmouth, Virginia, followed by a lavish reception in Norfolk.
- The Family: On January 15, 1996, the couple welcomed their daughter, Jasmin Page Lawrence.
- The Split: The marriage was short-lived. Lawrence and Southall divorced in 1997.
- Aftermath: Following their separation, Southall married NFL legend Emmitt Smith in April 2000, with whom she shares three additional children. Despite the early divorce, Lawrence and Southall established a respectful co-parenting dynamic over the decades, frequently celebrating milestones together for their daughter Jasmin.
Second Marriage: Shamicka Gibbs (2010–2012)
Shortly after his first divorce was finalized, Lawrence began a long-term relationship with TV personality and entrepreneur Shamicka Gibbs.
- The Timeline: The couple spent more than a decade together before officially tying the knot on July 10, 2010, at their Beverly Hills home in front of close friends and family, including industry peers like Eddie Murphy.
- The Children: Together, they welcomed two daughters: Iyanna Faith, born in November 2000, and Amara Trinity, born in August 2002.
- The Split: Just under two years after marrying, Lawrence filed for divorce from Gibbs in April 2012. Much like his first divorce, Lawrence and Gibbs maintained an amicable bond afterward, frequently showing up united as a family for movie premieres and milestone events.
Subsequent Engagements and Current Status
Following his split from Gibbs, Lawrence continued to navigate the dating world. In 2017, he became engaged to aesthetician Roberta Moradfar, presenting her with a custom diamond ring. That relationship eventually concluded without reaching the altar.
In recent years, Lawrence has been linked to Angie Gonzalez, with whom he frequently shares public milestones. Meanwhile, his family dynamic has expanded into a new generation; his eldest daughter, Jasmin, married actor and producer Eric Murphy (son of Eddie Murphy) in 2025, and welcomed a daughter, Ari Skye, in April 2026, making Lawrence a grandfather.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Martin Lawrence been married?
Martin Lawrence has been married twice. His first marriage was to Patricia Southall from 1995 to 1997, and his second was to Shamicka Gibbs from 2010 to 2012.
Who are the mothers of Martin Lawrence's children?
Lawrence shares his three daughters with his two ex-wives. He shares his eldest daughter, Jasmin, with Patricia Southall, and his younger daughters, Iyanna and Amara, with Shamicka Gibbs.
Did Martin Lawrence ever marry Lark Voorhies?
No. Lawrence and Saved by the Bell star Lark Voorhies were engaged in 1993, but the relationship ended in 1994 before they made it down the aisle.
What is Martin Lawrence's current relationship status?
Lawrence is currently unmarried and has been in a relationship with Angie Gonzalez, frequently appearing together at public events and celebrations.
