When people search for Martin Lawrence's wife, they're usually sorting through decades of high-profile relationships, past marriages, and his current engagement. The comedy icon hasn't been officially married for over a decade, but his relationship status remains a frequent topic of public interest. Currently, Martin Lawrence is engaged to advanced aesthetics nurse practitioner Roberta Moradfar.
Understanding his marital history requires looking past clickbait headlines and examining the actual timeline of his family life, including his two previous marriages to Patricia Southall and Shamicka Gibbs.
Who Is Roberta Moradfar?
Roberta Moradfar is an advanced aesthetics nurse practitioner and entrepreneur based in California. Unlike many partners of major Hollywood stars, Moradfar built a professional career entirely outside of the entertainment industry. She earned a degree in nursing and specialized in aesthetic medicine, eventually running her own skin care and cosmetic practices.
The couple began dating in the mid-2010s and kept a relatively low profile before taking their relationship public. In March 2017, Lawrence proposed with a custom diamond ring estimated to be worth around $500,000. While they've shared glimpses of their life together on social media and major red carpets—such as Lawrence's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony—they have not formally rushed down the aisle, leading many fans to mistakenly refer to her as his current wife. Additional reporting by Bloomberg delves into similar perspectives on the subject.
Martin Lawrence's First Wife: Patricia Southall
Long before his current engagement, Lawrence was married to actress and former beauty queen Patricia Southall. Southall won the title of Miss Virginia USA in 1991 and later crossed paths with Lawrence during the height of his 90s sitcom success.
The couple married in 1995 in a high-profile ceremony. During their marriage, they welcomed a daughter named Jasmine Page Lawrence in 1996. However, the marriage was short-lived. The couple divorced in 1997.
Following their separation, Southall maintained a successful career as an author, speaker, and advocate. She later married legendary NFL running back Emmitt Smith in 2000, becoming Patricia Southall Smith. Meanwhile, Jasmine Lawrence grew up to pursue acting and graduated from Duke University.
Martin Lawrence's Second Wife: Shamicka Gibbs
In 1997, Lawrence began a long-term relationship with entrepreneur, chef, and reality TV personality Shamicka Gibbs. The couple spent over a decade together before deciding to make it official. They tied the knot on July 10, 2010, in an intimate ceremony hosted in the backyard of Lawrence's Beverly Hills home, surrounded by family and celebrity guests like Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington.
During their long relationship and subsequent marriage, Gibbs and Lawrence had two daughters: Iyanna Faith, born in 2000, and Amara Trinity, born in 2002.
Despite the long history, the marriage faced challenges. In April 2012, Lawrence filed for divorce from Gibbs, citing irreconcilable differences. The split was handled amicably, with both parents prioritizing the well-being of their daughters. Gibbs later appeared on Hollywood Exes, where she discussed building an independent brand as a culinary entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast. Their daughters have since pursued their own creative paths, with Iyanna studying at Sarah Lawrence College and Amara exploring music.
Other Notable Past Relationships
Before his marriages, Lawrence's romantic life frequently made tabloid headlines.
- Lark Voorhies: In the early 1990s, Lawrence was famously engaged to actress Lark Voorhies, best known for her role as Lisa Turtle in Saved by the Bell. The two were considered a major young Hollywood power couple, but the engagement was called off in 1994 before they reached the altar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martin Lawrence currently married?
No. Martin Lawrence is not currently married. He is engaged to Roberta Moradfar, whom he asked to marry in 2017.
How many times has Martin Lawrence been married?
Lawrence has been married twice. His first marriage was to Patricia Southall (from 1995 to 1997) and his second marriage was to Shamicka Gibbs (from 2010 to 2012).
How many children does Martin Lawrence have?
He has three daughters from his past relationships: Jasmine (with Patricia Southall), and Iyanna and Amara (with Shamicka Gibbs).
What does Roberta Moradfar do for a living?
Moradfar works as an advanced aesthetics nurse practitioner and manages skincare and cosmetic treatments, operating independently of the film and television industry.
