Martin Lawrence doesn't have a current wife, as the iconic comedian and actor is currently unmarried. Throughout his decades-long career in Hollywood, his personal life, high-profile romances, and two past marriages have heavily intrigued fans. From his early 1990s engagements to his marriages with Patricia Southall and Shamicka Gibbs, Lawrence's journey through love has seen dramatic public highs and quiet private resolutions.
Understanding the reality behind Martin Lawrence's marital history requires looking past the tabloid headlines. His relationships shaped his public persona, influenced his stand-up material, and ultimately helped build a close-knit blended family with his three daughters.
The Early Years of Romance and High-Profile Engagements
Before walking down the aisle, Lawrence experienced several heavily publicized relationships during the peak of his 1990s sitcom fame. In 1993, he became engaged to actress Lark Voorhies, widely recognized for her role in Saved by the Bell. Their romance captured the attention of entertainment media, and Voorhies even made a guest appearance on his hit television series Martin.
That engagement ended unexpectedly in 1994 when Lawrence announced on television that he was single. Rumors also linked him to rapper MC Lyte around that period, partly sparked by lighthearted mentions in his stand-up routines. These early years established a pattern where Lawrence's personal romantic decisions played out under a massive public microscope.
First Marriage: Patricia Southall
In January 1995, Lawrence married Patricia Southall, the former Miss Virginia USA, in an elaborate ceremony in Virginia. The couple welcomed their daughter, Jasmine Page Lawrence, in January 1996.
Despite the initial optimism, the marriage faced intense pressures. The couple divorced in 1997. In subsequent interviews, Lawrence reflected candidly on the emotional toll of the split. Southall later married legendary NFL running back Emmitt Smith in 2000, while Lawrence focused on his career and coparenting. Jasmine grew up away from the immediate chaos of Hollywood, eventually graduating from Duke University and pursuing an acting career. Furthermore, Jasmine made major headlines by marrying Eric Murphy, the son of fellow comedy icon Eddie Murphy, uniting two legendary entertainment families.
Second Marriage: Shamicka Gibbs
Following his first divorce, Lawrence began a long-term relationship with TV personality and entrepreneur Shamicka Gibbs. Their relationship spanned over a decade before they officially tied the knot in July 2010 at an intimate ceremony in their Beverly Hills home.
During their relationship and brief marriage, they welcomed two daughters: Iyanna Faith, born in 2000, and Amara Trinity, born in 2002. Iyanna attended Sarah Lawrence College with a focus on creative arts, while Amara pursued a path in music.
The transition from a long-term domestic partnership to legal marriage proved difficult, and the couple filed for divorce in April 2012. Unlike many high-profile celebrity splits, Lawrence and Gibbs maintained a remarkably stable coparenting dynamic. They frequently reunite for family milestones, birthdays, and red-carpet premieres, proving that their mutual respect outlasted the marriage.
Later Relationships and Current Status
After his divorce from Gibbs, Lawrence continued to navigate romance in the public eye. In 2017, he became engaged to aesthetician Roberta Moradfar, though that relationship eventually ended amicably.
In recent years, Lawrence has been linked to Angie Gonzalez, with the pair appearing together at major industry events, such as film premieres, and celebrating personal milestones together. Lawrence keeps his current focus balanced between his ongoing film projects—such as the massive box-office success of the Bad Boys franchise distributed by Sony Pictures—and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martin Lawrence currently married?
No, Martin Lawrence is not currently married. He has been married twice in the past to Patricia Southall and Shamicka Gibbs, but both marriages ended in divorce.
Who are Martin Lawrence's ex-wives?
His first ex-wife is Patricia Southall, whom he was married to from 1995 to 1997. His second ex-wife is Shamicka Gibbs, whom he married in 2010 before divorcing in 2012.
How many children does Martin Lawrence have?
Lawrence has three daughters from his two marriages: Jasmine Page (with Patricia Southall), as well as Iyanna Faith and Amara Trinity (with Shamicka Gibbs).
What do Martin Lawrence's daughters do?
Jasmine is an actress and producer, Iyanna focuses on creative arts and writing, and Amara pursues a career as a singer and songwriter.
