When people search for Martin Lawrence's wife, they're usually looking for clarity on the legendary comedian's relationship history, past marriages, and current status. Martin Lawrence hasn't been married since his second divorce, but his romantic life has spent decades in the public eye. His most notable relationships include his marriages to Patricia Southall and Shamicka Gibbs, alongside a high-profile engagement to aesthetic nurse practitioner Roberta Moradfar.
Navigating the timeline of a major Hollywood star's personal life gets confusing, especially when tabloid rumors mix up ex-spouses with current partners. Let's break down who Martin Lawrence has been married to, who his children are, and how his family life stands today.
Who Was Martin Lawrence's First Wife, Patricia Southall?
Martin Lawrence married his first wife, Patricia Southall, in 1995 at the height of his 90s sitcom fame. Southall is a former Miss Virginia USA, model, and businesswoman who later co-founded a wellness and hair care line.
During their marriage, the couple welcomed their daughter, Jasmine Paige Lawrence, born in 1996. Unfortunately, the union didn't last. The couple divorced in 1997 after two years of marriage. Despite the early split, both moved forward in their respective careers and personal lives. Southall later married famed NFL star and analyst Emmitt Smith in 2000, establishing a long-term blended family.
Who Was Martin Lawrence's Second Wife, Shamicka Gibbs?
After years of dating, Martin Lawrence married his second wife, Shamicka Gibbs, in July 2010 at their home in Beverly Hills. Guests included famous names like Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington. Gibbs is a chef, entrepreneur, and reality TV personality who later appeared on Hollywood Exes.
During their multi-year relationship before and during marriage, Lawrence and Gibbs welcomed two daughters together:
- Iyanna Faith Lawrence, born in 2000.
- Amara Trinity Lawrence, born in 2002.
The couple filed for divorce in 2012, citing irreconcilable differences. Unlike many bitter Hollywood splits, Lawrence and Gibbs maintained a cooperative co-parenting dynamic. Gibbs focused heavily on her culinary career and health advocacy after the split, even launching gourmet spice lines and wellness projects. You can read more about celebrity culture and entertainment updates on Variety.
The Engagement to Roberta Moradfar
Following his divorce from Shamicka Gibbs, Lawrence began dating aesthetics entrepreneur Roberta Moradfar. In March 2017, Lawrence proposed to Moradfar with a custom-designed square-cut diamond ring featuring their initials engraved on the band.
Moradfar is an advanced practice registered nurse and the owner of a cosmetic dermatology spa in Santa Monica. The couple shared numerous red-carpet appearances together, including premieres for blockbusters like Bad Boys for Life. Though they were engaged for several years, reports indicated they eventually called off their wedding plans.
Martin Lawrence's Children
Family remains a central focus for Lawrence outside of his box-office hits like Bad Boys and Blue Streak. He shares a close bond with all three of his daughters:
- Jasmine Paige Lawrence (with Patricia Southall)
- Iyanna Faith Lawrence (with Shamicka Gibbs)
- Amara Trinity Lawrence (with Shamicka Gibbs)
Jasmine Lawrence graduated from Duke University and has carved her own path, while Iyanna and Amara have grown up away from the heavy glare of daily media scrutiny, though they frequently join their father at major movie premieres. For official film credits and background details on Lawrence's cinematic journey, check out IMDb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martin Lawrence currently married?
No, Martin Lawrence is not currently married. He has been unmarried since his divorce from Shamicka Gibbs was finalized in 2012.
How many times has Martin Lawrence been married?
Martin Lawrence has been married twice. His first marriage was to Patricia Southall (1995–1997) and his second marriage was to Shamicka Gibbs (2010–2012).
Who are the mothers of Martin Lawrence's children?
His oldest daughter, Jasmine, was born to his first wife, Patricia Southall. His two younger daughters, Iyanna and Amara, were born to his second wife, Shamicka Gibbs.
Are Martin Lawrence and Roberta Moradfar still together?
Although Lawrence proposed to Moradfar in 2017 in a high-profile engagement, reports and public appearances indicate the couple parted ways before ever walking down the aisle.
