Big Momma’s House is an American crime comedy film directed by Raja Gosnell and written by Darryl Quarles and Don Rhymer that was released in 2000. Martin Lawrence plays an FBI agent tasked with tracking an escaped convict and his loot by going undercover as his former girlfriend’s estranged grandmother, unaware of the bond he will form with her. But did you know that the lead actor in the film almost died due to heat exhaustion?
In 1999, Martin Lawrence collapsed from heat exhaustion while jogging in heavy clothing and a plastic suit in preparation for Big Momma’s House. He recovered in the hospital after a three-day near-fatal coma caused by a body temperature of 107 °F, with his breathing aided by a ventilator.
Who is Martin Lawrence?
Martin Lawrence, born in Germany in 1965, performed stand-up for several years before landing his big break as the host of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. He then went on to star in films such as Bad Boys and Big Momma’s House. Martin, Lawrence’s sitcom, aired on Fox in the 1990s, was also successful.
Martin Lawrence, an actor and comedian was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 16, 1965. Lawrence’s father was in the United States military and left the family when Martin was eight years old. As a teen, he pursued a love of boxing while also displaying a talent for comedy. Lawrence’s career as a comedian began after a teacher encouraged him to attend an open mic night at a local comedy club.
Lawrence appeared as a guest on the television show What’s Happening Now!! Shortly after moving to California. His big break in television came as the host of HBO’s groundbreaking Def Comedy Jam. (Source: Biography)
Martin Lawrence’s Sitcom “Martin”
Lawrence rose to prominence with the 1992 premiere of the Fox sitcom Martin. In addition to playing disc jockey Martin Payne, Lawrence frequently appeared as other characters such as Mama Payne and the outrageous neighbor Sheneneh Jenkins. Martin was a big hit for Fox, though the final season ended in the spring of 1997 and was marred by sexual harassment allegations from co-star Tisha Campbell. (Source: Biography)
Martin Lawrence’s Role on the Silver Screen
Lawrence also used his early successes to launch a film career. After appearing in films such as House Party (1990) and Boomerang (1992), he made a name for himself as a co-star alongside Will Smith in the buddy cop film Bad Boys (1995). Five years later, the actor seized his chance to shine in Big Momma’s House, with audiences responding positively to his brand of crude but endearing comedy.
Lawrence later appeared in Bad Boys II (2003), Big Momma’s House 2 (2006), and Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (2008). (2011). He prepared to rejoin Smith in Bad Boys for Life in early 2020. (Source: Biography)
Martin Lawrence Making a Comeback
By the 2010s, Lawrence was looking to reclaim the star power that had propelled him to the top of the Hollywood food chain. Partners, a legal comedy starring Kelsey Grammer that aired on FX in 2014, was canceled after ten episodes.
Lawrence’s first stand-up special in 14 years, Doin’ Time: Uncut, debuted on Showtime in 2016. Three years later, he returned to the big screen, playing Captain Wack in the stoner comedy The Beach Bum. (Source: Biography)
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