People
Is Jesse L. Martin gay? All to know about his movies and TV shows, wife and net worth
Jesse L. Martin is more than just a familiar face from television and Broadway; he’s a seasoned actor whose roles have left a lasting impression on fans worldwide. Born on January 18, 1969, Jesse has traveled a long road from his roots in Virginia to starring roles in New York City’s theater scene and on our TV screens. Best known for his heartfelt portrayal of Detective Ed Green in “Law & Order” and the beloved character Tom Collins in “Rent,” Jesse’s passion and versatility shine through in every performance.
Profile summary
| Full name | Jesse Lamont Martin |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 18 January 1969 |
| Age | 55 years old (as of 2024) |
| Zodiac sign | Cancer |
| Place of birth | Rocky Mount, Virginia, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Father | Jesse Reed Watkins |
| Mother | Virginia Price |
| Siblings | 4 |
| School | Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts |
| University | New York University Tisch School of the Arts |
| Profession | Actor, singer, stage performer |
| Net worth | $8 million |
Who is Jesse L. Martin?
Jesse L. Martin is a prominent American actor, stage performer, and singer, celebrated for his dynamic presence both on Broadway and on television. Born Jesse Lamont Watkins on January 18, 1969, in Rocky Mount, Virginia, he later adopted the surname “Martin” from his stepfather after his mother remarried. Martin’s early exposure to the performing arts helped him overcome the shyness associated with his thick Southern accent, setting him on a path to a successful acting career.
What is Jesse L. Martin known for?
Jesse L. Martin in one of the scenes of Law and Order.
Source: Getty Images
Jesse L. Martin is best known for his role as Detective Ed Green on NBC’s long-running series Law & Order, where he appeared in 198 episodes from 1999 to 2008. His portrayal of Tom Collins in the Broadway musical Rent both in its original stage version and the 2005 film adaptation also remains a significant part of his career. Beyond these, Martin has showcased his talent in various other TV shows and films, bringing diverse characters to life with his compelling performances.
How old is Jesse L. Martin and where did he receive his education?
As of 2024, Jesse L. Martin is 55 years old. He received his high school education at the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. After high school, he pursued further studies at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, where he honed his skills in theater, preparing him for a prolific career on stage and screen.
What are some notable performances in Jesse L. Martin’s career?
Adam Pascal, Tracie Thoms, Anthony Rapp, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Taye Diggs and Rosario Dawson from the movie Rent performing at the 2005 Today Show Summer Concert series.
Source: James Devaney/WireImage
Throughout his career, Jesse L. Martin has amassed a notable list of performances. On Broadway, his role in Rent stands out as particularly influential. In television, aside from Law & Order, Martin has appeared in The Flash as Joe West, and in The Irrational as Alec Mercer, a behavioral science professor. His ability to adapt to various genres and roles makes him a versatile actor admired by both critics and fans.
Why did Jesse L. Martin leave Law and Order?
Jesse L. Martin left Law & Order to return to his first love—the stage—and to seek new opportunities that allowed for more artistic growth. His decision was also influenced by a desire to break away from the intense demands of a long-running television series and explore different facets of acting.
Is Jesse L. Martin making a comeback on Law & Order?
As of now, there are no confirmed reports about Jesse L. Martin making a comeback to Law & Order. While the series has welcomed back some former cast members in new episodes, Martin’s return as Detective Ed Green remains uncertain.
What is Jesse L. Martin’s net worth?
Jesse L. Martin’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. His earnings from his role in The Flash, where he was reportedly making $100,000 per episode, significantly contributed to his financial profile.
Is Jesse L. Martin gay?
Speculations about Jesse L. Martin’s sexuality arose after his portrayal of a gay character in Rent. However, these are just character roles and do not reflect his personal life. Jesse Martin’s private life remains closely guarded, with little public information available about his relationships.
What happened to Jesse L. Martin?
In 2018, Jesse L. Martin took a medical leave from The Flash due to a back injury. He returned to the series later in the season and continued to appear sporadically through the show’s eighth season.
Did Jesse L. Martin’s face burn?
No, Jesse L. Martin did not suffer a real facial burn. The scars seen on his character in The Irrational are the result of special effects makeup, used to add depth to his character’s backstory.
FAQs
What inspired Jesse L. Martin to become an actor? Jesse L. Martin was inspired to act as a means to improve his public speaking skills and overcome his shyness.
Has Jesse L. Martin written any music? Yes, Jesse L. Martin is also a talented musician who writes his own music and plays several instruments.
Is Jesse L. Martin married? Jesse L. Martin has kept his personal life private, and there is no public information confirming a marriage.
Has Jesse L. Martin won any awards for his work? While Jesse L. Martin has received critical acclaim for his performances, specific award details are not listed.
What is Jesse L. Martin’s latest project? He stars in The Irrational, playing a professor of behavioral science who consults for the FBI.
