Martin Lawrence’s Family: Introducing His Daughters and Ex-Wives
Martin Lawrence’s family grew in April 2026 when his eldest daughter, Jasmin Lawrence, welcomed her first child with husband Eric Murphy, who is the son of Eddie Murphy.
“They just had a baby girl,” Eddie confirmed to E! News. “She was born two weeks ago, or maybe a week ago. Yes, her name is Ari Skye.”
Martin announced Jasmin’s pregnancy in February 2026.
“What a blessing to start the day! My heart is filled with love and gratitude following the news of my first grandchild!” he shared on Instagram alongside a black-and-white maternity photo of Jasmin. “Seeing @jasmin_lawrence and @ericmurphy777 embark on this journey into parenthood means everything to me. Family is everything — and this moment is truly a blessing from God. Welcome to the next generation!”
Lawrence welcomed Jasmin with ex-wife Patricia Southall in 1996. He also shares daughters Iyanna and Amara with ex-wife Shamicka Gibbs.
Continue reading to discover more about Lawrence’s family:
Patricia Southall
Martin Lawrence was married to Patricia Southall from 1995 to 1997. Southall is the founder of Treasure You, a support group aimed at helping women discover their passions, and the CEO of Pat Smith Enterprise. She earned the title of Miss Virginia USA in late 1993 and was first runner-up in the Miss USA 1994 pageant.
After her marriage to Lawrence ended, Southall married football star Emmitt Smith in April 2000, with whom she has three children. Southall also serves as a stepmother to Smith’s daughter, Rheagen, from a previous relationship.
Since their separation, Lawrence and Southall have maintained a positive co-parenting relationship. In 2023, the businesswoman praised her ex on Instagram.
“Congratulations Martin!!! I’m still processing the extraordinary work you’ve accomplished!!” she wrote. “I’ve always admired your dedication and resilience, the opportunities you’ve created for others, your genuine ‘One Love’ for all … especially your family … and your steadfast faith in God!!! 🙏🏽.”
Jasmin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence and Patricia Southall welcomed their daughter Jasmin in 1996. Jasmin graduated from Duke University in 2018 and is now pursuing a career in acting. Her on-screen credits include Bad Boys for Life, a sequel to Martin’s iconic film, and other shows such as Relatively Famous: Ranch Rules and Family Time.
Jasmin got engaged to Eddie Murphy’s son Eric Murphy in November 2024 after dating for three years. The couple married in May 2025 and welcomed their daughter Ari in April 2026.
Shamicka Gibbs
Martin Lawrence’s second wife, Shamicka Gibbs, is an entrepreneur, chef, and television personality who appeared on the VH1 reality series Hollywood Exes.
Lawrence and Gibbs began dating in 1997, shortly after his divorce from Patricia Southall. They welcomed daughter Iyanna in 2000, followed by daughter Amara in 2002. The couple tied the knot in 2010 but divorced in 2012.
Despite their separation, Lawrence and Gibbs have remained friends, even attending the Bad Boys: Ride or Die premiere in 2024 hand-in-hand with their daughters.
Iyanna Lawrence
Martin Lawrence and Shamicka Gibbs’ eldest daughter, Iyanna Lawrence, graduated from high school in 2018. She then pursued creative writing at Sarah Lawrence College in New York.
Martin celebrated her milestone 20th birthday in November 2020.
“My middle baby, Iyanna Faith, turns 20 today! Where has the time gone?” he wrote on Instagram at the time. “I love you so much, baby, and I’m so proud of you!!”
Amara Lawrence
Martin Lawrence and Shamicka Gibbs’ youngest daughter, Amara Lawrence, graduated from high school in 2021. She is now an aspiring musician who has released two tracks, “Long time” and “To Myself,” on SoundCloud.
