Martin Lawrence's Wives: The Comedian's Failed Marriages and Engagement to Roberta Moradfar

Martin Lawrence has been married twice in his lifetime, welcoming three daughters from both unions. After his last divorce, he found love again and was on his way to his third marriage; however, it seems not to have worked out.

Martin Lawrence made his mark in Hollywood, becoming one of the most iconic comedians of the 2000s. He's most well-known for starring in the "Bad Boys" action film franchise alongside Will Smith and having his own sitcom named after him in the '90s.

Lawrence went on to dish out more 2000s classics, including the "Big Momma" trilogy and 2008's "College Road Trip" alongside Raven-Symone, but also took on the roles of producer and writer, with 25 credits in total at the time of publication.

As his career thrived, Lawrence sought to fulfill his personal life. His first marriage gave him his first child; however, it didn't last long as things quickly turned sour due to his alleged violent behavior and substance abuse.

His second followed a 13-year relationship and saw two more baby girls being born, but it ended amicably a few years later. Still, despite his failed romances, Lawrence maintained a loving relationship with his daughters, one of whom is dating Eddie Murphy's son, Eric Murphy.

Martin Lawrence Was Briefly Married to Patricia Southall, Who Later Became Emmitt Smith's Wife

Lawrence met Patricia Southall in 1992 when she worked at a media office. Following their romance, the former couple married on January 7, 1995, and welcomed their baby, Jasmine Paige Lawrence, on January 15, 1996. That year, things took a turn for the worst.

In May 1996, Lawrence was found by local authorities wandering the busy streets of Los Angeles with a loaded gun in his pocket. He had been cursing and screaming, "Fight the power!" before the police detained him.

That August, he was again detained at Burbank Airport for trying to board a plane with another loaded firearm, claiming he thought weapons were allowed during interstate travel. Luckily, no charges were filed against the comedian, but it wasn't his last brush against the law.

After Southall filed to dissolve their marriage legally, she was awarded a restraining order against the actor. Southall had posed several troubling allegations against Lawrence during their divorce proceedings, claiming he battled substance abuse.

She added that he went on delusional rants, issued threats, and had once swerved toward an edge while she was inside the car. Furthermore, Southall feared for her life and their daughter's after Lawrence reportedly threatened to kill her and her family. Their divorce was finalized that September.

After her relationship with the Hollywood star ended, Southall remarried former NFL champion Emmitt Smith in 2000. Smith had a daughter, Rheagen, from his previous relationship before meeting Southall, who became his wife of 20 years.

They had three more children together, son Emmitt James Smith, daughter Skylar Elizabeth Paige Smith, and son Elijah Alexander James Smith. Southall initially settled down to support Smith in his career before becoming an entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Unfortunately, the lovers shocked fans when they announced their separation in a joint statement in 2020, pending their official divorce. They remained on good terms as co-parents and business partners despite their split.

Shamicka Gibbs and Martin Lawrence Were Together for 15 Years, Though Their Marriage Only Lasted for 2

Shortly after his divorce from Southall, Lawrence moved on to Shamicka Gibbs. As Gibbs recalled on "Bossip" in 2013, the ex-lovebirds met through mutual friends at a house gathering where she was cooking.

When one of her friends asked the guests if they wanted something to eat, Lawrence coyly responded, "I want some Shamicka." They initially became friends before turning to romance, which Gibbs thought provided a solid foundation for their long-lasting relationship.

She and Lawrence tied the knot in July 2010 in front of a star-studded audience, including Denzel Washington and Barry Bonds. They had been together for 13 years, during which they welcomed daughters Iyana Lawrence in 2000 and Amara Lawrence in 2002.

However, their union didn't last long, as they announced their separation in April 2012 and divorced later that year, citing irreconcilable differences. Gibbs briefly reflected on her romance and marriage with Lawrence, saying:

"You know, you have your ups, you have your downs, and people grow apart. So, at the end of the day, there was just a lot of stuff that went with it, that [...] I don't want to, you know, discuss, but at the end of the day, life happens."

The pair remained on good terms as they co-parented their children. Gibbs developed a strong bond with her girls, including her stepdaughter, Jasmine, as she frequently celebrated them and shared their outings on Instagram.

She starred on VH1's "Hollywood Exes" alongside Nicole Murphy and Sheree Fletcher while becoming a successful businesswoman. Gibbs also found love with entrepreneur and author Antwuan "Ace" Hill. The lovers frequently flaunt their romance on social media.

While her career and personal life have thrived, Gibbs still encountered some health issues. She received Lupus and Celiac Disease diagnoses in 2011 after suffering from their symptoms without knowing the root cause. She has since been open about her health struggles.

Afterward, she had to remove gluten from her diet and "eat clean." Gibbs then launched her own line of gluten-free spices called "Don't Hurt Cha Tongue Baby," which included cajun seasoning, seafood seasoning, chili spice blend, and more.

Martin Lawrence Got Engaged to Roberta Moradfar, but It Appears Their Relationship Didn't Work Out

Though it's unclear when they started dating, Roberta Maradfar announced their engagement in April 2017. Moradfar is an aesthetics nurse practitioner specializing in enhancing facial features and is based in Los Angeles.

She and Lawrence continued making public appearances after their engagement went public, but that was until recently. On Christmas Day 2022, Moradfar posted a picture with another man, whom her friends called her "boo" in the comments.

It had been some time since Moradfar and Lawrence were seen together. They never announced their separation publicly; however, Maradfar's post indicated a new chapter in the business owner's love life.