Comedian Martin Lawrence became a household name during the 1990’s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor, most notably in films like House Party, Bad Boys, Blue Streak, and Big Momma’s House. Lawrence’s numerous film roles came after his own highly-rated, long-running television series named after him, “Martin.” And now, as he turns 60, with the blockbuster films in the Bad Boys series, Martin is living the good life!
“I’m at that point now — I done did it all. So many things in my career and in my life and everything,” the actor tells PEOPLE in an interview for his new animated film Sneaks.
“Now it’s just about enjoying the fruits of my labor, doing what I want to do and spreading love.”
In 1996, comedian Martin Lawrence suffered a nervous breakdown. Lawrence was picked up by police for standing in the middle of a busy, mid-day Los Angeles intersection and screaming at cars. Although initially, he said it was due to exhaustion and dehydration, his behavior was symptomatic of a mental breakdown from stress attributed to relationship allegations and legal issues.
A nervous breakdown is a generic term used to describe someone who experiences a bout of mental illness that is so severe, it directly impacts their ability to function normally. The specific mental illness can span the range of severity and include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, among others. It is basically observed as a sign that one’s ability to cope with life or mental illness has been overwhelmed or “stressed out” by their normal life events, work or relationship issues. Often, people who suffer from the affliction are no longer able to maintain their social relationships with others and find it difficult to work.
As a matter of fact, in his comedy special, Runteldat, Martin addressed the breakdown and those who used it to spread rumors. In response, he said “No one is immune to the trials and tribulations of life. No one.”
The stress of remaining a top comedian along with possible drug use were also attributed to the meltdown, but the legend didn’t stay down long. After checking himself into a hospital, Martin was better than ever a few short weeks afterward.
Recently, fans were concerned about Martin again when they said he appeared to slur his words a bit at a “Bad Boys” movie premiere appearance. Some fans thought he looked unsteady as he held on to Will Smith for support, sparking concern.
Lawrence explained that he was only surprised by the crowd size at the premiere, saying: “I was like, oh, this is rock concert stuff. What the hell is going on? I was like, for a movie?”
When asked if there is “anything you want to say to the people because they’re concerned about your health,” Lawrence answered: “I’m fine. I’m in God’s hands. I’m blessed, you know? I’m glad to be waking up every day. I’m all good. No need for people to be concerned.”
Lawrence said later in the interview: “I’m healthy as hell. Stop the rumors!”
The funnyman now says he’s living a life with a lot less stress. And why not? His show “Martin” is still a top-running syndicated show, he’s still doing movies, has a new TV show with Kelsey Grammar called “Partners” (2014) and has a loving beautiful daughter.
“I’m so not that guy from the sitcom,” says Martin. “That guy from the sitcom is boisterous, and he’s got bravado and he’s big and no-nonsense. But even the Martin from the show is a loving Martin. The way he loves his lady, Gina [played by Tisha Campbell], and his friends. And the real Martin is like that.”
After going through what he went through, Martin shared a few tips to for others, not just celebrities, to prevent nervous breakdowns:
1. Give Yourself A Break – take some time off. Stress can build up over time. Give yourself time to breathe
2. Take Charge of Your Mindset – own up to what happened to you. Take control.
3. Find Humor in Everything – comedy can heal too. Have a real good laugh one day
Martin also uses family to help keep him healthy.
In a new 2025 animated film, Sneakers, Martin voices J.B. The film also stars Anthony Mackie, Rico Rodriguez, Swae Lee, Chloe Bailey, Macy Gray, Ella Mai, Mustard, Roddy Ricch, Quavo, Laurence Fishburne and more.
Centering on the story of Ty (Mackie) and his sister Maxine (Bailey), a pair of coveted sneakers that get separated during a robbery attempt, the movie touches on themes of resilience and togetherness, elements that Lawrence says feeds into its family-friendly nature — and why his kids love it.
“They love all my work,” says the father of three. (Lawrence has three daughters: Jasmin, 29, Iyanna, 24, and Amara, 22.)
The Bad Boys star acknowledges the importance of balancing his famous off-the-cuff humor with projects that the whole family can enjoy. “Everybody can see [Sneaks],” he says. “And the kids can really enjoy it with their parents and they can see it more than once. It is just a fun film to be a part of.”
It doesn’t matter if Martin is playing one of his many characters, or cracking jokes with friends, Martin is sure to keep us laughing…stress free. And in the words of the comic himself, “see ya when I see ya!”
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