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Mark Christopher Lawrence currently serves as Vice-President of MOXIE Theatre of Encinitas and formerly served as San Diego’s local branch President of the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, as well as, Vice-President of San Diego’s local branch of the Screen Actor’s Guild, where he was selected by the AFTRA National Board President to serve on the joint SAG/AFTRA Primetime Network Code Negotiating Committee. UCSD’s Thurgood Marshall College has embraced Mark as Associate Guest Artist In Residence and he has partnered with them in bringing awareness to the newly launched African-American Studies Minor at Thurgood Marshall College. Mark Christopher Lawrence is one of Hollywood’s most sought after character actors. In addition to displaying a variety of theatrical skills, this diverse actor also excels as a producer, a vocalist, a comedian, and a literary scholar. To the tribute of his memorable charm and hilarious wit, Lawrence continues to meet the demands, and overcome challenges in the world of entertainment. Best known for his role of Mix Master Tone Def, in the cult classic Fear of a Black Hat, Lawrence utilized his creative talents as a character actor and besieged audiences in this comical spoof based on This is Spinal Tap, about a Gangsta Rap group named N.W.H. As a native of Compton, California, Lawrence and his two siblings were raised in a neighborhood submerged in incessant crime and corruption. In spite of this, his single mother grounded him with a strong sense of values and self worth, resulting in a young Lawrence evading violent street life and discovering other ways to entertain himself. An innate and unrefined talent of imitating and mimicking neighborhood companions, coupled with his astonishing ability to adopt mannerisms and develop characters, Lawrence was able to remain on the correct path and away from crime. “I lived in an area that within two blocks in any direction, there was major gang activity. It could have really been easy for me to go in that direction but it was my mother’s upbringing and some guidance from William, our neighbor, and an interest taken in me by my tenth grade English teacher, Mrs. Schilling, that kept me on the straight and narrow.” Aware of his intelligence and budding oral communication skills, Lawrence’s teacher, Mrs. Shilling, enrolled him in his high school’s debate team. Soon, Lawrence found himself immersed in forensic speaking competition, involved in both humorous and dramatic interpretation of literature, prose, poetry, and theatrical literature. After winning the school district’s Literary Olympiad competition, Lawrence went on to compete on the state and national levels, eventually winning the collegiate Bovero-Tabor Award, an accolade reserved for the top Jr. College speaker in the country. Subsequently, after gaining attention from University of Southern California’s debate team coaches, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend the University. While a student, Lawrence traveled the nation competing in tournaments for USC in individual events. His forte included prose, poetry, theatrical and duo interpretation of literature, and speech to entertain, which ultimately became his springboard into stand-up comedy. Furthermore, he sharpened his craft by working professionally with the critically acclaimed Los Angeles Theater Center. Eventually, a Hollywood talent agent noticed his skill, and Lawrence quickly acquired his first job in television, a role on Hill Street Blues. After graduation, he continued to work steadily. He worked with the San Francisco Mime Troupe and performed standup comedy throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, and Guam, often opening for major acts, such as Jerry Seinfeld and Rodney Dangerfield. Additionally, Lawrence has performed in a dozen plays and won a Dramalogue Award for his performance in Reza Abdoh’s, Minimanta. For his role in Glass House (Ken Davis), Lawrence won an NAACP award and soon after gained the attention of film director, James Cameron, who had cast him as the insane asylum "Burly Attendant" in the action-thriller, Terminator II. Impressed by his comedic abilities, Cameron extended Lawrence’s two days of work into several weeks of production; hence, the beginning of Lawrence’s flourishing career. Deriding from the hip-hop culture of today, “Mix Master Tone-Def” in Fear of a Black Hat was the role that landed Lawrence instant fame and credibility as a Hollywood notable. This role, coupled with Hip-Hop’s immense commercial success, has expanded this film’s fan culture to worldwide; thus, making Lawrence a distinctive cult icon. Thereafter, this constant entertainer continued to depict a variety of comedic and dramatic characters in feature films: The Pursuit of Happyness (starring Will Smith), The Island, Lost Treasure, Crimson Tide, K-Pax, Tales From the Hood, Planet of the Apes, That Darn Cat, and Fair Game. His small screen credits include: Life Is Ruff, Reba, Seinfeld, Hot Properties, Coach, 3rd Rock From the Sun, Touched by an Angel, Malcolm in the Middle, and Dharma and Greg. He was a series regular on The George Wendt Show and The Mullets where he portrayed “Bill,” the next-door neighbor. Lawrence also starred in the Disney movie of the week Life is Ruff and the CBS mini-series Shake, Rattle and Roll, portraying an astounding depiction of “Fats Domino.” In the near future, Lawrence can be seen in the feature film The Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith and as the host of SHOUT! An Evening of Gospel Comedy. As an entrepreneur, Lawrence, along with partners Barry Shabaka Henley and Tarabu Betserai Kirkland, formed the Black Theater Artist’s Workshop. Originally, an alliance with The Los Angeles Theater Center, the workshop became its own entity after the closing of LATC. Today, all three partners work together creating various theater and film projects. Currently, they are shopping several completed scripts for film and television. A well-rounded businessman, Mark Christopher Lawrence has also launched his own company, Prayer Dudz, Which has just completed post-production on the first of a series of Gospel Comedy DVD’s entitled SHOUT! SHOUT features up and coming comedians and musicians and singers, as well as, seasoned professionals. Prayer Dudz is also the catalyst for Lawrence’s clothing line, a casual and dressy line of men’s apparel. Additionally, Lawrence participates, supports, and contributes to various charities. His sincere concern for the affected, and appreciation for the Blessings he has been afforded is exhibited through his involvement with several organizations, primarily those that assist children, diabetics, and breast cancer patients. Personally, Lawrence has an avid interest in golf, baseball, football, PBR, and billiards. He is also a gourmet chef with international culinary skills. Though he is known for his clever characters, Lawrence’s true talent is his genuine ability to make others laugh and his genuine love for people and their well being. Additionally, he enjoys stimulating awareness for social, political and economical situations through comedy. His humorous, yet frank views on life keep Lawrence’s motivation and creative energy overflowing. Lawrence, the actor, is highly memorable, and Lawrence, the man, is highly enlightening. This exceptional combination makes Mark Christopher Lawrence, a truly respected and gifted individual, a standout in Hollywood. www.reelaccess.com/talent/markchristopherlawrence www.myspace.com/markchristopherlawrence * See resume for a complete listing of film and television credits.
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