Jesse L. Martin

JESSE L. MARTIN starred as Gratiano, opposite Al Pacino, Lily Rabe, Byron Jennings and Matthew Rauch, in the Broadway production of "The Merchant of Venice." He also originated the role of Thomas B. "Tom" Collins in Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize- winning and Tony Award-winning musical "Rent," and went on to reprise his role in the film adaptation of the revolutionary rock opera based on Puccini's classic opera "La Boheme." He shared Critics' Choice Award nominations for Best Song and Best Acting Ensemble with the cast for his work in the film.

Martin received multiple Screen Actors Guild Award® nominations, shared with the cast of NBC's "Law & Order," as well as eight NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actor for his role as the passionate Detective Edward Green, which he played for nine seasons on the hit TV show. He also received critical acclaim for his recurring role as Dr. Greg Butters on the long-running hit TV series "Ally McBeal."

Prior to that, he was a series regular on FOX's "413 Hope Street" and had a recurring role on the NBC series "The Philanthropist." In addition to guest starring roles on "The X-Files" and USA's "New York Undercover," Martin starred in the CBS telefilm "Deep in my Heart," opposite Anne Bancroft and Gloria Reuben.

Among his other film credits are Jay DiPietro's "Peter and Vandy"; Mary Stuart Masterson's directorial debut, "Cake Eaters"; "Season of Youth"; and "The Restaurant."

© 2012 Warner Bros. and Alcon Entertainment