Jesse Martin, professionally known as Jesse Lamont Watkins, was born in the majestic Blue Ridge mountain range of Virginia. His mother, Virginia Price, was a dedicated college career counselor, while his father, Jesse Reed Watkins, was a hardworking truck driver. Unfortunately, Jesse's parents divorced when he was still very young, and his mother subsequently relocated his family to Buffalo, New York.
As a result of his parents' divorce, Jesse and his four brothers took on their mother's second husband's surname. His family affectionately refers to him by his middle name, Lamont. Jesse's early life was marked by a significant turning point when, as a fourth-grader, a teacher cast him in a play, which sparked his passion for the performing arts.
After completing his high school education, Jesse worked in restaurants to finance his tuition at New York University. He then began to gain momentum in the entertainment industry, securing roles in soaps and commercials. His breakthrough came when he landed a role in Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical Rent in 1996.
This notable achievement was soon followed by his first starring role in the television series 413 Hope St., which aired on Fox in 1997.
