Who is Duane Martin and what was his relationship with Will Smith?
DUANE Martin is an American actor who is known for his roles across various sitcom shows.
The accomplished star has found himself making headlines in November 2023, over an alleged incident with actor Will Smith.
Who is Duane Martin?
Duane Martin was born on August 11, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York.
He graduated from New York University where he played NCAA Division III basketball.
Duane was drafted by the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association as a free agent in 1989.
However, he was soon cut off before he could play his first basketball match in the NBA league.
Duane first made his TV appearance in the NBC comedy series Out All Night, which also starred Patti LaBelle, Vivica A. Fox, and Morris Chestnut.
He appeared in the Boyz II Men music video I'll Make Love To You, and was also a cast member alongside Vivica and Jon Cryer in the short-lived Fox sitcom Getting Personal.
After appearing on numerous television sitcoms, Martin landed the famous role of Robert James in the show All of Us.
In 2009, he guest-starred in his then-wife's sitcom Rita Rocks, portraying the role of Chuck.
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He also acted in various big Hollywood films, and his notable works in the industry include White Men Can't Jump, Scream 2, and Ride Or Die.
Duane was last seen starring in a film he wrote, produced, raised funds for, and starred in - The Seat Filler in 2004 with Kelly Rowland.
He distributed the film via his newly formed company The Momentum Experience, where Hollywood legends such as Will Smith and Blair Underwood were big investors.
The actor started his own sports management agency, Impact Sports.
It has become the premiere sports agency in the industry and handles some of the most sought after players in the NFL, NHL and MLB.
Duane also launched a real estate company which aims to revitalise homes in the inner-city by giving underprivileged families the rare opportunity to become homeowners.
Who did Duane Martin play in the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air?
Duane played the role of Dr Martin in Fresh Prince Of Bel Air in the episode I, Oh, Baby, Baby.
His only other appearance on the show was playing one of Smith's obnoxious poker buddies in the season four episode It's Better To Have Loved And Lost It.
He shared screen along with James Avery, Janet Hubert, and Alfonso Ribeiro.
What is Duane Martin's relationship with Will Smith?
Duane and Will are both American actors working in Hollywood.
They shared the screen together in the 90s show Fresh Prince Of Bel Air.
They went on to develop a close friendship after the show which is a well-known bromance in the industry.
Will and Duane also worked together in the film distribution company The Momentum Experience, where Will was an active investor.
What did Brother Bilaal say about Duane Martin and Will Smith?
On Unwind With Tasha K on YouTube, Brother Bilaal claimed he had walked in on Will having sex with Duane.
Will has denied the allegation.
Bilaal, who was once Will's close friend and reportedly worked for him as his personal assistant, said Will was not a good friend to him in latter years.
He spoke about Will's other incidents and also spoke about his bond with Jada Pinkett Smith.
Who is Duane Martin's ex-wife Tisha Campbell?
Tisha Campbell is an American actress who made her screen debut in the 1986 rock musical comedy film Little Shop Of Horrors.
She married Duane Martin on August 17, 1996, and the couple have two sons - Xen Martin and Ezekiel Czar Martin.
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In February 2018, Campbell filed for divorce after 21 years of marriage with Duane.
Their divorce was finalized in December 2020.