Bio
Mark Christopher Lawrence is an American actor, comedian and voice-over artist best known for his role as esoteric D.J., Tone Def, in the 1994 satirical rap mockumentary, Fear of a Black Hat.
He also starred as Big Mike on the action comedy television series Chuck, from 2007-2012.
Before joining Chuck, Lawrence guest starred on a number of top television series, including Heroes, Weeds, My Names Is Earl, Crossing Jordan, Dharma and Greg and Seinfeld, among many others. He also had a recurring role on The Mullets.
On the big screen, Lawrence has had starring roles in The Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith and Thandie Newton; Lost Treasure opposite Nicollette Sheridan and Stephen Baldwin; K-PAX with Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Mary McCormack and Alfre Woodard; Terminator 2: Judgment Day from James Cameron; and Garfield.
Lawrence also starred in the telefilms Life Is Ruff and Shake, Rattle and Roll: An American Love Story, in which he played the legendary musician Fats Domino.
Lawrence is perhaps best known for his role as Mix Master Tone Def in the cult-classic mockumentary Fear of a Black Hat. In the vein of This Is Spinal Tap, the film follows an explosive rap group called N.W.H., and showcases Lawrence's character acting and comedic timing.
Lawrence has also performed in dozens of plays, including Reza Abdoh's Minamata, for which he won a Drama-Logue Award, and Glass House, which garnered Lawrence great attention and an NAACP Award. He also appeared in August Wilson's The Piano Lesson at the Cygnet Theatre in San Diego.
Hailing from Compton, California, Lawrence is well known on the comedy circuit. He hosted an evening of comedy and music released as the DVD SHOUT! An Evening of Gospel Comedy, featuring amateur comedians, musicians and singers, as well as seasoned professionals in the world of entertainment.
When not performing or on the set, you can find Lawrence honing his cooking skills and sharing his culinary creations with friends and family. He also supports and contributes to various charitable organisations, including Operation Smile and ACT Today.
Lawrence resides in San Diego, California.