STAGE TUBE: On This Day 1/18- Jesse L. Martin

Welcome to BWW's ON THIS DAY Series celebrating theatrical birthdays, openings and special events that took place on this day in theatre history!

Happy Birthday, Jesse L. Martin! Martin is best known for originating the role of Tom Collins in the Broadway theatrical production of Rent, and for his portrayal of NYPD Detective Ed Green on the NBC drama television series Law & Order. He made his Broadway debut in Timon of Athens, and then performed in The Government Inspector with Lainie Kazan. In 2010, Martin returned to the stage for one of his biggest theater commitments since Law & Order performing in the productions of The Merchant of Venice and The Winter's Tale as a part of The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. He played the roles of Gratiano and King Polixenes, respectively. The Merchant of Venice later transferred to Broadway to the Broadhurst Theater for a limited engagement, during which time Martin reprised his role as Gratiano.

In celebration of this day, we bring you a clip of 'I'll Cover You' from RENT. Click below to check it out!