JESSE L. MARTIN

Detective Joe West in “The Flash”

Tony Award winner Jesse L. Martin stars as Joe West, a hard-working detective who takes Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) under his wing when Barry’s father is arrested for murder, in The CW series “The Flash.” After witnessing Barry’s gift of speed, West teams up with Barry in an effort to both patrol the city and protect his young ward. 

Born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, Martin attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. After graduating, he was cast in a recurring role on “Guiding Light.” He continued to work in theater and was soon cast in the role of Tom Collins in the Broadway play “Rent,” for which he won a Tony Award. He reprised his role in the feature film version of the play in 2005.

Martin is well known for his role as Detective Edward Green in the long-running series “Law & Order.” He also had recurring roles on the critically acclaimed series “Smash” and “Ally McBeal.” Additional television credits include “New York Undercover,” “The X-Files,” and “The Philanthropist,” as well as the television movies, “A Christmas Carol” and “Deep in My Heart.”

Martin completed production on the biopic “Sexual Healing,” where he stars as Marvin Gaye. He will also be seen in the upcoming films “Silent Rhythm” as Reverend James, and “Nebraska Horizon” opposite Parker Posey. Martin starred in several other feature films such as “Joyful Noise” and “The Cake Eaters.” Additional film credits include “Safety Point,” “Buffalo Bushido,” “Peter & Vandy,” “My Father’s Will” and “Restaurant.”

Making his Broadway debut in “Timon of Athens,” Martin went on to perform in “The Government Inspector.” After his smash performance in “Rent,” Martin took a break to film “Law & Order,” but returned to the stage for productions of “The Merchant of Venice” and “The Winter’s Tale” as part of The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. “The Merchant of Venice” transferred to Broadway and Martin reprised his role for a limited engagement.

Martin currently resides in Vancouver.

November 2021