Jesse L. Martin

Jesse L. Martin: (on homosexual themes in Rent, particularly the 'I'll Cover You' scene between his character, Tom Collins, and Angel) You know, if they're not ready, they'll have to get ready because the truth of the matter is ... it's a reality and not only that, if it's really hard for you to swallow, we're singing a beautiful song to sort of lull you into it. You just have to accept it. I mean ... I don't know what else to say. It's unfathomable to me that people even would have a problem with it.

Jesse L. Martin: (on Jerry Orbach) He certainly had a whole lot more war stories then I did... the wealth of knowledge that I gained from being next to him 14 hours a day is invaluable, and he literally taught me everything there was to know, I mean he was literally the Prince of New York theatre and I got to work with him every single day.

Jesse L. Martin: I have such reverence for teachers, I grew up and I had some of the most dedicated and generous educators and I know for a fact that now it is very difficult to just be a teacher.

Jesse L. Martin: (on the topic of race relations in "Law & Order") It's really important for every culture to be represented the way it is, right or wrong, the way it is, truthfully.

Jesse L. Martin: (on living in New York and not in California) There are actors here, there's Broadway, there's stage to do, which I'm perfectly content doing. Which I'm lucky enough to get to do. I just liked NY much better if I'm going to live somewhere.

Jesse L. Martin: ...if love was that easy to find then everybody would have it.

Jesse L. Martin: Go back to what's good, what's certain, what's always there. You woke up today. Just start walking.

Jesse L. Martin: I almost never leave my apartment. If I'm not at work, it's probable that I am in my house.

Jesse L. Martin: I couldn't be luckier. I have the greatest job working on Law & Order and I get to live in the greatest city ever--I'm never leaving New York.

Jesse L. Martin: I fancy myself an artist. I like to draw and paint a lot. I can lose hours doing it.

Jesse L. Martin: (about Rosario Dawson and Tracie Thoms in "Rent: The Movie") Rosario and Tracie found a way to become part of our family almost instantaneously. They fit it like a glove. It has been an incredible experience. I´m so glad they were there because I got to make two new friends as well.