Tisha Campbell-Martin

Tisha Michelle Campbell-Martin (born October 13, 1968) is an American actress and singer. She is known for her starring roles in the FOX television series Martin as Gina Waters-Payne from 1992-97; and as Janet "Jay" Marie-Kyle on the ABC television sitcom My Wife and Kids from 2001-05.

On September 21, 2015, she released the single Steel Here.

Early life

Campbell was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and raised in Newark, New Jersey, where she attended Newark Arts High School. Her mother, Mona (née Raye) Shockley (now known as Mona Washington), was a nurse, talent manager, gospel singer, and vocal coach. Her father, Clifton Campbell, was a factory worker and singer and as a chess master he works with underprivileged children on both the east and west coast. Her parents encouraged her love for music. Tisha has an older brother, three younger brothers, and a younger sister.

Career

Campbell’s first TV appearance was at the age of 6, in a 1974 episode of the PBS show The Big Blue Marble. As a child, she won many talent shows, going on to appear in such children’s programs as Kids Are People Too, Unicorn Tales, and Captain Kangaroo. At age 18, she performed in the musical feature film Little Shop of Horrors as Chiffon, one of The Supremes-like girl-group Greek Chorus, along with future Martin co-star Tichina Arnold. After graduating from the Arts High School in Newark, she moved to Hollywood, where she became a star on the short-lived series Rags to Riches. In addition she also starred in School Daze as Jane Toussaint.