Caila Marsai Martin (born August 14, 2004) is an American actress, best known for her role as Diane Johnson on the ABC sitcom '' Black-ish'' (2014–2022). In 2019, Martin starred in the comedy film '' Little'', which she also produced, becoming the youngest person ever to produce a studio film. The same year, '' Time'' magazine named her on its " Time 100 Next".

Early life

Martin was born in Plano, Texas, to African-American parents Carol and Joshua Martin. Martin's acting career started after a glamour pictorial. The photographer gave them a discount in exchange for her father's promise that he would submit the photos to talent agencies. The photos were sent out to four agencies and one immediately signed her. At age five, she landed her first national commercial for Choice Hotel. Her family then moved to Los Angeles in 2013, so she could pursue an acting career.

Career

In 2014, Martin was cast as Diane Johnson, the daughter of Andre ( Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow Johnson ( Tracee Ellis Ross) on the ABC sitcom '' Black-ish'', created by Kenya Barris. For her breakthrough role, Martin has received numerous awards and nominations, including three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and a Young Artist Award. She has received six NAACP Image Awards nominations and two

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series The Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast (or Ensemble) in a Comedy Series is an award given by the Screen Actors Guild to honor the finest ensemble acting achievements in comedy series. Winners and nominees 1990s 20 ...

. In 2016, Martin made her film debut, playing a leading role in the Amazon Studios original film '' An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win'', set in Detroit during the Civil Rights Movement. That same year, she did a voice role for the movie ''Nina'', which tells the life story of American artist and activist Nina Simone. In 2019, Martin starred in her first studio feature film, the comedy '' Little'', for Universal Pictures. At the age of 13, she became

executive producer Executive producer (EP) is one of the top positions in the making of a commercial entertainment product. Depending on the medium, the executive producer may be concerned with management accounting or associated with legal issues (like copyrights o ...

of the film, making her the youngest person to ever produce a movie, as well as the youngest African-American producer. In February 2019, Genius Productions, Martin's company, signed a first-look production deal with Universal. Martin's first film as part of the deal is StepMonster, a comedy about a teenage girl who is adjusting to life with a new stepmother. She is the youngest person to get a first-look deal at Universal, and the youngest person to get a deal at any studio. In May 2019, it was announced Martin would be producing and starring in the film adaption of ''Amari and the Night Brothers'' for Universal Pictures. In December 2019, it was announced that Martin would be producing the comedy film ''Queen''. She voiced the character Liberty in the 2021 film '' PAW Patrol: The Movie''. In April 2022, it was announced that Martin would star alongside Kelly Rowland and Omari Hardwick in the upcoming film ''Fantasy Football''.

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and nominations

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Martin, Marsai Living people Actresses from Texas African-American actresses American film actresses American television actresses 21st-century American actresses African-American child actresses American child actresses African-American film producers American women film producers American voice actresses 21st-century African-American women 21st-century African-American people Year of birth missing (living people)