Jesse L. Martin is an American actor and singer, best known for his role as Detective Ed Green on the television series Law & Order. He was born on January 18, 1971, in Rocky Mount, Virginia, and raised in Buffalo, New York. Martin has also appeared in various stage productions, showcasing his talent in musical theater. In addition to his work on television, Martin has performed in films such as Rent, where he played the character Tom Collins. He has received acclaim for his performances and has a strong background in both acting and music, contributing to his versatile career in the entertainment industry.