Marsai Martin (born August 14, 2004) is an American actress, producer, and television writer. She began her acting career as a child and is best known for portraying the character Diane Johnson on the television sitcom Black-ish (2014–2022). In 2019, Martin became the youngest producer in Hollywood history when she produced the feature film Little (2019) through her company Genius Productions, which she founded at age 14.
Early life and education
Martin was born in Plano, Texas, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She began taking acting classes at the age of five and appeared in regional theater productions before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film and television.
Career highlights
- Black-ish (ABC, 2014–2022): Played the role of Diane Johnson, a recurring character who appears in multiple episodes across the series' run.
- Little (2019): Served as executive producer and also appeared in a cameo role. The film starred Regina Hall and Issa Rae and grossed over $49 million worldwide.
- Mystery Girls (Netflix, 2022): Co‑starred as Jessi, a teenage wizard, in this fantasy series for the streaming platform.
- Harriet (2021): Appeared in a supporting role as Mab.
Awards and recognition
- 2018: NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Comedy Series (Black-ish).
- 2019: Listed by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the “Top 10 Rising Stars Under 20.”
- 2021: Young Hollywood Awards – Female Star of Tomorrow.
Production work
Through Genius Productions, Martin has been involved in developing projects aimed at diversifying on‑screen representation for young audiences. In addition to Little, she has been attached to several upcoming film and television projects, though details of many remain in development.
Personal life
Martin continues to balance her acting and producing career with education, having completed high school coursework through an online program. She is also involved in charitable initiatives focused on youth mentorship and education.
References
- Official website and press releases from Genius Productions.
- Interviews and profiles in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Entertainment Weekly (2020–2023).
- Award nomination listings from the NAACP Image Awards database.
All information reflects publicly available, verifiable sources as of July 2026.
