Patricia Southall: Introducing the former beauty queen and ex-wife of NFL HOFer Emmett Smith

Patricia Southall: Introducing the former beauty queen and ex-wife of NFL HOFer Emmett Smith

Pulse Sports Team 07:00 - 08.12.2023

Patricia Southall's journey is a testament to her resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication. She is more than just an ex-wife; she is a successful entrepreneur, a passionate author, a dedicated activist, and a compassionate humanitarian, leaving a positive impact on the world.

Who is Patricia Southall?

While many know Patricia Southall Smith as the ex-wife of comedian Martin Lawrence and NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, her journey is far more diverse and impactful. A former beauty queen, model, and journalist, Pat has carved her own path as a successful entrepreneur, author, activist, and humanitarian.

Born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, by parents Henry and Mildred Southall, Pat graduated from James Madison University with a journalism degree. Her beauty and charisma led her to win the Miss Virginia USA crown in 1993 and compete in the Miss USA pageant the following year, finishing as a runner-up.

Beyond her pageant success, Pat has built a multifaceted career. She is a successful model and spokesperson, leveraging her image and talent to advocate for various causes. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her work as a producer and author. In 2016, she published her book "Second Chances," sharing inspiring truths and empowering women to reclaim their destinies.

Pat's philanthropic endeavours are equally impressive. She co-founded Treasure You, a charitable organisation, alongside her former husband Emmitt Smith, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community. Her activism extends beyond the organisation, as she uses her platform to advocate for various causes and empower individuals.

What is Patricia Southall’s age?

Patricia Southall was born on December 17, 1970, which puts her age at 53.

What nationality is Patricia Southall?

Patricia Southall is American, of African American descent.

What is Patricia Southall’s height and weight?

Patricia Southall's height is 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) tall, and she weighs around 110 pounds (50 kg).

Patricia Southall net worth

Per most estimates, Patricia Southall has accumulated a net worth of $1 million. 

Patricia Southall and Martin Lawrence

In 1995, Shamicka Southall married actor-comedian Martin Lawrence. Their paths crossed in the summer of 1992 while Southall worked in Governor Douglas Wilder's media office and Lawrence performed at a Def Comedy Jam concert in Richmond. 

The couple welcomed a daughter, Jasmine Page Lawrence, on January 15, 1996. However, their marriage ended in 1997 when Lawrence filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.

Who is Martin Lawrence, ex-husband of Patricia Southall?

Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence was born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, Germany, to John Lawrence, a US Army soldier stationed there, and Chlora Lawrence, a cashier and sales representative. He spent his first seven years in Germany, alongside his five siblings, before moving to California with his mother following his parents' divorce.

Lawrence attended both Eleanor Roosevelt High School and Friendly High School, graduating in 1983. He worked various jobs for the next five years until landing his first TV role in 1987, playing Maurice Warfield in "What's Happening Now!!".

Lawrence's breakout role came in 1992 with the sitcom "Martin," which he created and starred in as radio personality Martin Payne. The show ran for five successful seasons, earning Lawrence several awards and solidifying his place as a comedic icon.

Patricia Southall's ex-husband Martin Lawrence

Throughout the 1990s, Lawrence continued to build his film career with roles in movies like "House Party," "Boomerang," and the "Bad Boys" franchise alongside Will Smith. He also established himself as a talented stand-up comedian, performing on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" and releasing several comedy albums.

The 2000s saw Lawrence continue to find success in both film and television. He starred in action comedies like "Big Momma's House," "Bad Boys II," and "Wild Hogs," and also explored dramatic roles in films like "Life" and "Nothing to Lose."

Lawrence has remained active in the entertainment industry in recent years, though with a slightly less frequent output. He reprised his role as Marcus Burnett for "Bad Boys for Life" in 2020, and recently announced plans for a revival of the "Martin" sitcom.

Martin Lawrence is a true comedic force and a beloved figure in Hollywood. His work has entertained audiences for decades, and his influence on the comedy landscape is undeniable.

Patricia Southall and Emmitt Smith

Patricia Southall and renowned football legend Emmitt Smith embarked on their life journey together on April 22, 2000. Their union blossomed into a beautiful family, welcoming three children: Emmitt James Smith IV, Skylar Smith, and Elijah Alexander James Smith. Pat also took on the role of stepmother to Rheagen Smith, Emmitt's daughter from a previous relationship.

Beyond the glamour of their public lives, both Pat and Emmitt dedicated themselves to philanthropic endeavours. Through their joint initiative, Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, they became significant contributors to numerous causes and non-profit organisations. Their dedication to community service earned them well-deserved recognition, including the prestigious Trumpet Awards in 2012.

Patricia Southall and Emmitt Smith
Patricia Southall and Emmitt Smith

In 2020, after careful consideration and heartfelt reflection, Pat and Emmitt announced their separation. They emphasised their ongoing commitment to co-parenting and fostering a loving and supportive environment for their children. They remain dedicated to each other as friends and co-parents, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their family.

This revised and restructured text provides a more concise and engaging narrative of Pat Southall and Emmitt Smith's union. It highlights their individual and joint achievements while maintaining a respectful tone towards their personal decision to separate.

Who is Emmitt Smith, ex-husband of Patricia Southall?

Emmitt Smith, born May 15, 1969, in Pensacola, Florida, is an American gridiron football player who became the all-time leading rusher in National Football League (NFL) history in 2002. He retired after the 2004 season with a staggering 18,355 yards rushing, a record that still stands today. He also holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in a career, with 164.

Smith excelled in football from a young age, starring in youth leagues and earning national Player of the Year honours from Parade magazine and other publications by the time he finished high school. He continued his impressive performance at the University of Florida, where he racked up 58 school records in just three years (1987-1989) before being selected in the first round of the 1990 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

Smith quickly established himself as one of the league's premier running backs. He was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1990 and the following season ran for 1,563 yards to capture the first of his four NFL rushing titles (the other three were in 1992-93 and 1995).

With quarterback Troy Aikman and wide receiver Michael Irvin, Smith formed the core of a formidable Dallas offence that dominated the league in the early 1990s. The trio helped the Cowboys win consecutive Super Bowls over the Buffalo Bills in 1993 and 1994, solidifying their place as one of the most iconic dynasties in NFL history.

Patricia Southall's ex-husband and NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith

Smith's individual achievements were also remarkable. He rushed for 1,486 yards during the 1993 regular season—averaging a tremendous 5.3 yards per carry—and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. He won a third Super Bowl championship with the Cowboys in 1996.

While Smith's rushing totals began to decline in the late 1990s, he remained a valuable contributor to the Cowboys until his release after the 2002 season. He then signed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he played two more seasons before retiring in 2004.

Despite his relatively small stature (5 feet 9 inches tall and 212 pounds) and lack of exceptional speed, Smith thrived in the NFL through his incredible strength, determination, and excellent conditioning. He proved to be one of the most durable players in NFL history, starting in all but two games between 1990 and 2002.

Smith's remarkable career has been recognized with numerous accolades, including eight Pro Bowl selections and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Patricia Southall photos

Patricia Southall has an active social media profile, especially on Instagram where she posts photos frequently. 

Patricia Southall photos
Tags: