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5 Shocking Facts About Laverne Cox's Twin Brother, M. Lamar: The Operatic Artist And OITNB Star

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The revelation that global icon Laverne Cox has an identical twin brother often surprises fans, but the story of M. Lamar—a celebrated composer, artist, and operatic countertenor—is a fascinating narrative in its own right. As of the end of 2025, M. Lamar continues to build a formidable career in the avant-garde art world, with recent, high-profile collaborations and exhibitions cementing his status as a major force outside of his sister's shadow. Born Reginald Lamar Cox, M. Lamar is not just a sibling to one of the world's most famous transgender actresses; he is a powerhouse whose work spans opera, metal, performance, and video, crafting complex narratives that explore race, gender, and radical transformation. His recent 2024 and 2025 activities, including major art installations and performances at prestigious institutions, prove that the "Laverne Cox twin" is a distinct and prolific artist with a powerful, singular vision.

M. Lamar: Biography and Artistic Profile

M. Lamar, born Reginald Lamar Cox, is an American composer, performance artist, and operatic countertenor. He is the identical twin brother of actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox.
  • Full Name: Reginald Lamar Cox
  • Known As: M. Lamar
  • Date of Birth: May 29, 1972
  • Place of Birth: Mobile, Alabama
  • Sibling: Laverne Cox (Twin Sister)
  • Education: Studied painting at the San Francisco Art Institute and majored in semiotics at The New School for Social Research.
  • Primary Career: Composer, Operatic Countertenor, Performance Artist, Sculptor.
  • Artistic Style: His work is described as sprawling narratives of radical becomings, combining opera, metal, video, sculpture, and installation. He also draws heavily from African American Spirituals.
  • Notable TV Appearance: Portrayed pre-transition Sophia Burset (Marcus Burset) in *Orange Is the New Black* (OITNB).
  • Recent TV Appearance: Revealed as a contestant on the ABC series *Claim To Fame*.

The Shocking OITNB Role: Playing His Sister's Pre-Transition Self

One of the most widely known facts about M. Lamar is his surprising appearance in the hit Netflix series, *Orange Is the New Black* (OITNB). Laverne Cox’s groundbreaking role as Sophia Burset, a transgender woman incarcerated for credit card fraud, required flashback scenes to portray Sophia before her gender transition, when she was known as Marcus Burset. Instead of using CGI or a different actor who might not share the same physical traits, the showrunners cast Laverne's actual identical twin brother, M. Lamar, for the role. He appeared in two episodes, most notably in Season 1, Episode 3, "Lesbian Request Denied," where he portrayed Marcus Burset in the flashback sequences detailing his life as a married firefighter. This casting choice was not only practical but also deeply symbolic, underscoring the powerful and complex relationship between the transgender experience and one’s past identity.

M. Lamar's Avant-Garde Career: Opera, Metal, and The Met (2024/2025)

While his OITNB role introduced him to a mainstream audience, M. Lamar's primary focus is on his intense, high-concept work as a composer and performance artist. His art is a powerful blend of opera, metal, and installation, often exploring themes of blackness, queer identity, and historical trauma. He is an operatic countertenor, a rare male vocal range that sings in the female register, which he uses to great effect in his compositions. One of his notable works is "The Lynching Suite: Live Sound & Video Opera," which exemplifies his commitment to crafting radical, sprawling narratives.

Major 2024 and 2025 Exhibitions and Performances

M. Lamar’s work has recently gained significant visibility in the world of high art, with several prominent events scheduled for 2024 and 2025, demonstrating his current topical authority. * The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) - 2024/2025: M. Lamar was a featured artist in The Met’s major exhibition, *Flight into Egypt*, which opened in November 2024. This exhibition is notable for integrating live performance as an integral part of the museum experience, with M. Lamar and The Living Earth Show performing within the "Performance Pyramid." He also participated in a MetLiveArts event in February 2024. * EMPAC - May 2024: He was a featured artist at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) in Troy, NY, in May 2024, presenting his film and performance work. These high-profile engagements confirm that M. Lamar is a leading voice in contemporary performance art and is actively creating new, challenging work.

The Complex and Intense Sibling Relationship

The bond between Laverne Cox and M. Lamar is close, yet they have described their relationship as "intense." Growing up together in Mobile, Alabama, they shared a difficult childhood, particularly after their parents divorced, which forged a deep connection between the two. Laverne has often spoken about her brother's influence and support, particularly his artistic intensity. M. Lamar, in turn, has publicly shared his admiration for his twin. During his appearance on *Claim To Fame*, a reality show where contestants are related to celebrities, he gave an emotional speech about his sister, emphasizing their sweet and enduring bond despite the complexities of their lives and careers. Their differing public profiles—Laverne as a mainstream TV star and advocate, M. Lamar as an experimental, avant-garde artist—highlight the diverse paths twins can take, yet their shared history remains a powerful foundation. Their joint public discussions, such as one at Baruch College, often delve into their shared experiences, including their life in New York City and their artistic journeys.

M. Lamar’s Artistic Mission: Beyond Celebrity

M. Lamar’s work is fundamentally about deconstructing and reimagining narratives, particularly those concerning the Black body and historical oppression. His use of opera and metal is deliberate, combining the high-art tradition of the operatic countertenor with the raw, visceral power of heavy metal music to create a unique, hybrid form of expression. His commitment to performance art, sculpture, and installation allows him to create immersive experiences that challenge audiences and force a confrontation with difficult subjects. By consistently working with prestigious institutions like The Met and EMPAC, M. Lamar is ensuring that his powerful message reaches a broader cultural conversation, establishing his legacy as a significant artist whose work stands powerfully independent of his sister’s fame.
laverne cox twin
laverne cox twin

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