Ice-T’s son, Tracy Marrow Jr., is a striking mirror image of the iconic actor. He has followed his father’s path into Hollywood, inheriting not only Ice-T’s looks and talent but also some of his traits and life experiences.
Ice-T is a household name for two major reasons: his successful music career and his long-running role as “Odafin Fin Tutuola” on NBC’s hit show, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” which he has played for nearly two decades. Despite these accomplishments, Ice-T remains a devoted family man who deeply loves his three children.
Ice T at the Paley Center for Media, September 25, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images
ICE-T WAS A FATHER BEFORE HE BECAME FAMOUS
Before fame found him, Ice-T was already a father. At 18, he welcomed his first child, daughter Latesha Marrow, in 1976 with then-girlfriend Adrienne while living in the gang-dominated Crenshaw district of Los Angeles.
Struggling financially, he joined the army in 1979 to support his young family and served for four years.
Decades later, Ice-T became a father again. He and his wife Coco Austin welcomed daughter Chanel in November 2015. Between his two daughters, he had a son—Tracy Marrow Jr.—in 1991 with then-girlfriend Darlene Ortiz.
Tracy Jr. grew up during the years Ice-T was carving out a name in the entertainment world, witnessing his father’s evolution from music icon to TV star.
Ice-T and Coco Austin at US Weekly’s 2019 Most Stylish New Yorkers red carpet on September 11, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images
AN EXACT REPLICA OF HIS FATHER
Tracy Marrow Jr. bears a remarkable resemblance to his father. With similar skin tone—thanks to Ice-T’s Creole mother, Alice Marrow—and nearly identical facial features, he looks like a younger version of the rapper-turned-actor.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Tracy’s Facebook profile lists him as an actor, entrepreneur, and rally racer—a motorsport held on public or private roads using rugged vehicles, unlike those in Formula One.
Ice-T and son Lil Ice attend the 2009 Voice Awards on October 14, 2009 | Photo: Getty Images
Though Tracy Jr. has yet to land a major acting role, he’s carving out his own path in life. He remains close to his mother and shares a warm relationship with his stepmother, Coco.
In March, Ice-T posted a photo of Coco and Tracy dressed in formal wear. Tracy appeared polished in a tuxedo, while Coco looked radiant in a knee-length blue dress paired with black heels, a clutch, and a long black coat.
IRRESPONSIBLE AND UNAPOLOGETIC
Tracy Jr.’s early adulthood wasn’t without trouble. In 2012, at age 20, he was arrested on a $10,000 warrant linked to a past speeding violation. At the time, he was caught speeding while blasting loud music.
He reportedly refused to lower the volume and hurled profanities at the officer during the stop. Although he later paid the fine and made bail, Tracy showed no remorse. In a now-infamous Twitter post, he cursed at the officer and threatened to file a complaint—which never materialized.
This behavior mirrored his father’s past. Ice-T previously admitted to a criminal lifestyle in his youth, involving pimping, drug dealing, and selling stolen car parts. Reflecting on that period in a 2016 Daily Mail interview, he said:
“… When I had my first kid, I was in the middle of becoming Ice-T and people were after me at the time, and I had my head down. I wasn’t concentrating on them. I was concentrating on survival.”
Ice-T’s son Tracy “Little Ice” Marrow Jr. at the W Hotel in Hollywood on June 3, 2011 | Photo: Getty Images
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE CHARACTER
Ice-T has since expressed a desire to break that cycle with his youngest daughter, Chanel. Acknowledging his past, he’s now more intentional about parenting.
In a thoughtful Instagram post, he shared a powerful quote:
“Circumstances don’t create character. They reveal them.”
This reflection seems to capture Ice-T’s personal journey. Today, he appears more grounded and focused, and he hopes Tracy Jr. continues to make better choices—especially since he’s already ahead of where his father was at the same age.