One Last Thing with Jesse L. Martin: The Actor Recalls a Tearful Moment with Mother-Daughter “Rent” Fans (Exclusive)

The actor shares that his interaction with the mother and daughter, while filming season 2 of 'The Irrational' in Vancouver, was a "beautiful bonding moment"

Jesse L. Martin has had many memorable fan encounters, but his most recent experience left a lasting impact.

The actor and singer, who stars as Alec Mercer in the NBC drama The Irrational, tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue that while in Vancouver filming the second season of the show, he was approached by a woman and her daughter who were fans of his from Rent.

“The daughter was completely shy so she just looked shell shocked and the mom was in tears,” Martin, 55, recalls of the noteworthy encounter. As he sat down with the mother-daughter duo, Martin learned that the mother had been a fan of the original Broadway production of Rent, while the daughter loved the movie — both of which Martin starred in as Tom Collins.

Related: 'The Flash' : Jesse L. Martin Talks Barry's 'Huge Decision,' Teases 'the Gist of the Finale'

“They both had their own experiences with the story of Rent,” Martin says. “For the mom, it was the first Broadway show she ever saw. The daughter listened as her mom shared the story of attending the show and then introducing her to the movie, which featured the same cast. It was a beautiful bonding moment for those two.”

Admittedly, this is not the first time Martin has seen two generations of Rent lovers living under one roof. “That happens a lot with Rent,” he says.

Related: The True Story of 'Rent' : How the Cast Banded Together After Creator Jonathan Larson's Death

Martin shares more memorable moments with PEOPLE for One Last Thing:

Last time I stayed up too late

Last night. I got home from shooting and stayed up to watch American Ninja Warrior. I don’t want to do those things, but I love watching others do them.

Last thing I took from a set 

On The Irrational I gave my students thermal cups for an experiment. Now I use one daily for my black coffee. I take it with honey instead of sugar; I want to believe it’s healthier.

Last time I sang out loud 

This morning it was “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims as I was getting ready. I’m singing constantly, like there’s a jukebox in my head. My grandmother used to say, “Singing ain’t nothin’ but hollering.” I like that.

Last time I stepped out of my comfort zone 

Five years ago I mentioned adopting a dog to a friend, who immediately started sharing shelter links. I was hesitant until I met Romeo, and then I changed my entire life and continue to do so. Some people would call him a mutt, but I’d never say that to him.

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The Irrational airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC and steams on Peacock.