Lori Martin was an American actress known for her roles in Cape Fear, National Velvet, and The FBI Story. She was born on April 18, 1947, in Glendale, California, and passed away on April 4, 2010, in Oakhurst, California.
Personal and Family Life
Lori Martin, born Dawn Catherine Menzer, had a vibrant family life. She was born as a twin and had an older sister and a younger brother. After starting her acting career at a young age, she later married Charles Breitenbucher, with whom she had one child. They lived a peaceful life in Oakhurst, where she cherished nature and animals.
Career Overview
Lori’s acting journey began early, with her first film role in Machine-Gun Kelly when she was just ten. She gained fame for her role as Velvet Brown in the TV series National Velvet. In 1962, she starred in Cape Fear, a performance she fondly remembered as her best. Despite her success, she left acting in her mid-20s and ventured into a different career.
Death and Legacy
Lori Martin passed away on April 4, 2010, due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Her later years were marked by struggles with bipolar disorder after the death of her husband in 1999. Despite her challenges, she is remembered fondly for her contributions to film and television, especially among fans of classic movies.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Fear | 1962-04-12 | Nancy Bowden |
| The Chase | 1966-02-18 | Cutie Bess |
| Cri Cri el Grillito Cantor | 1963-12-12 | Princesa Caramelo |
| Machine-Gun Kelly | 1958-05-01 | Sherryl Vito |
| The Angry Breed | 1968-06-07 | Diane Patton |
| The FBI Story | 1959-10-01 | Anne Hardesty at 8 (uncredited) |
| My Three Sons | 1960-09-29 | |
| Family Affair | 1966-09-12 | |
| Leave It to Beaver | 1957-10-04 | |
| Mickey | 1964-09-16 | |
| Sam Benedict | 1962-09-15 | |
| The Donna Reed Show | 1958-09-24 | |
| Breaking Point | 1963-09-16 | |
| National Velvet | 1960-09-18 | Velvet Brown |