Martin Spellman was an American actor who is best known for Boys Town, Beau Geste, and I Am a Criminal. He was born on October 8, 1925, in Des Moines, Iowa, and passed away on May 6, 2020, in Vancouver, Washington.
Personal and Family Life
Martin Spellman grew up in California after his family moved there from Iowa when he was young. He first entered MGM Studios as a newsboy at the age of nine, quickly becoming a recognizable presence there. He had a fulfilling family life, marrying twice and having six children.
Career
Spellman’s acting career began at a young age, and he appeared in several films in the late 1930s. Notably, he played roles alongside famous actors like Spencer Tracy. His film career ended in 1941 when he joined the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, serving his country before moving on to a successful career in finance.
Death and Legacy
Martin Spellman passed away on May 6, 2020, leaving behind a legacy in both film and family. Throughout his life, he balanced his early acting career with a long professional life in finance, becoming a respected figure in his community.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Boys Town | 1938-09-08 | Skinny |
| Beau Geste | 1939-07-24 | Digby Geste (as a Child) |
| Let Us Live | 1939-03-29 | Jimmy Dugan |
| I Am a Criminal | 1938-12-07 | Bobby |
| Santa Fe Stampede | 1938-11-18 | Billy Carson |
| Hold That Woman! | 1940-06-28 | Mike Mulvaney |
| Law of the Wolf | 1939-06-15 | Johnny |
| Fangs of the Wild | 1939-01-01 | Buddy |
| Son of the Navy | 1940-03-30 | Tommy |
| Streets of New York | 1939-04-12 | William McKinley ‘Gimpy’ Smith |
| Sharpshooters | 1938-11-18 | Prince Michael Martin |
| Gang Bullets | 1938-11-10 | Young Boy (uncredited) |