Martyn Green was an American actor, renowned for his performances in musical theatre, especially in Gilbert and Sullivan operas like “The Mikado,” “The Yeomen of the Guard,” and “The Iceman Cometh.”
Personal and Family Life
Born on April 22, 1899, in Shepherd’s Bush, London, Martyn was the youngest of four children in a family with a musical background. His father was a concert tenor, which influenced Martyn’s passion for the arts. After the death of his older brother in 1910, the family faced considerable emotional challenges. Martyn started working in a linen shop after leaving school at 14, and when World War I began, he enlisted in the army, pretending to be older than he was.
Career
Martyn Green’s career took off after joining the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1922, where he excelled in comic baritone roles. He became known for his portrayal of Ko-Ko in “The Mikado” and later performed various roles in Gilbert and Sullivan productions. After serving in the RAF during World War II, he returned to the D’Oyly Carte Company in 1947 and later moved to America, where he continued to thrive in theater and film until his passing.
Death and Legacy
Martyn Green passed away on February 8, 1975, in Hollywood due to a blood infection. His legacy lives on through his contributions to theatre and his memorable performances in operas and films. He is remembered as a talented actor who overcame numerous challenges, including the loss of a leg in an accident, to continue his passion for the performing arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Iceman Cometh | 1973-11-10 | Cecil Lewis |
| The Mikado | 1939-05-01 | Ko-Ko |
| A Lovely Way to Die | 1968-04-19 | Finchley |
| The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan | 1953-02-14 | George Grossmith |
| Cyrano | 1974-03-06 | Comte de Guiche (voice) |
| Pinocchio | 1957-10-13 | Fox |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Panelist |