Strother Martin

Strother Martin was an American actor known for his roles in films such as Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Wild Bunch. He achieved significant fame in the final years of his career and became a recognizable character actor in Hollywood.

Personal and Family Life

Strother Douglas Martin Jr. was born on March 26, 1919, in Kokomo, Indiana. He was the youngest of three children in his family. After moving to San Antonio, Texas, they returned to Indiana shortly after. Martin excelled in swimming and diving during his youth, even winning the National Junior Springboard Diving Championship at 17. He later served as a swimming instructor in the Navy during World War II.

Career

Martin pursued acting after moving to California, where he took up various odd jobs to support himself along the way. He started getting small roles in films and children’s television shows, gradually gaining more significant parts. His collaborations with director Sam Peckinpah opened more opportunities, and by the 1960s, he became a well-known face in American cinema, particularly after his acclaimed role in Cool Hand Luke.

Death and Legacy

Strother Martin passed away on August 1, 1980, in Thousand Oaks, California, due to a heart attack. At the time, he was enjoying a successful career and had a considerable following as a character actor. His work continues to be celebrated in classic films, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Wild Bunch 1969-06-19 Coffer
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 1969-09-23 Percy Garris
Cool Hand Luke 1967-11-01 Captain
Hard Times 1975-08-13 Poe
Up in Smoke 1978-05-16 Mr. Stoner
Slap Shot 1977-02-25 Joe McGrath
The Ballad of Cable Hogue 1970-03-18 Bowen
True Grit 1969-06-11 Colonel G. Stonehill
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 1962-04-13 Floyd
Nightwing 1979-06-22 Selwyn