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 |