Strother Martin Biography: Death, Net Worth, Movies, Age, TV Shows, Parents, Siblings, Wife

Strother Martin was an American actor best known for his memorable character roles in classic films and television during the 1950s to 1970s.

He started as a champion swimmer before turning to acting after World War II. Martin became widely recognized for his performances in movies like Cool Hand Luke, The Wild Bunch, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Profile

• Full Name: Strother Douglas Martin Jr.
• Stage Name: Strother Martin
• Born: March 26, 1919
• Died: August 1, 1980 (aged 61)
• Birthplace: Kokomo, Indiana, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
• Parents: Strother Douglas Martin Sr. (father), Ethel Dunlap Martin (mother)
• Siblings: Three
• Spouse: Helen Meisels
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1.5 million

Early Life and Education

Strother Martin was born on March 26, 1919, in Kokomo, Indiana, U.S. He was 61 years old at the time of his passing. He was the youngest of three children born to Strother Douglas Martin Sr., a machinist, and Ethel Dunlap Martin. Raised in Kokomo, Martin showed an early interest in athletics, particularly swimming and diving. He excelled in these sports, winning the National Junior Springboard Diving Championship at the age of 17.

Martin attended the University of Michigan on a diving scholarship, where he further honed his skills. During World War II, he served as a swimming instructor in the U.S. Navy, where he trained Navy recruits in diving techniques. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, transitioning from a background in sports to the entertainment industry. Regarding his religion and ethnicity, he practices christianity and he was of American descent.

Career

Strother Martin began his career as an actor after serving in World War II and transitioning from his background in swimming and diving. Initially, Martin worked as a stunt diver and appeared in small roles in films and television. His distinct voice, rugged demeanor, and ability to play eccentric or villainous characters quickly made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood.

He gained widespread recognition for his role as the menacing captain in Cool Hand Luke (1967), where his famous line, “What we have here is a failure to communicate,” became iconic. This role cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s most notable character actors. Martin‘s other notable film appearances include The Wild Bunch (1969), where he portrayed the character of Tector Caine, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), in which he played the role of an outlaw named Percy.

In addition to his film work, Strother Martin appeared in numerous television series throughout his career, including Hawkins (1973), where he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series. He was also featured in shows like The High Chaparral and Gunsmoke, often portraying cowboys, outlaws, or authority figures.

Martin was known for his ability to bring intensity and depth to his roles, often playing characters that were memorable for their quirks or dark qualities. His career spanned across various genres, from westerns to crime dramas to comedies, making him a versatile figure in American entertainment.

Despite never becoming a leading man, Strother Martin‘s contributions to cinema and television have left an indelible mark on popular culture. His portrayal of colorful characters remains a staple of classic Hollywood films.

Awards and Nominations

• Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series for Hawkins (1974)

Personal Life

Strother Martin was married twice during his life. His first marriage was to a woman named Dolores, though details about her and their relationship are relatively private. His second marriage was to actress and costume designer Helen Meisels, who was with him until his death in 1980.

He did not have any children from either of his marriages. Strother Martin stood at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).

Filmography

• Cool Hand Luke (1967)
• The Wild Bunch (1969)
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
• True Grit (1969)
• The Villain (1979)
• Hotwire (1980)

Net Worth

Strother Martin‘s estimated net worth at the time of his death in 1980 was around $1.5 million. His wealth was primarily accumulated from his successful career as an actor in both film and television.

Over the course of his career, Martin appeared in over 50 films and numerous TV shows, gaining recognition for his memorable roles in classics such as Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Wild Bunch.