Strother Martin
Actor
About Strother Martin
Strother Martin was an American character actor whose distinctive appearance and memorable performances made him one of Hollywood's most recognizable supporting actors from the 1950s through the 1970s. Born in Indiana, Martin initially pursued a career as a swimming instructor and even served as a swimming coach in the Navy before transitioning to acting. He began his film career in the early 1950s, often playing villains, eccentrics, and authority figures in Westerns and crime dramas. His breakthrough came with his role in 'Cool Hand Luke' (1967), where he delivered the iconic line 'What we've got here is failure to communicate.' Martin became a favorite of directors like Sam Peckinpah, appearing in multiple films including 'The Wild Bunch' (1969) and 'Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid' (1973). His gaunt frame, nervous energy, and distinctive voice made him perfect for playing unsettling characters. He continued working prolifically until his death in 1980, appearing in over 100 films and television shows.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for his distinctive nervous energy, gaunt physical appearance, and ability to portray unsettling, eccentric characters. Martin specialized in playing villains, authority figures, and oddballs with a unique combination of menace and vulnerability. His high-pitched voice and rapid delivery became his trademarks, allowing him to create memorable characters even in small roles.
Milestones
- Film debut in 'The Big Chase' (1954)
- Breakthrough role in 'Cool Hand Luke' (1967)
- Collaborations with Sam Peckinpah
- Over 100 film and television appearances
- Iconic line delivery in 'Cool Hand Luke'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1983)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Strother Martin became an iconic figure in American cinema, particularly known for his ability to steal scenes with minimal screen time. His delivery of the line 'What we've got here is failure to communicate' from 'Cool Hand Luke' has become one of the most quoted lines in film history, permeating popular culture and being referenced in countless other works. Martin's portrayal of authority figures and villains helped define the archetype of the menacing yet somehow sympathetic antagonist in Westerns and crime films of the 1960s and 1970s.
Lasting Legacy
Martin left an enduring legacy as one of Hollywood's most prolific and recognizable character actors. His ability to create memorable characters with limited screen time set a standard for supporting actors. His distinctive style and presence influenced generations of character actors who followed. Despite never receiving major awards or nominations during his lifetime, his performances have gained appreciation over time, and he is now recognized as an essential part of Hollywood's golden era of character acting.
Who They Inspired
Martin influenced countless character actors with his ability to create fully realized characters in brief appearances. His technique of using physical appearance, voice, and nervous energy to establish character quickly became a model for supporting actors. Directors like Quentin Tarantino and the Coen Brothers have cited Martin's work as inspiration for their own ensemble casts of memorable character actors.
Off Screen
Martin was married twice and had one daughter. He was known for his intense dedication to his craft and often prepared extensively for his roles. Before acting, he was a champion swimmer and served as a swimming instructor in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He maintained his swimming prowess throughout his life and was known for his athletic abilities.
Education
Attended the University of Michigan for a brief period before pursuing swimming
Family
- Helen Meisels (1967-1980)
- Betty (divorced)
Did You Know?
- Was a champion swimmer before becoming an actor
- Served as a swimming instructor in the U.S. Navy during WWII
- Appeared in over 100 films and television shows
- His famous line 'What we've got here is failure to communicate' was ranked #11 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movie Quotes
- Often played villains but was known as a gentle person off-screen
- Was a close friend of Paul Newman
- Died of a heart attack at age 61
- His Hollywood Walk of Fame star was awarded posthumously in 1983
- Was typecast as villains but occasionally got to play sympathetic characters
- Worked with John Wayne in multiple films
In Their Own Words
What we've got here is failure to communicate.
These here walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, you get so you depend on 'em.
I can be a good guy, or I can be one bad motherfucker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Strother Martin?
Strother Martin was a prolific American character actor known for his distinctive appearance, nervous energy, and memorable performances in over 100 films and television shows from the 1950s through the 1970s. He specialized in playing villains, authority figures, and eccentric characters in Westerns and crime dramas.
What films is Strother Martin best known for?
Martin is best known for his roles in 'Cool Hand Luke' (1967), where he delivered the iconic line 'What we've got here is failure to communicate,' 'The Wild Bunch' (1969), 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' (1969), 'The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance' (1962), and 'Slap Shot' (1977).
When was Strother Martin born and when did he die?
Strother Martin was born on March 26, 1919, in Kokomo, Indiana, and died on August 1, 1980, in Thousand Oaks, California, at the age of 61 from a heart attack.
What awards did Strother Martin win?
Despite his prolific career and memorable performances, Strother Martin did not receive any major awards during his lifetime. He was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983.
What was Strother Martin's acting style?
Martin was known for his distinctive nervous energy, gaunt physical appearance, and ability to portray unsettling characters. He used his high-pitched voice, rapid delivery, and intense physical presence to create memorable villains and eccentrics, often stealing scenes with minimal screen time.
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Films
1 film
