LeoGlossary: Jared Martin (Actor)

Born: December 21, 1941 – Died: May 24, 2017

Jared Martin, an acclaimed actor known for his versatile performances, was born in Manhattan, New York on December 21, 1941. His parents, Charles E. Martin and Florence Taylor, were both accomplished artists in their respective fields. From a young age, Martin exhibited a passion for the arts and began his acting journey at the age of thirteen. With numerous roles in theater, film, and television, Martin made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He gained fame for his portrayal of Steven "Dusty" Farlow in the hit series Dallas, captivating audiences with his talent and charm. Martin's profound impact on the industry will always be remembered, as he left an indelible mark on the world of acting.

Early Life and Career

Jared Martin, born on December 21, 1941, in Manhattan, New York, showed a deep passion for the arts from a young age. His parents were Charles E. Martin, a prolific cover artist and cartoonist for the New Yorker magazine, and Florence Taylor, an artist and homemaker. At the age of thirteen, Martin made the decision to pursue acting and joined a local children's theater group instead of learning to play the piano. He continued to explore his interest in theater during his time at Putney School and later at Columbia University.

While at Columbia, Martin initially intended to participate in the athletic programs but eventually chose to focus solely on acting. During this time, he developed his skills and performed in plays and experimental films at Columbia and Sarah Lawrence College. He also apprenticed with Joseph Papp's Shakespeare in the Park, gaining valuable experience in the theater world.

After graduating from college, Martin briefly worked in the newspaper business, taking a job as a copy boy and thumbnail book reviewer for the Sunday edition of the New York Times. However, his love for the excitement of theater drew him back, and he joined a summer stock company in Cape May, New Jersey, followed by a season with the Boston classical repertory. Eventually, he reunited with Joseph Papp at his new Public Theater in Manhattan, where he was cast in notable roles such as Laertes in a rock-disco version of Hamlet with Cleavon Little in the title role.

Martin's first major breakthrough came when a casting director at Columbia Pictures noticed him in an unreleased film and encouraged him to pursue a career in Hollywood. He spent several years working various jobs, including bartender, truck driver, and landscaper, while waiting for his big break. It came during the mid-1970s with roles in cult classics like "Westworld," the martial arts thriller "Men of the Dragon," and the science-fiction series "The Fantastic Journey."

Howe)ver, it was his role as Steven "Dusty" Farlow in the mega-hit series "Dallas" that truly catapulted Martin to stardom. His portrayal of Dusty, the son of Clayton Farlow and Sue Ellen Ewing's boyfriend, captivated audiences and earned him widespread recognition. Martin became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for his talent, charm, and versatility as an actor.

Throughout his career, Martin received acclaim for his performances. He was honored with awards from Cine Eagle, Intercom, and the Chicago International Film Festival for his work as a director. Additionally, Martin ventured into other aspects of the arts, studying under painter Michael David and exploring a career as a fine arts photographer after retiring from his role as Creative Director at BPA (Big Picture Alliance), an educational non-profit organization.

In his personal life, Jared Martin married Chinese classical dancer Yu Wei in 2000 after initially meeting in Beijing. They reside in Philadelphia's East Falls area and have a shared love for animals, including a collection of raccoons. Martin also has a son named Christian, who is an executive at AETN, and two grandchildren named Charles and Emilia Grace.

Jared Martin's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is undeniable. He left an indelible mark through his diverse range of roles and his dedication to nurturing young talent as the Creative Director of BPA. Martin's passion for the arts and his contributions to both the acting world and the community will forever be remembered.

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