Who Is Ross Martin? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ross Martin was born on March 22, 1920, in a small town in Poland, and he later moved to the United States, where he rose to fame as an American actor. He is best known for his role as Artemus Gordon in the classic television series The Wild Wild West, which aired from 1965 to 1969. With a career spanning several decades, Martin was celebrated for his versatility and charisma in both television and film until his untimely passing on July 3, 1981.
In 2025, Ross Martin would have celebrated his 105th birthday, and his contributions to the entertainment industry continue to resonate with fans and aspiring actors alike.
Occupation | Stage Actor |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 22, 1920 |
Age | 61 Years |
Birth Place | Gródek, Poland |
Horoscope | Aries |
Country | Poland |
Date of death | 3 July, 1981 |
Died Place | Ramona, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Ross Martin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specific metrics are rarely highlighted in historical records, Ross Martin was known for his commanding presence on-screen. It is estimated that he stood at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall, with an average build that matched the roles he portrayed.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ross Martin was married to his wife, Virginia Martin, for many years. The couple enjoyed a loving relationship and had three children together. While not much is publicly known about his personal relationships outside of marriage, Martin's dedication to his family was well-regarded by his peers and fans.
As of now, since Ross Martin passed away in 1981, he does not have any current dating or relationship status.
He and his parents immigrated to New York City when he was an infant. Recorded as Izak and Sara Rosenblat and infant son Marcus, they boarded the steamship New Rochelle at Danzig, which was then a Free City under the League of Nations; the ship sailed on August 29, 1920, and arrived at the Port of New York on September 18.
As they were steerage passengers, they were obliged to go to Ellis Island to undergo immigrant inspection. They settled in The Bronx. Martin spoke Polish, Yiddish, and some Russian before learning English and later added French, Spanish, and Italian.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Ross Martin had accumulated a substantial net worth through his successful acting career. Estimates suggest that his net worth was around $2 million, which would translate to significantly more today when adjusted for inflation. His income was primarily derived from acting roles, television appearances, and various investments he likely made throughout his life.
Career, Business and Investments
Ross Martin's career began in the early 1940s, initially performing in radio dramas before transitioning to television and film. He was a prolific actor, appearing in numerous shows and movies, but his iconic role as Artemus Gordon remains the highlight of his legacy.
In addition to acting, it’s believed that Martin was involved in several business ventures, capitalizing on his fame to create lasting investments. While specific business details remain sparse, it's clear that his financial acumen contributed to his overall wealth during his lifetime.
Despite academic training in business, instruction, and law, Martin chose a career in acting. He was partners in a comedy team with Bernie West for several years, then appeared on many radio and live TV broadcasts, including playing Wyatt Earp in the January 20, 1952 episode of The Gabby Hayes Show. He made his Broadway debut in Hazel Flagg in 1953.
Social Network
Though social media as we know it today did not exist during Ross Martin's lifetime, his legacy is preserved through various fan pages and groups on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Fans continue to celebrate his work and share memories, keeping the spirit of Ross Martin alive until this day.
After his performance in The Great Race, CBS cast Martin in what was to become his most famous role, Secret Service agent Artemus Gordon in The Wild Wild West, co-starring with Robert Conrad. The Artemus Gordon character was a master gadgeteer and disguise artist, and these attributes fitted Martin perfectly.
Martin himself created most of his disguises for the show, and most of the cast had no idea what he would look like until seeing him during the shooting of the episode. The recent DVD release of the first season of the series includes a recently discovered pre-production sketch Martin had made of his very first make-up design for the pilot episode.
Another episode revealed another of Martin's talents: he was a concert-trained violinist.
Education
Ross Martin attended the City College of New York, where he honed his skills in theater and performance. His education provided him with a solid foundation in the arts, paving the way for a memorable career in acting that would span several decades.
Martin attended City College of New York, where he graduated magna cum laude, then earned a law degree from the National University School of Law (later part of the George Washington University).