Martin Milner was a talented actor and radio host who left a lasting mark on television. He gained fame for his leading roles in two hit TV shows, including Adam-12 and Route 66. With his boy-next-door looks and incredible acting skills, Milner was a familiar face among fans during the 1960s and 70s.
Stepping into the industry in 1947, he worked in various movies and TV shows and became one of the most respected actors of his time. He passed away in 2015, at the age of 83, leaving behind a trail of legacy people still talk about. If you are eager to know more about this legendary actor, you will find the details in this post.
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Early Life
Martin Milner’s full name was Martin Sam Milner. He was born on 28th December 1931, in Detroit, Michigan to parents Sam Gordon Milner and Martin E Milner. Growing up in a middle-class family, Milner’s mother was a theatre dancer and his father worked at a film distributor and construction hand.
Milner was a child, when the family moved to Seattle, Washington. They relocated once again to Los Angeles, California, where Milner had his first screen test and debuted in Life With Father, a Warner Bros film. Unfortunately, he contracted polio soon after filming began. Though the illness forced him to take a break, he recovered fully and returned to acting.
Milner completed his graduation in 1949 from North Hollywood High School and enrolled at University of Southern California to study theatre. However, he didn’t complete his degree and chose to drop out to focus on acting.
Beginning of Career
Milner’s acting career began to grow in the late 1940s. After Life with Father, he appeared in several small roles in movies like Sands of Iwo Jima, Louisa, and The Green Promise. During this time, he also served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Ord in California, where he directed training films.
His early work helped him build connections in the industry. He appeared in both movies and television shows throughout the 1950s, gaining more experience and respect among filmmakers.
Shot to Fame
Milner’s big break came in 1960 when he was cast in Route 66. The show was unique and was filmed on location in different cities. Milner’s role as Tod made him immensely popular and was praised by both fans and critics.
After Route 66 ended, Milner continued to work and landed another major role in Adam-12. The show turned out to be a hit and ran for seven successful seasons until 1975.
Relationship
Martin Milner was married to Judith Bess Jones, a well-known actress and singer of her time. The two met at a dinner party in Hollywood and got married in 1957. They led a happy life together and was blessed with four children.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
At the time of his death, Martin Milner had an estimated net worth of around $500,000. While he may not have been one of the richest stars, he lived a comfortable life with his family. He earned most of his income through his acting career, where he worked in both TV shows and films. He also generated a good amount from radio hosting.
