Sandy Martin

Born:March 3, 1949

Place of Birth:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

Sandy Martin, a seasoned actress with a career spanning decades, embarked on her journey in the world of entertainment at a young age of 15. Starting out by touring the country with Martha Raye in Good-bye Charley, she quickly found her passion for the stage. Settling in New York City, Martin graced the esteemed theatres of Lincoln Center, La Mama, and Playwrights Horizon, showcasing her talent in over 70 stage productions, captivating audiences with her versatility and depth of character portrayal.

One of the pivotal moments in Martin's career came with the success of the stage play, Hothouse by Megan Terry. Not only did she deliver a stellar performance, but she also penned the screen adaptation, displaying her multifaceted talents as an actress and writer. This project led to a fruitful collaboration with industry stalwarts like Amy Madigan and Ed Harris, with whom she shared the stage in the award-winning world premiere of Prairie Avenue by Edward Allen Baker, leaving a lasting impact on the theatre scene in both New York City and Los Angeles.

Transitioning seamlessly from stage to screen, Martin's creative journey took a new turn as she delved into the realm of film production. Joining Esparza/Katz Prod., she made significant contributions as an Associate Producer, working on critically acclaimed feature films such as Milagro Bean Field Wars, Selena, and Gettysburg. Her passion for storytelling extended to writing treatments and screenplays, showcasing her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonated with audiences and industry professionals alike.

In addition to her prowess behind the scenes, Martin also stepped into the director's chair, helming two impactful documentaries: The Great Meddler, shedding light on the founding of the American Society for the Protection Of Cruelty To Animals, and The United Farm Workers - A Tribute to Caesar Chavez, highlighting the legacy of a pivotal figure in American history. Her directorial vision and commitment to social issues underscored her dedication to using art as a medium for advocacy and awareness.

Returning to her first love of acting with renewed vigor, Martin graced the small screen with memorable performances in acclaimed series such as HBO's Big Love and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, showcasing her range as an actress. Her guest appearances on popular shows like CSI, Shameless, and Weeds further solidified her reputation as a versatile performer capable of embodying a diverse array of characters with depth and authenticity, captivating audiences with her nuanced portrayals.

One of the highlights of Martin's stage career came with her portrayal of the lead in Tennessee Williams's last full-length play, A House Not Meant To Stand, in its West Coast Premiere at the Fountain Theatre in 2011. Her performance garnered critical acclaim and earned her a nomination for an Ovation Award for Best Female Lead, showcasing her ability to breathe life into complex characters and engage audiences with her profound emotional depth and theatrical prowess.

Images

Sandy Martin
Sandy Martin
Sandy Martin

Filmography

Acting

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Luca

Grandma Paguro (voice)

2021

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Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Mrs. Dixon

2017

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Speed

Bartender

1994

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Dumbo

Verna

2019

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Marley & Me

Lori

2008

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48 Hrs.

Policewoman

1982

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Napoleon Dynamite

Grandma

2004

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Lovelace

Ticket Lady

2013

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Real Genius

Mrs. Meredith

1985

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Jawbreaker

Nurse

1999

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Barfly

Janice

1987

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Female Perversions

Trudy

1997

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My Suicide

Mrs. Ellis

2009