Barney Martin (March 3, 1923 – March 21, 2005) was an American actor.
Born in Queens, New York City, Martin served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and then was an NYPD officer for twenty years. He got his start as a comedian while still a police officer, giving humorous presentations to the deputy commissioners.
Entering show business in the 1950s as a writer for Steve Allen, he was discovered by Mel Brooks in 1968, who cast him in...
more
Barney Martin (March 3, 1923 – March 21, 2005) was an American actor.
Born in Queens, New York City, Martin served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and then was an NYPD officer for twenty years. He got his start as a comedian while still a police officer, giving humorous presentations to the deputy commissioners.
Entering show business in the 1950s as a writer for Steve Allen, he was discovered by Mel Brooks in 1968, who cast him in The Producers. He went on to act in dozens of films, including the role of Liza Minnelli's unemployed father in Arthur (1981). On television, he appeared in several episodes of The Odd Couple.
In 1975, Martin originated the role of Amos Hart in Chicago. He appeared in many more musicals during his career, most notably South Pacific, The Fantasticks and How Now, Dow Jones.
Most of Martin's work has been in television, where he has had a long career as a character actor. He is best-known for playing Morty Seinfeld, father of Jerry, on the...
less
