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Barney Martin
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Barney Martin (March 3, 1923 – March 21, 2005) was an American actor, best known for playing Morty Seinfeld, father of Jerry, on the sitcom Seinfeld (1991–1998). He also played supporting roles in Mel Brooks's The Producers (1967), and the Dudley Moore comedy Arthur (1981). He originated the role of Amos Hart (Mr. Cellophane) in the 1976 Broadway production of Chicago.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Barney Martin was born in New York City on March 3, 1923.[1] He served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a navigator during the Second World War and worked as a NYPD officer for twenty years, working his way up to detective. He got his start as a comedian while still a police officer, providing deputy commissioners with humorous presentations.[2]
Martin once commented that many Jewish Seinfeld fans told him how much his character reminded them of their fathers. Martin himself was from an Irish Catholic family.[3]
Career
[edit]Entering show business as a stand-in for Jackie Gleason in The Honeymooners in 1955–56 and as a part-time writer for Steve Allen in the 1950s, he was discovered by Mel Brooks, who cast him in The Producers. The next year, he played the role of Hank in Charly. He went on to act in dozens of films, including the role of Liza Minnelli's unemployed father in the hit 1981 film Arthur and its 1988 sequel, Arthur 2: On the Rocks.
On television, he appeared in two episodes of The Odd Couple, once in a very early episode as an irate fellow juror infuriated with Felix Unger's pesty personality and four years later as a fellow subway train passenger. Shortly after, Martin co-starred with Tony Randall for two seasons in The Tony Randall Show as court reporter Jack Terwilliger.[1] Throughout the run of this show, he had second billing only to Randall himself. In 1979, he was cast as the title character in Norman Lear's final TV series concept, McGurk: A Dog's Life. Martin was cast to play a character similar to Lear's earlier creation Archie Bunker, but this time as an anthropomorphic dog. Only the pilot was completed. In 1990, he co-starred with Valerie Bertinelli and Matthew Perry in the CBS sitcom Sydney. In 1987, he appeared in the pilot episode of 21 Jump Street as Johnny Depp's partner. In 1993, Martin played the recurring role of "Pete Peters" on the Don Rickles sitcom Daddy Dearest.
In 1975, Martin originated the role of Amos Hart in the Broadway musical Chicago, in which he introduced the song "Mr. Cellophane". He appeared in many more musicals during his career, most notably South Pacific, The Fantasticks, and How Now, Dow Jones.[1] Much of Martin's work has been in television, where he had a long career as a character actor. He played a gangster called the "Cheese Man" in a Golden Girls episode. He played a love interest for Thelma Harper in the Hawaii episode of Mama's Family, and he played the father of Frank Fontana on Murphy Brown. He appeared in an episode of Full House as Ranger Roy, the host of a popular kids' TV show. In 1981, he portrayed Ralph Marolla, father of Liza Minnelli's character in the film Arthur and the following year appeared on Barney Miller in the episode "Obituary".[4]
In 1991, Martin was cast as Morty Seinfeld, the father of Jerry Seinfeld's character on the sitcom Seinfeld. His first appearance was in Season 2's "The Pony Remark". Martin replaced Phil Bruns, who first portrayed the character in Season 1's "The Stake Out". Although he was the second actor to portray Jerry's dad on the show, he is the one most associated with the role, as Bruns appeared in only one episode. Martin took on the role upon showrunners Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld deciding they wanted the character of Morty Seinfeld to be harsher: they thought Bruns' version of the character was too laid-back.[5] Martin retained this role through the end of the series in 1998.
Death
[edit]Martin died of bladder cancer on March 21, 2005, in Studio City, Los Angeles, California, at age 82. He was cremated, and his ashes were returned to his family.[6]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | The Wrong Man | Juror | Uncredited |
| 1959 | Odds Against Tomorrow | Car Accident Driver | Uncredited |
| 1961 | The Young Doctors | Bus Driver | Uncredited |
| 1963 | Love with the Proper Stranger | Sidney | Uncredited |
| 1967 | The Producers | Goring | |
| 1968 | Charly | Hank | |
| 1970 | Lola | Doorman, Efficient but Fat | |
| 1978 | Movie Movie | Motorcycle Cop | (segment "Baxter's Beauties of 1933") |
| 1979 | Hot Stuff | Kiley | |
| 1981 | Arthur | Ralph Marolla | |
| 1988 | Arthur 2: On the Rocks | Ralph Marolla | |
| 1989 | Deadly Weapon | Mayor Bigelow | |
| 1992 | Hero | Court Official | Uncredited |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | The Phil Silvers Show | Police Officer | Episode: "The Boxer" |
| 1957 | To Tell the Truth | Imposter Portraying Jack Bothwell (Freckles from "Our Gang") | Episode: Aired Nov 26, 1957 |
| 1958 | I've Got A Secret | Himself, a contestant in a laughing competition | Episode: Aired April 2, 1958 |
| 1961 | Naked City | Bartender | Episode: "Landscape with Dead Figures" |
| 1963 | The Alfred Hitchcock Hour | Rupert Harney | Episode: "Blood Bargain" |
| 1963 | Car 54, Where Are You? | Friar Charlie Donovan | Episode: "See you at the Bar Mitzvah" |
| 1970–74 | The Odd Couple | Man #3 / Mr. Moss | 2 episodes |
| 1976–78 | The Tony Randall Show | Jack Terwillinger | 38 episodes |
| 1978 | Happy Days | G.W. Burch | Episode: "Fonzie for the Defense" |
| 1979 | Mrs. Columbo | Dr. Prinz | Episode: "Word Games" |
| 1982 | Benson | Frank Cooper | 2 episodes |
| 1983–86 | Trapper John, M.D. | Fella / Herbert Mitchell | 2 episodes |
| 1983 | Hill Street Blues | Ben Seltzer | 2 episodes |
| 1984 | Night Court | Bum | Episode: "The Former Harry Stone" |
| 1984 | St. Elsewhere | Mr. Duffy | 2 episodes |
| 1985 | The Twilight Zone | Marty | Episode: "Dealer's Choice" |
| 1985 | Diff'rent Strokes | Bill Perkins | Episode: "Blue Collar Drummond" |
| 1986 | Highway to Heaven | Barney | Episode: "A Night to Remember" |
| 1986 | Punky Brewster | Dr. Evans | 2 episodes |
| 1987 | 21 Jump Street | Edison Coulter / Charlie Donegan | 2 episodes |
| 1987–89 | Murder, She Wrote | Lieutenant Timothy Hanratty | 2 episodes |
| 1988 | Mama's Family | Billy Field | Episodes: "Mama Goes Hawaiian Parts 1 & 2" |
| 1989 | Pucker Up and Bark Like a Dog | Rudy Phillips | Television movie |
| 1991 | Full House | Ranger Roy | Episode: "The Legend of Ranger Joe" |
| 1991 | Golden Girls | Karl "Cheeseman" Moran | Episode: "Witness" |
| 1991–92 | Life Goes On | Stan Baker | 5 episodes |
| 1991–98 | Seinfeld | Morty Seinfeld | 20 episodes |
| 1993 | Daddy Dearest | Pete Peters | 13 episodes |
| 1993 | The Wonder Years | Old Kevin | 1 episode |
| 2000–01 | Buzz Lightyear of Star Command | Ambassador Major | Voice; 2 episodes |
Theatre
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | All American | Various roles | Winter Garden Theatre, Broadway |
| 1967 | How Now, Dow Jones | Bradbury | Lunt-Fontanne Theater, Broadway |
| 1970 | Promises, Promises | Jesse Vanderhof | US national tour[7] |
| 1971 | Dr. Dreyfuss | US national tour[8] | |
| 1974 | All Over Town | Detective Peterson | Booth Theatre, Broadway |
| 1975 | Chicago | Amos Hart | 46th Street Theatre, Broadway |
| 1978 | The Music Man | Marcellus Washburn | Starlight Musicals, Indiana[9] |
| 1980 | The Roast | Sid Ball | Winter Garden Theatre, Broadway |
| 1985 | First Time Anywhere! | P.T. Barnum | Candlewood Playhouse, Connecticut[10] |
| 1986 | Hello, Dolly! | Horace Vandergelder | Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera[11] |
| 1989 | A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum | Senex | California Music Theatre, Los Angeles[12] |
| 1990 | Clothespins and Dreams | Mr. Morganstern | California Music Theatre, Los Angeles[13] |
| 1992 | Chicago | Amos Hart | Long Beach Civic Light Opera, Los Angeles[14] |
| 1994 | Lunch | Bum | US national tour[15] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Barney Martin, 82, Actor on 'Seinfeld,' Is Dead". The New York Times. Associated Press. March 25, 2005. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ "Barney Martin". Variety. March 24, 2005. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ Connor, Tracy (March 25, 2005). "Seinfeld's Dad on TV Dies at 82". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009.
- ^ "Barney Martin, 82; Veteran Actor Played Father on 'Seinfeld'". Los Angeles Times. March 24, 2005.
- ^ Seinfeld Seasons 1 & 2: Notes about Nothing – "The Stake Out" (DVD). Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
- ^ Wilson, Scott (August 22, 2016). Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons. Vol. 1 (3rd ed.). McFarland. p. 481. ISBN 978-0-7864-7992-4.
- ^ "Promises, Promises – Broadway Musical – 1970-1971 Tour". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ "Promises, Promises – Broadway Musical – 1971-1972 Tour". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ "The Music Man". Indianapolis Public Library Digital Collections. July 21, 1978. p. 3. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Klein, Alvin (September 22, 1985). "THEATER; ONE-MAN SHOW ON P. T. BARNUM COMES TO CANDLEWOOD". New York Times. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ "Hello, Dolly - 1986". Artist Database. Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Shirley, Don (June 20, 1989). "STAGE REVIEW : An Appealing 'Funny Thing' - Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Shirley, Don (August 13, 1990). "STAGE REVIEW : 'Clothespins' Has Hang-Ups - Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Drake, Sylvie (May 9, 1992). "STAGE REVIEW : A Razzle- Dazzle 'Chicago'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
- ^ Taylor, Markland (July 18, 1994). "Lunch". Variety. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Barney Martin.
- Barney Martin at IMDb
- Barney Martin at the Internet Broadway Database
- Barney Martin at the Internet Off-Broadway Database (archived)
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| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
| Other | |
Barney Martin
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Birth and upbringing
Barney Martin was born on March 3, 1923, in Queens, New York City.[5] Details about his parents and siblings remain scarce in available records, though he was raised in the working-class, urban environment of Queens amid the economic and social dynamics of 1920s and 1930s New York.[3] This formative period in a densely populated borough shaped his early experiences before transitioning to military service during World War II.[1]Military service
Barney Martin served as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.[6] His service involved flying over 40 missions, during which he encountered intense challenges such as anti-aircraft fire and the demands of precise bombing runs under high-stress conditions.[4][5]Law enforcement career
Following his discharge from the U.S. Army Air Force at the end of World War II, Barney Martin joined the New York Police Department (NYPD) in the late 1940s.[6] Over the course of his 20-year tenure with the NYPD, Martin advanced from patrol officer to detective, handling a range of cases in New York City during a period of significant postwar urban growth and crime challenges.[6][7] His progression reflected dedication to the force, where he served until the late 1960s, gaining firsthand insight into street-level policing and investigative work.[8] While still on active duty, Martin began developing his comedic talents by incorporating humor into official presentations and speeches for deputy police commissioners, often drawing material directly from real-life cases he encountered on the job.[6][7] These stand-up routines, performed at department events, showcased his ability to blend wit with the gritty realities of police work, marking the start of his side pursuit in comedy without detracting from his primary role as a detective.[6] His law enforcement background later influenced the no-nonsense, streetwise demeanor of characters he played in acting roles.[6]Acting career
Early acting roles
After serving 20 years as a New York City police detective following his World War II military service, Barney Martin retired in the late 1960s to focus on acting full-time.[3] His prior experience delivering comedic presentations to deputy commissioners during his law enforcement tenure honed his timing and character-driven humor, which proved instrumental in landing his initial professional roles.[3] Martin's acting debut came with a small but memorable role as Göring in Mel Brooks' satirical film The Producers in 1967, marking his entry into feature films.[3] That same year, he joined the Broadway production of the musical How Now, Dow Jones as a replacement in the role of Bradbury, performing through early 1968.[9] He followed this with another minor film appearance as Hank in Charly (1968), a drama about intellectual disability.[4] These foundational experiences, leveraging his natural comedic flair from police days, paved the way for more prominent work in television and theater.[3]Television career
Barney Martin's television career spanned several decades, beginning with supporting roles in sitcoms that showcased his comedic timing and everyman appeal. In the mid-1970s, he gained steady work as Jack Terwilliger, the bumbling court reporter, on the ABC sitcom The Tony Randall Show, appearing in 38 episodes across two seasons from 1976 to 1978. His portrayal contributed to the series' focus on the daily life of a widowed judge and his family, blending humor with relatable domestic scenarios. Later in the 1980s, Martin took on more dramatic parts, including guest appearances in the pilot episode and another episode of 21 Jump Street in 1987, where he played Charlie Donegan, a veteran police officer mentoring the young undercover team led by Johnny Depp's character.[10] He also appeared in two episodes of Murphy Brown during the 1990–1991 season as Dominic Fontana, the father of news reporter Frank Fontana, bringing a touch of familial warmth to the CBS sitcom's newsroom chaos.[10] These roles often drew on Martin's prior 20-year experience as a New York City Police Department detective, lending authenticity to his depictions of authority figures and law enforcement personnel.[3] Martin's most iconic television role came in 1991 when he was cast as Morty Seinfeld, Jerry's frugal and opinionated father, on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld, replacing Phil Bruns who had originated the character in season 1. He appeared in 20 episodes through 1998, becoming synonymous with the part through memorable storylines involving retirement community antics and family tensions.[3] This recurring performance solidified his status as a beloved character actor, with Morty's penny-pinching personality providing comic relief amid the show's observational humor. His work on Seinfeld overlapped with similar archetype portrayals in films, where he frequently embodied gruff yet endearing paternal figures.[11]Film career
Barney Martin's entry into feature films came with a small but memorable role in Mel Brooks' satirical comedy The Producers (1967), where he portrayed the actor embodying Hermann Göring during the outrageous "Springtime for Hitler" musical sequence.[12] This appearance, one of his earliest credited screen parts, showcased his ability to deliver comedic timing in ensemble settings and helped launch his transition from stage and uncredited bit parts to more consistent film work.[1] In the 1980s, Martin secured prominent supporting roles that highlighted his knack for portraying relatable, working-class patriarchs. He played Ralph Marolla, the unemployed father of Liza Minnelli's character Linda Marolla, in the hit romantic comedy Arthur (1981), opposite Dudley Moore. Martin reprised the role in the sequel Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988), continuing to embody a gruff yet endearing everyman figure navigating family and financial woes. Martin's filmography often featured him as authoritative or paternal types in both comedies and dramas, reflecting a typecasting rooted in his background as a former NYPD detective. Early examples include his portrayal of Hank, the school janitor, in the drama Charly (1968).[13] Later, in the action-comedy Hot Stuff (1979), he appeared as Kiley, a police figure in a story about bumbling cops targeting thieves. This pattern culminated in roles like Mayor Bigelow in the thriller Deadly Weapon (1989), where he brought a no-nonsense demeanor to the authority character. His film personas frequently mirrored the paternal, straightforward authority he conveyed in television appearances.Theatre career
Barney Martin's theatre career began after his time as a New York City police detective, where he developed his comedic talents through entertaining presentations that drew laughs from superiors.[3] Transitioning to the stage in the 1960s and 1970s, he built a reputation for character roles in musicals and plays, drawing on a straightforward, humorous style rooted in his law enforcement background.[3] Martin's most notable Broadway achievement came in 1975 when he originated the role of Amos Hart, the hapless husband of Roxie Hart, in the original production of Chicago at the 46th Street Theatre. In this Bob Fosse-directed musical with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Martin portrayed the overlooked everyman, introducing the poignant number "Mr. Cellophane" and earning recognition from theatergoers for his heartfelt depiction of the character's quiet desperation.[14] His performance contributed to the show's satirical edge, running for 936 performances until 1977. In 1978, Martin took on the role of Marcellus Washburn in the national touring revival of The Music Man, bringing his comedic flair to the sly sidekick in Meredith Willson's classic.[15] This production allowed him to showcase his timing in ensemble numbers like "Rock Island" and "The Sadder But Wiser Girl for Me," aligning with the vaudeville-inspired humor of the show.[15] Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Martin appeared in other stage productions, including the Broadway comedy All Over Town (1974) as Detective Peterson and The Roast (1980) as Sid Ball. He also performed in regional theatre, such as a 1972 production of The Fantasticks at Arlington Park Theatre, where his character work highlighted the intimate, whimsical tone of the offbeat musical.[16] Earlier tours, like Promises, Promises in the early 1970s, further honed his skills in supporting comedic roles.[17] These experiences informed his later television and film work, providing a foundation for his deadpan delivery in ensemble settings.[3]Personal life
Marriage and family
Barney Martin was married to Catherine Martin for over six decades, from 1942 until his death in 2005.[1][18] The couple shared a long-term union that provided stability during Martin's transitions from law enforcement to acting. Martin and his wife had two children: a son named Donald Martin and a daughter.[18] The daughter predeceased her father in 2002 after a battle with cancer.[8] At the time of Martin's passing, his immediate family included his son Donald, along with two grandsons and two great-grandsons.[1][6]Illness and death
In his later years, Barney Martin battled cancer, which ultimately led to his death. He passed away on March 21, 2005, at his home in Studio City, California, at the age of 82.[1] Following his death, Martin was cremated, with his ashes returned to his family.[19] Memorial services were pending at the time, and in lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the Actors Fund of America.[1] His passing deeply affected his wife of 63 years, Catherine, and their son, Donald.Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | The Wrong Man | Juror (uncredited) |
| 1959 | Odds Against Tomorrow | Car Accident Driver (uncredited) |
| 1961 | The Young Doctors | Bus Driver (uncredited) |
| 1963 | Love with the Proper Stranger | Train Conductor (uncredited) |
| 1963 | The Thrill of It All | TV Director |
| 1963 | A New Kind of Love | Harry McGuinley |
| 1963 | Move Over, Darling | Desk Clerk |
| 1964 | The Best Man | Convention Delegate (uncredited) |
| 1967 | The Producers | Göring |
| 1968 | Charly | Mr. Loring |
| 1968 | The Odd Couple | Speed (uncredited) |
| 1968 | Bye Bye Braverman | Man at Funeral (uncredited) |
| 1969 | The April Fools | Man in Elevator (uncredited) |
| 1970 | Lovers and Other Strangers | TV Husband (uncredited) |
| 1974 | The Taking of Pelham One Two Three | Police Commissioner (uncredited) |
| 1976 | The Front | Hollis Melton |
| 1977 | The Sentinel | Professor Ruzinsky |
| 1978 | The Cheap Detective | Lt. DiMaggio |
| 1978 | Movie Movie | Mr. Pennington |
| 1979 | The Jerk | Harry Hartounian |
| 1979 | Hot Stuff | Kiley |
| 1980 | Wholly Moses! | Tailor |
| 1980 | The Last Married Couple in America | Santa Claus |
| 1980 | Seems Like Old Times | Judge John Channing |
| 1980 | Stir Crazy | Tour Guide |
| 1981 | Arthur | Ralph Marolla |
| 1982 | The World According to Garp | Custodian |
| 1982 | Tootsie | Actor |
| 1982 | Young Doctors in Love | Doctor |
| 1982 | My Favorite Year | Junkman |
| 1983 | Trading Places | Warden |
| 1983 | The Man with Two Brains | Cop |
| 1983 | Mr. Mom | Vice President |
| 1984 | The Woman in Red | George |
| 1984 | City Heat | Fat Freddy |
| 1984 | Protocol | Senator |
| 1985 | The Sure Thing | Mr. Cardone |
| 1985 | Perfect | Bartender |
| 1986 | Armed and Dangerous | Captain Keeler |
| 1986 | Legal Eagles | Judge Dawkins |
| 1986 | The Money Pit | Carpenter Foreman |
| 1987 | Three Men and a Baby | Det. Sgt. Melkowitz |
| 1987 | The Secret of My Success | Mr. Stedman |
| 1988 | Big | Taxi Driver |
| 1988 | Punchline | Hollywood Producer |
| 1988 | Beaches | Mel |
| 1988 | Arthur 2: On the Rocks | Ralph Marolla |
| 1989 | See No Evil, Hear No Evil | Gatlin |
| 1989 | Ghostbusters II | Mayor's Aide |
| 1990 | Quick Change | Interviewer |
| 1991 | City Slickers | Limo Driver |
| 1991 | Other People's Money | Judge Doyle |
| 1991 | The Rocketeer | Sheriff |
| 1991 | Switch | Arnold Freitag |
| 1992 | A League of Their Own | Nelson McGee |
| 1993 | Dave | Ben Thompson |
| 1993 | The Pelican Brief | Smith Keen |
| 1995 | The American President | Leo Solomon |
| 1996 | The Associate | Compere |
| 1997 | In & Out | Uncle Frank |
| 1998 | The Odd Couple II | Sheriff |
| 2000 | Small Time Crooks | Marty |
| 2004 | The Terminal | Gus[2] |
Television
Barney Martin's television career spanned several decades, featuring both recurring roles and guest appearances across a variety of series.[20]| Year(s) | Title | Role | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | The Odd Couple | Man #3 | 1 |
| 1974 | The Odd Couple | Mr. Moss | 1 |
| 1976–1978 | The Tony Randall Show | Jack Terwilliger | 44 |
| 1978 | Happy Days | G.W. Burch | 1 |
| 1982 | Barney Miller | Wendell R. Bergendahl | 1 |
| 1988–1990 | Murphy Brown | Dominic Fontana | 3 |
| 1991 | The Golden Girls | Karl "Cheeseman" Moran | 1 |
| 1991–1992 | Life Goes On | Stan Baker | 5 |
| 1991–1998 | Seinfeld | Morty Seinfeld | 20 |
| 1993 | Daddy Dearest | Pete Peters | 13 |
| 1993 | The Wonder Years | Old Kevin Arnold | 1 |
| 2000–2001 | Buzz Lightyear of Star Command | Ambassador Major (voice) | 2 |