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Martin Sam Milner (December 28, 1931 – September 6, 2015) was an American actor and radio host. He is best known for his performances on two television series: Route 66, which aired on CBS from 1960 to 1964, and Adam-12, which aired on NBC from 1968 to 1975.

Key Information

Early years

[edit]

Milner was born on December 28, 1931,[1] in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Mildred (née Martin), a Paramount Theater circuit dancer, and Sam Gordon Milner, who worked as a construction hand and later a film distributor.[2] Sam was a Polish-Jewish immigrant.[3] The family left Detroit when Milner was a young child, moved frequently, and settled in Seattle, Washington by the time he was nine. There he became involved in acting, first in school, and then in a children's theater group at the Cornish Playhouse.[4]

When Milner was a teenager, he moved with his family to Los Angeles where his parents hired an acting coach and later an agent for him.[5] Milner had his first screen test and began his film career with his debut in the Warner Bros. film Life with Father (1947). Less than two weeks after that film was completed in August 1946, Milner contracted polio.[6] He recovered within a year and had bit parts in two more films, then was graduated from North Hollywood High School in 1949. He immediately landed a minor role in the film Sands of Iwo Jima starring John Wayne.[5]

Career

[edit]

Milner attended the University of Southern California where he studied theater.[7] He dropped out after a year in the fall of 1950 to concentrate on acting.[8] He made his first television appearance in 1950 as a guest star in episode 28, "Pay Dirt", of The Lone Ranger. The same year, he began a recurring role as Drexel Potter on the sitcom The Stu Erwin Show.

He had several more roles, both minor and major, in war films in the 1950s, including another John Wayne picture titled Operation Pacific (1951) and Mister Roberts (1955), with William Powell and Henry Fonda, James Cagney and Jack Lemmon. On the set of Halls of Montezuma (1950), he met and befriended actor Jack Webb, and he began intermittent work on Webb's radio series Dragnet.[9]

In 1952, Milner began a two-year stint in the United States Army. Assigned to Special Services at Fort Ord on California's Monterey Bay Peninsula, he directed training films[5][6][10] and was both an M.C. and performer in skits for a touring unit created to entertain soldiers.[8] Milner was encouraged by fellow soldier and future actor David Janssen to pursue an acting career when his time in the Army ended. Janssen and Milner served at Fort Ord with fellow future actors Clint Eastwood and Richard Long.[11] While in the Army, Milner continued working for Jack Webb, playing Officer Bill Lockwood (briefly the partner of Sgt. Friday) and other characters on the Dragnet radio series on weekends. He also appeared on six episodes of Webb's Dragnet television series between 1952 and 1955.[6]

After his military service ended, Milner had a recurring role on The Life of Riley from 1953 to 1958. He also made guest appearances on numerous television shows, including episodes of The Bigelow Theatre, The Great Gildersleeve, TV Reader's Digest, Science Fiction Theatre, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, NBC Matinee Theater, The West Point Story, 12 O'Clock High (Season 3, Episode 13, "Six Feet Under"), The Twilight Zone (episode: "Mirror Image"), Wagon Train and Rawhide.

Milner was under contract at Hecht-Lancaster, Burt Lancaster's production company.[5] He also acted in films, including The Long Gray Line (1955), Mister Roberts (1955), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), Sweet Smell of Success (1957), Marjorie Morningstar (1958), where he was able to draw on his Jewish roots playing the role of Wally Wronkin, Compulsion (1959), and 13 Ghosts (1960). He later costarred in Valley of the Dolls (1967), based on the best-selling novel by Jacqueline Susann.[6][9]

Route 66

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Milner (left) and George Maharis in Route 66 publicity still, 1962

In 1960, Milner was cast as Tod Stiles on the television series Route 66, which ran from 1960 to 1964. Created by Stirling Silliphant, Route 66 is about two regular but distinctly different young men in a car touring the United States. After the sudden death of his father left him penniless, save for a new Chevrolet Corvette, Milner's character travels across the United States in the Corvette, taking a variety of odd jobs along the way and getting involved in other people's problems. His traveling partner on his escapades is his friend Buz Murdock (played by George Maharis), a former employee of his father's. During the series' third season, Glenn Corbett replaced Maharis, who claimed he was ill with hepatitis but later verified he wanted to break away to pursue other career opportunities.[5][6][9] The show never regained its audience appeal with Corbett and was cancelled after a year.

Route 66 was shot on location, so Milner spent nearly four years traveling the US for the series, sometimes taking his wife and children along.[6]

Milner appeared on Broadway once in the short-lived comedy The Ninety Day Mistress in 1967.[12]

Adam-12

[edit]

By the mid-1960s, Milner and Jack Webb had a long-established working relationship. Milner had appeared in numerous episodes of both the radio and television versions of the series Dragnet, and had worked with Webb in the films Halls of Montezuma (1950) and Pete Kelly's Blues (1955).[13]

In 1968, Milner returned to television as seven-year LAPD veteran uniform patrol Officer Pete Malloy in Adam-12, a Webb-produced police drama. Kent McCord played his partner, rookie Officer Jim Reed. The series ran from 1968 to 1975. Like Webb's Dragnet, it was based on real Los Angeles Police Department procedures and cases.[14]

Milner was Webb's choice for Malloy in part because of his relative youth and prior acting credits and because of his on-camera driving experience from his days on Route 66.[15] He guest-starred in three episodes of Emergency! between 1972 and 1976, during and after Adam-12's run on NBC, the first of which, and the best known, was the pilot movie The Wedsworth-Townsend Act.[16]

Later career

[edit]
Milner in The Swiss Family Robinson in 1975

In 1971, Milner portrayed the murder victim in the premiere episode of Columbo titled "Murder by the Book". After Adam-12, Milner starred as Karl Robinson in a television series version of The Swiss Family Robinson (1975–1976), produced by Irwin Allen.[12] Most of his later work was as a guest star, including MacGyver (as the protagonist's father); Airwolf; Murder, She Wrote; and RoboCop: The Series. In 1983, Milner hosted a morning radio wake-up show on AM 600 KOGO in San Diego.[17][18]

In 1990, Milner teamed again with Kent McCord in the cable TV-movie Nashville Beat (1990), on The Nashville Network. The story was co-written by McCord, who played an LAPD detective who works with his former partner, played by Milner, in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1992, Milner guest-starred on five episodes of ABC's Life Goes On.

After retiring from acting, Milner co-hosted a radio show about fishing called Let's Talk Hook-Up on San Diego-area sports station XETRA AM 690 (now XEWW).[6]

In 1998, Milner took part in a documentary film, Route 66: Return to the Road with Martin Milner, in which he drove a 1961 Corvette from Chicago to Santa Monica.[12]

Personal life and death

[edit]

In May 1956, Milner met singer and actress Judith Bess Jones[9] at a Hollywood dinner party. They were married on February 23, 1957, in Waukegan, Illinois.[19] They had four children together.[20]

In February 2003, Milner's eldest daughter Amy, who appeared in an episode of Adam 12, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.[9][21] She died in December 2004.[22]

On September 6, 2015, Milner died of heart failure at his home in Carlsbad, California, at age 83.[23] His remains were cremated.[24]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1947 Life with Father John Day
1948 The Wreck of the Hesperus Nathaniel
1949 The Green Promise Joe - 4H Club Member Uncredited
1949 Sands of Iwo Jima Pvt. Mike McHugh
1950 Louisa Bob Stewart
1950 Our Very Own Bert
1951 Halls of Montezuma Whitney
1951 Operation Pacific Ens. Caldwell
1951 Fighting Coast Guard Al Prescott
1951 I Want You George Kress Jr.
1952 The Captive City Phil Harding
1952 Belles on Their Toes Al Lynch Uncredited
1952 My Wife's Best Friend Buddy Chamberlain
1952 Springfield Rifle Pvt. Olie Larsen
1952 Battle Zone Corp. Andy Sayer
1952 Torpedo Alley Undetermined Role Unconfirmed / Uncredited
1953 Last of the Comanches Billy Creel
1953 Destination Gobi Elwood Halsey
1954 Dial M for Murder Policeman Outside Wendice Flat Uncredited
1955 The Long Gray Line Jim O'Carberry Uncredited
1955 Mister Roberts Shore Patrol Officer
1955 Francis in the Navy W.T. 'Rick' Rickson
1955 Pete Kelly's Blues Joey Firestone
1956 On the Threshold of Space Lt. Mort Glenn
1956 Navy Wife
1956 Screaming Eagles Pvt. Corliss
1956 Pillars of the Sky Waco
1957 Man Afraid Shep Hamilton
1957 Desk Set Bit Part Uncredited
1957 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral James Earp
1957 Sweet Smell of Success Steve Dallas Credited as Marty Milner
1958 Too Much, Too Soon Lincoln Forrester
1958 Marjorie Morningstar Wally Wronkin
1959 Compulsion Sid Brooks
1960 The Private Lives of Adam and Eve Ad Simms / Adam
1960 13 Ghosts Benjamen Rush
1960 Sex Kittens Go to College George Barton Associate producer
1965 Zebra in the Kitchen Dr. Del Hartwood
1966 Ski Fever Brian Davis
1967 Sullivan's Empire John Sullivan
1967 Valley of the Dolls Mel Anderson
1968 Three Guns for Texas Const. Clendon MacMillan
1975 The Swiss Family Robinson Karl Robinson
1989 Nashville Beat Captain Brian O'Neal
1998 Route 66: Return to the Road with Martin Milner Himself Video Documentary

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1950 The Lone Ranger Dick McHenry Episode: "Pay Dirt"
1950–1951 The Stu Erwin Show Drexel Potter 8 episodes
1951 The Bigelow Theatre T.K.O. Episode: "T.K.O."
1952–1955 Dragnet Stephen Banner 6 episodes
1953–1957 The Life of Riley Bruce
Don Marshall 		4 episodes
1954–1955 Schlitz Playhouse of Stars Various roles 2 episodes
1955 The Great Gildersleeve Brick Episode: "Water Commissioner's Water Color"
1956 NBC Matinee Theater Various roles 2 episodes
1956 TV Reader's Digest US Army Recruit Episode: "The Old, Old Story"
1956 The Charles Farrell Show Episode: "Love and Kisses"
1956 Telephone Time Episode: "The Churchill Club"
1956 Science Fiction Theatre Britt Episode: "Three Minute Mile"
1956 Crossroads Charles Mitchell 2 episodes
1956 Navy Log Monk Jacob "Incident at Formosa"
1956–1957 The West Point Story Various roles 2 episodes
1958 Wagon Train Matt Trumbell Episode: "The Sally Potter Story"
1958–1959 Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse Various roles 2 episodes
1958–1959 The Millionaire Various roles 2 episodes
1959 Rawhide Johnny Doan Episode: "Incident with an Executioner"
1959 Playhouse 90 Episode: "Judgment at Nuremberg"
1959 Steve Canyon Sgt. Ernest Bigelow Season 1/Episode 34: "Operation Firebee"
1959 Hotel de Paree Pat Williams Episode: "Vein of Ore"
1959 U.S. Marshal Deputy Bob Baxter Episode: "Trigger Happy"
1960 The Twilight Zone Paul Grinstead Episode: "Mirror Image"
1960–1964 Route 66 Tod Stiles 116 episodes
1965 Memorandum for a Spy Television film
1965 Starr, First Baseman Joe Starr Television film
1965 Slattery's People State Representative Scott Fleming Episode: "Question: What's a Requiem for a Loser?"
1965 Gidget Kahuna Episode: "The Great Kahuna"
1965 Laredo Clendon MacMillan Episode: "Yahoo"
1965–1966 Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre Various roles 3 episodes
1965–1966 The Virginian Various roles 2 episodes
1966 A Man Called Shenandoah Neal Henderson Episode: "Requiem for the Second"
1966 12 O'Clock High Maj. Dimscek Episode: "Six Feet Under"
1967 The Rat Patrol Sgt. Roberts Episode: "The Wild Goose Raid"
1967 Run for Your Life Colonel Mike Green 2 episodes
1967 The Felony Squad Thomas Glynn Episode: "Hit and Run, Run, Run"
1967 Insight Sherm Episode: "Fat Hands and a Diamond Ring"
1968 Land's End Eric Television film
1968 Dragnet Officer Pete Malloy Episode: "Internal Affairs: DR-20"
1968–1975 Adam-12 Officer Pete Malloy 174 episodes
1970 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson self Episode: September 28, 1970
1971 Columbo Jim Ferris Episode: "Murder by the Book"
1971 The D.A. (1971 TV series) Officer Pete Malloy Episode: "The People vs. Saydo"
1972 Hollywood Squares Himself Celebrity Guest Star
1972–1976 Emergency! Officer Pete Malloy 3 episodes
1973 Runaway! John Shedd Television film
1974 Hurricane Maj. Hymie Stoddard Television film
1975–1976 The Swiss Family Robinson Karl Robinson 20 episodes
1976 Flood! Paul Burke Television film
1977 SST: Death Flight Lyle Kingman Television film
1977 Police Story Grady Dolin Episode: "Stigma"
1978 Black Beauty Tom Gray Miniseries
1978 Little Mo Wilbur Folsom Television film
1979 Crisis in Mid-Air Dr. Denvers Television film
1979 The Last Convertible Sergeant Dabric Miniseries
1979 Password Plus Himself Game Show Contestant / Celebrity Guest Star
1979 The Seekers Philip Kent Television film
1980 The Littlest Hobo Don Porter Episode: "Sailing Away"
1981 Fantasy Island Various roles 2 episodes
1981 The Ordeal of Bill Carney Peter Belton Television movie
1984 Masquerade Charlie Miller Episode: "Winnings"
1985 Airwolf Arthur Barnes Episode: "Severance Pay"
1985–1996 Murder, She Wrote Various roles 5 episodes
1988 MacGyver Coach Turk Donner Episode: "Thin Ice"
1989 Nashville Beat Captain Brian O'Neal Television movie
1990 MacGyver James MacGyver Episode: "Passages"
1992 Life Goes On Harris Cassidy 5 episodes
1994 RoboCop: The Series Russell Murphy 2 Episodes: "The Human Factor" / "Corporate Raiders"
1997 Diagnosis: Murder Detective Frank Halloran Episode: "Murder Blues", (final appearance)
1997 Hollywood Squares self Episode: February 25, 2004

References

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Martin Milner

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Martin Milner (December 28, 1931 – September 6, 2015) was an American actor and radio personality best known for his starring roles in the adventure series Route 66 (1960–1964) as the introspective wanderer Tod Stiles and in the police procedural Adam-12 (1968–1975) as the dedicated LAPD officer Pete Malloy. Born Martin Sam Milner in , , to film distributor Sam Milner and dancer Jerre Martin (also known as Mildred), he moved with his family first to and then to at the age of 14. He graduated from and briefly attended San Fernando Valley State College and the before dropping out to pursue acting. Drafted into the U.S. Army during the in 1952, Milner served at in , where he directed training films, emceed entertainment shows, and befriended future actor . He made his screen debut as an extra in the 1947 film and appeared in over 40 movies throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including supporting roles in Sands of Iwo Jima (1949), Mister Roberts (1955), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), and (1957). Milner's television breakthrough came with Route 66, a series that followed his character's cross-country travels in a , exploring social issues and American culture across 116 episodes. The show, co-starring and later , earned him widespread recognition for his earnest portrayal of a Yale-educated drifter seeking purpose. He followed this with , an hit that ran for seven seasons and depicted realistic police work in , influencing public perceptions of through its procedural authenticity and Milner's depiction of a principled veteran officer partnered with rookie Jim Reed (played by ). Guest appearances on shows like , Emergency!, and rounded out his extensive TV resume, spanning more than 100 credits. In later years, Milner transitioned to radio, co-hosting the popular fishing program Let's Talk Hook-Up (1993–2004) on XTRA-AM in , reflecting his lifelong passion for the sport. He married Judith "Judy" Jones in 1957, and the couple raised four children—Stuart, Molly, Andrew, and Amy—though Amy predeceased him in 2004 from ; Milner also farmed avocados on a in , and often described himself as a "working " rather than a . Milner died of at his home in , survived by his wife, three children, and three grandchildren.

Early life

Childhood and family

Martin Milner was born Martin Sam Milner on December 28, 1931, in , . He was the only child of his parents. His father, Sam Gordon Milner, a Polish-Jewish immigrant, worked initially as a before transitioning into . His mother, Jerre Martin (also known as Mildred E. "Jerre" Milner), was a dancer who performed with the Paramount Theater circuit; she originally hailed from . The family's early environment provided Milner with initial exposure to the entertainment world through his mother's stage performances and his father's connections in the film industry. As a young child, the Milners relocated from to several cities including , , and , before settling in , Washington, during his early years, likely influenced by his father's professional pursuits during the . This move marked the beginning of several relocations that characterized his childhood, fostering an itinerant family dynamic.

Education and health challenges

In , Milner attended local elementary schools during his early years. Influenced by his mother's background as a dancer and his father's work as a , Milner developed an early interest in , participating in school plays and joining a children's theater group at the Cornish Playhouse around age ten. These experiences marked his initial amateur involvement in theater, fostering a passion that his family encouraged through connections in the entertainment industry. The family moved to during Milner's childhood, allowing him to continue his education in the area. He graduated from in 1949, where he further honed his dramatic skills through school productions. In 1946, at the age of 14, Milner contracted , which caused temporary and required a year of intensive rehabilitation. His family provided essential support throughout his recovery, helping him navigate the physical and emotional challenges of the illness. Despite the ordeal, Milner achieved a full recovery within a year, though the experience profoundly shaped his resilience during adolescence.

Acting career

Early roles

Martin Milner's screen debut came as an extra in the 1947 film . After this, he contracted in 1946 but recovered within a year. He then appeared as an uncredited Marine extra alongside in the 1949 war film , marking an early role in Hollywood. After graduating high school, Milner took on bit parts in several films, including The Halls of Montezuma (1951), where he played Private Whitney in the ensemble drama, and (1951), portraying Ensign Caldwell in another submarine-themed war picture with Wayne. These minor appearances helped him gain experience in the industry during the early 1950s. Milner's acting career was interrupted by military service when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving from 1952 to 1954. Assigned to the Special Services entertainment unit at Fort Ord, California, he directed training films and stage productions for troops, entertaining fellow soldiers through performances rather than combat duty. Following his discharge, Milner transitioned to television in the mid-1950s, securing guest spots on popular series such as The Lone Ranger in 1950, where he appeared in the episode "Pay Dirt" as Dick McHenry prior to his service, and Dragnet in 1954, playing Stephen Banner in "The Big Producer." These television roles built on his film work and exposed him to a broader audience. Throughout the late 1950s, Milner continued with minor film roles that showcased his versatility in supporting parts, including Randy in Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), a Western classic with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas; Steve Dallas in Sweet Smell of Success (1957), Alexander Mackendrick's noir drama; a supporting role as a Shore Patrol officer in Mister Roberts (1955); and Wally Snell in Marjorie Morningstar (1958), an adaptation of Herman Wouk's novel starring Natalie Wood. These performances in high-profile productions honed his skills ahead of more prominent opportunities.

Route 66

Martin Milner was cast in the lead role of Tod Stiles for the anthology drama series Route 66, which aired from October 7, 1960, to March 20, 1964. In the show, Milner portrayed an affluent yet idealistic young college graduate whose wealthy father's death leaves him with little inheritance beyond a convertible, prompting him to embark on an open-ended journey across America to discover purpose and identity. Stiles, often depicted as optimistic and intellectually inclined, frequently confronted pressing social issues of the era, including , racial injustice, and civil rights struggles, through encounters with diverse individuals in transient settings. The series adopted a road-trip format, blending serialized elements with standalone stories that shifted locations weekly to explore , from urban centers to rural outposts. Milner appeared in all 116 episodes across its four seasons, co-starring initially with as the street-smart Buz Murdock for the first three seasons, until Maharis departed due to health issues and was replaced by as the more reserved Linc Case in . This structure allowed for a hybrid of character-driven drama and episodic narratives, emphasizing themes of freedom, responsibility, and societal change without relying on ongoing plot arcs. Route 66 garnered critical acclaim for its innovative approach, earning Emmy nominations including one in 1961 for Outstanding Performance by an in a Leading Role for co-star . The production was groundbreaking in its commitment to on-location filming throughout the , covering 25 states to capture authentic regional backdrops and enhancing the show's immersive quality. Milner, an avid automobile enthusiast, personally owned a 1963 during filming, mirroring his character's iconic vehicle and reflecting his affinity for the cars that symbolized the series' spirit of adventure.

Adam-12

Following his success in Route 66, Martin Milner transitioned to a more structured role as the veteran (LAPD) officer Pete Malloy in the police procedural series , which aired on from 1968 to 1975. In the show, Malloy partners with rookie officer Jim Reed, played by , to patrol the streets of in their cruiser, call sign Adam-12. The series spans 174 episodes across seven seasons, focusing on the routine aspects of police work such as traffic stops, domestic disputes, and minor crimes, rather than high-stakes action. This realistic approach draws directly from actual LAPD procedures, emphasizing procedural accuracy over dramatized violence to portray the everyday challenges and professionalism of patrol officers. Created by and , Adam-12 was produced with close collaboration from the LAPD, including on-location filming throughout to capture authentic urban settings. Milner contributed to the show's realism by shadowing real LAPD officers during preparation and advocating for depictions that could foster public understanding of police duties, believing the series could "bridge the gap between the police and the public." The production team's commitment to authenticity extended to script consultations with active-duty officers, ensuring episodes reflected genuine protocols and used in the field. The series had a profound influence on its audience, particularly in inspiring real-life police recruitment; LAPD Chief noted that it "embodied the spirit of the LAPD to millions of viewers," with many officers crediting the show for motivating their career choices. Viewers, including future professionals, sent letters to the cast expressing how Malloy's of Reed exemplified the honorable aspects of policing, leading to thousands pursuing careers in the field. Milner himself received correspondence from officers who emulated his character's dedication and integrity. Adam-12 featured notable guest stars such as Cloris Leachman, Jackie Coogan, and Larry Linville, who portrayed serious roles contrasting their comedic personas, adding depth to episodic storylines. The show included crossovers with Webb's other productions like Dragnet and Emergency!, where characters from the shared universe appeared in multi-episode arcs to enhance narrative continuity. Additionally, episodes occasionally showcased Reed's personal vehicle, a Chevrolet Corvette reminiscent of the one from Milner's earlier series Route 66, highlighting the actors' off-duty lives within the patrol context.

Later work

Following the conclusion of Adam-12 in 1975, Milner took on the lead role of Karl Robinson, the family patriarch, in the ABC adventure series The Swiss Family Robinson, which aired for one season from 1975 to 1976 and depicted the family's survival on a deserted island after a shipwreck. In film, Milner appeared in supporting roles during the late 1970s, including as Dale Carson, a deputy sheriff, in the Western The Last Hard Men (1976), directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and co-starring Charlton Heston and James Coburn. He followed this with a part in the low-budget action thriller Delta Fox (1977), where he portrayed Rod Thompson, a detective involved in a revenge plot. These roles marked a shift toward character parts in genre films, though they did not achieve the prominence of his earlier television work. Throughout the 1980s and , Milner made sporadic guest appearances on television, often drawing on his established image as a reliable authority figure. Notable examples include a 1976 crossover episode of Emergency!, where he reprised elements of his persona as Officer Pete Malloy; the 1983 TV movie The Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E., in which he played Jonathan Cole, a U.N.C.L.E. operative; and a 1983 episode of titled "Emeralds Are Not a Girl's Best Friend," featuring him as a client entangled in a jewel theft scheme. He also reunited with Adam-12 co-star for a 1991 guest spot on . These appearances, along with occasional voice work in animated projects, reflected a semi-retired phase focused on selective, low-commitment opportunities. In 1993, Milner transitioned to radio, becoming co-host of the syndicated fishing talk show Let's Talk Hook-Up on XTRA-AM (now 690 AM in ), where he shared expertise on outdoor activities and hosted related trips until his retirement in 2015. This role aligned with his personal passion for and provided a platform outside traditional acting.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Martin Milner married singer and actress Judith "Judy" Jones on February 23, 1957, in . The couple remained married for 58 years until Milner's death in 2015, maintaining a partnership away from the typical Hollywood spotlight. They had four children: daughters Amy, born in 1958, and Molly, born in 1961; and sons Stuart, born in 1962, and Andrew, born in 1964. Amy was the mother of a son, Jack. Milner emphasized family as his primary focus, often forgoing the glamour and potential scandals of the entertainment industry to prioritize time with his wife and children. The family faced tragedy when eldest daughter Amy was diagnosed with in February 2003 and died on December 18, 2004, at age 46.

Interests and later residence

In the later years of his life, Martin Milner developed a deep passion for and outdoor activities, which became central to his personal pursuits beyond . He frequently engaged in freshwater at locations such as and the Upper in California's , favoring light tackle in streams and adapting to saltwater big-game with modern equipment like rods. This enthusiasm extended to co-hosting the Let's Talk Hook-Up on XTRA 690, where he shared insights and humor with listeners for eight years, attracting around 50,000 weekly callers on topics ranging from bait techniques to lore. Milner's interest in rural living manifested in his ownership of a 24-acre avocado ranch in the Fallbrook backcountry of County, which he acquired in 1970 as an that involved his entire family in farming operations. The ranch provided a hands-on diversion, allowing him to balance occasional acting work with agricultural responsibilities, and his wife Judy and four children participated in maintaining the property during their early years there. This venture underscored his preference for a grounded, self-sufficient over urban glamour. Seeking a quieter existence away from the Hollywood spotlight, Milner relocated his family from to County in 1970, where they resided for the next 45 years to foster a more serene family environment. The move to Fallbrook initially offered seclusion amid avocado groves, followed by a shift to Del Mar in the and eventually to Carlsbad as empty nesters, where he passed away at home. Throughout this period, he deliberately avoided the social whirl of the entertainment industry, prioritizing privacy and involvement. Among his other pursuits, Milner maintained an enthusiasm for automobiles, notably reflected in his ownership of a custom 1953 Bentley R-Type Sedanca , and expressed a fondness for alongside classical composers like Ravel and Tchaikovsky. These interests complemented his outdoor hobbies and reinforced his choice of a low-key life in .

Death

Martin Milner passed away on September 6, 2015, at the age of 83 in his longtime home in , in County. He was surrounded by his wife, Judy, and surviving children during his final moments. He was survived by three grandchildren. The cause of death was , following a period of declining health due to complications from heart disease. A private service was held for the family, and his remains were cremated.

Legacy

Cultural impact

Martin Milner's portrayal of Tod Stiles in Route 66 (1960–1964) helped pioneer the road-trip drama genre on television, depicting two young drifters traversing America in a convertible while confronting social issues and personal quests, which captured the era's restlessness and optimism. This nomadic format, filmed on location across 25 states, anticipated the countercultural disaffection of the era by emphasizing rootlessness over domestic stability and influencing later road narratives that explored freedom and rebellion. The show's blend of and existential themes provided a template for wandering protagonists in subsequent programs, reflecting cultural shifts toward and self-discovery. In (1968–1975), Milner as veteran officer Pete Malloy alongside rookie Jim Reed shaped the police procedural genre by offering a realistic portrayal of routine patrol work in , emphasizing procedure and humanity amid the 1970s social unrest following events like the . The series, supported by the LAPD to improve community relations, presented an idealized "good cop" image that countered negative perceptions, with co-star noting it represented "the 99 percent of police officers who are out there doing a daily job." This positive depiction boosted LAPD recruitment significantly, as former Chief credited the show with inspiring "thousands of men and women applying to become LAPD officers," including himself, while officers nationwide cited it as a key motivator for entering . Across both roles, Milner embodied clean-cut American masculinity in 1960s–1970s television, portraying wholesome, moral young men— a privileged seeker in Route 66 and a dependable lawman in Adam-12—that resonated as symbols of youthful integrity and reliability during a time of cultural upheaval. Following Milner's death in 2015, reruns of Adam-12 on networks like MeTV have sustained a dedicated fanbase, with the show airing weekdays to introduce new generations to its enduring appeal in exploring American identity and duty. Reruns of Route 66 have also contributed to ongoing interest in Milner's work.

Recognition

Martin Milner received limited formal accolades during his career, with no major wins but notable recognition for his portrayals in television. In 2004, he and co-star were awarded the Jose A. Cota for by the Police Historical Association, honoring their contributions to the community through and ongoing support for police initiatives. This recognition underscored the series' influence on of policing, as evidenced by honorary mentions in television periodicals like , which praised Milner's gentlemanly persona and the show's authentic depiction of police work. Police organizations frequently acknowledged Milner's impact via informal tributes, emphasizing how inspired generations of officers. The (LAPD), which consulted on the series, credited Milner with embodying professional and compassionate policing that improved real-world practices during and after the show's run from 1968 to 1975. highlighted this legacy, stating that the program made the department "better" by setting a standard for ethical conduct that officers emulated. Following Milner's death on September 6, 2015, tributes poured in from peers, fans, and . The LAPD honored him with an "end-of-watch" radio broadcast, a traditional call used for fallen officers, delivered by retired dispatcher , who had voiced similar transmissions on . A memorial service at LAPD headquarters featured an honor guard, bagpipers, and a video tribute attended by family and co-star , where Beck reiterated Milner's role in promoting a positive image of the force. Obituaries in Variety and the celebrated his career, noting his sincere performances in Route 66 and that resonated with audiences and influenced American television.

Filmography

Film

Martin Milner's film career spanned from the late 1940s to the , beginning with uncredited and minor roles in dramas and war films before transitioning to supporting characters in notable Hollywood productions. His early appearances often featured him as young supporting actors in ensemble casts, gradually leading to more defined roles in genres like noir, Westerns, horror, and . Below is a chronological overview of his theatrical film credits, highlighting key roles and their context within the films.
  • Life with Father (1947): Milner debuted as John Day, one of the sons in this adaptation of the popular Broadway play depicting a 19th-century New York family led by a domineering father, marking his entry into feature films as a child actor.
  • Sands of Iwo Jima (1949): In an uncredited role as a Marine, Milner appeared in this Academy Award-nominated war drama starring John Wayne, which chronicles the training and battles of a Marine platoon during World War II, praised for its realistic portrayal of combat.
  • Louisa (1950): Playing Bob Stewart, the grandson, Milner contributed to this lighthearted comedy about a grandmother's romantic pursuits, directed by Alexander Hall and featuring Ronald Reagan, noted for its charming exploration of generational family dynamics.
  • Our Very Own (1950): As Bert, Milner supported the story of a young woman (Ann Blyth) grappling with her adoption, a heartfelt drama that received positive reviews for its emotional depth.
  • I Want You (1951): Milner portrayed George Kress Jr., a young man facing the draft during the Korean War, in this topical drama directed by Mark Robson, emphasizing the impact of war on American families and earning acclaim for its timely social commentary.
  • Operation Pacific (1951): Appearing uncredited as a sailor, Milner was part of John Wayne's submarine crew in this World War II action film, which focused on naval warfare in the Pacific and was appreciated for its thrilling underwater sequences.
  • Fighting Coast Guard (1951): In the role of Al Prescott, Milner played a Coast Guard recruit in this adventure film about the service's transition to the Navy during World War II, highlighted for its action-oriented plot and ensemble cast.
  • Halls of Montezuma (1951): Milner had an uncredited bit part as a Marine in this gritty war ensemble starring Richard Widmark, depicting a platoon's final mission in the Pacific theater, renowned for its intense battle scenes.
  • Dial M for Murder (1954): Milner played a policeman outside the Wendice flat (uncredited) in Alfred Hitchcock's suspense thriller about a husband's murder plot against his wife, Grace Kelly, lauded as a masterclass in tension and 3D cinematography.
  • The Long Gray Line (1955): Uncredited as Jim O'Carberry, Milner appeared in John Ford's biographical drama about West Point instructor Marty Maher (Tyrone Power), celebrated for its heartfelt depiction of military tradition and Irish-American heritage.
  • Mister Roberts (1955): As an uncredited Shore Patrol officer, Milner featured in this comedy-drama based on the hit play, starring Henry Fonda as a frustrated Navy officer, which won multiple Oscars and is remembered for its witty take on wartime bureaucracy.
  • Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957): Credited as James Earp, Milner supported the iconic Western showdown between Wyatt Earp (Burt Lancaster) and Doc Holliday (Kirk Douglas), a box-office success known for its epic gunfight recreation.
  • Sweet Smell of Success (1957): As Steve Dallas, a struggling press agent, Milner delivered a notable performance in this cynical New York noir directed by Alexander Mackendrick, starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis, critically acclaimed for its biting satire on media and power.
  • Marjorie Morningstar (1958): Portraying Wally Wronkin, a camp counselor and friend to the protagonist (Natalie Wood), Milner appeared in this romantic drama about a Jewish woman's showbiz aspirations, adapted from Herman Wouk's novel and featuring Gene Kelly.
  • Compulsion (1959): Milner played Sid Brooks, a reporter covering the Leopold and Loeb-inspired murder trial, in this courtroom drama directed by Richard Fleischer, starring Orson Welles and noted for its psychological depth and strong performances.
  • 13 Ghosts (1960): As Benjamin Rush, the family lawyer, Milner appeared in William Castle's gimmick-filled horror film, famous for its viewer-directed ghost-seeing glasses and campy supernatural thrills.
  • Valley of the Dolls (1967): As Mel Anderson, the devoted husband of Jennifer North (Sharon Tate), Milner provided grounded support in this scandalous adaptation of Jacqueline Susann's novel about aspiring actresses battling fame and pills, a cultural phenomenon despite critical panning.
Later in his career, Milner took on fewer film roles, focusing primarily on television.

Television

Martin Milner's television career began in the early 1950s with guest appearances on anthology and procedural series, marking his transition from film roles to episodic television. One of his earliest notable television credits was a guest role as Stephen Banner in the episode "The Big Producer" of Dragnet in 1952. Milner's breakthrough came with the lead role of Tod Stiles, a young wanderer seeking purpose across America, in the adventure series Route 66, which ran from 1960 to 1964 and comprised 116 episodes filmed on location throughout the . Following a period of film work, Milner returned to series television as veteran LAPD officer Pete Malloy in the Adam-12, co-starring with from 1968 to 1975 across 174 episodes, portraying realistic depictions of patrol duties that influenced public perceptions of . In the 1970s, Milner reprised his character in the made-for-television movie Emergency! (1972), assisting in a crisis at a medical center. He also appeared as the victim Jim Ferris in the pilot episode "Murder by the Book" (1971). Later in the decade, he starred in the TV movie Runaway! (1973) as engineer John Shedd, dealing with a derailed train emergency. The 1980s and 1990s saw Milner in numerous guest roles on popular series, including multiple appearances on Murder, She Wrote as characters such as Admiral Len Spalding in "Race to Death" (1996), Bill Maguire in an episode that year, and others like Clint Phelps across the run starting in 1984. A notable reunion with McCord occurred in the 1989 TV movie Nashville Beat, where Milner played Captain Brian O'Neal, a police officer assisting in , though not reprising their original characters. Milner's later television work included voice contributions to radio adaptations but no major roles were documented in his credits.

References

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