D'Urville Martin was a vital and accomplished supporting actor who frequently appeared in a variety of delightfully gritty 1970s blaxploitation films. Born on February 11, 1939, in New York City, Martin initially began his acting career in the 1960s, with an early role as an elevator attendant in the iconic film "Rosemary's Baby".
He soon became a staple in the 1970s blaxploitation cinema cycle, frequently collaborating with legendary blaxploitation icon Fred "The Hammer" Williamson. Martin's most memorable roles included portraying Williamson's reluctant partner, Toby, in the "Black Caesar" pictures, as well as his old childhood friend, Reverend Rufus, in both "Black Caesar" and its sequel, "Hell Up in Harlem".
In addition to his work with Williamson, Martin appeared in two films directed by William Girdler: he played the villainous Pilot in the Pam Grier-starring "Sheba, Baby" and a flamboyant pimp in the enjoyably campy "The Zebra Killer". Martin also ventured into directing, helming the comedy classic "Dolemite", in which he also played Willie Green, as well as "Disco 9000".
Throughout his career, Martin made numerous guest appearances on popular television shows, including "Dr. Kildare", "Daniel Boone", "The Monkees", "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.", "The Invaders", "All in the Family", "Love, American Style", and "Ironside".
Unfortunately, Martin's life was cut short due to a hard-partying lifestyle, resulting in his untimely death from a heart attack at the age of 45 on May 28, 1984.
