Martin John Marquez was born on October 8th, 1963, in Coventry, England, to Anglo-Spanish parents. His English mother met his Spanish father while on holiday in Spain. This unique cultural blend had a profound impact on Marquez's upbringing and would later influence his acting career.
Marquez's younger brother, John Marquez, is also an actor, and the pair have performed together as a comedy duo, known as the Brothers Marquez. They have also appeared in several television shows, including the popular British soap opera "EastEnders." Martin has made a guest appearance in the television show "Doc Martin," where his brother plays the role of dim constable Penhale.
Marquez has five children, and one of his daughters, Ramona, began her acting career at the tender age of six, starring in the sitcom "Outnumbered." She and her brother, Raoul, also appeared in the film "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."
Growing up in Coventry, Marquez attended King Henry VIII school. After leaving school, he took over his father's chip shop and worked as a personal trainer and hotel barman. However, it was a friend who persuaded him to join a youth theatre group that sparked his passion for acting.
Throughout the 1990s, Marquez built an impressive stage career, performing in a variety of productions, including "Private Lives," "Jude the Obscure," "Flesh and Blood," and "Method and Madness" at the Lyric, Hammersmith. He has also appeared in the National Theatre's production of the musical "Anything Goes," both in London and on tour.
In addition to his stage work, Marquez has appeared in several television shows, including "Hotel Babylon," where his brother made a one-off appearance, and "The Job Lot," where he played the role of fussy security guard Paul.
