Skip Martin was an outstanding British actor, whose talent and dedication to his craft often went unnoticed, as he had a sporadically active career, limited to a small number of film and television appearances. Born Derek George Horowitz on March 28, 1928, in Sydenham, London, England, Martin's acting journey began with a significant role in Otto Preminger's historical drama, "Saint Joan".
Throughout his career, Martin was frequently cast in horror movies, showcasing his versatility and range as an actor. One of his most notable performances was as the cunning Hop Toad in Roger Corman's masterpiece, "The Masque of the Red Death", which solidified his reputation as a master of his craft.
Martin's impressive repertoire also includes memorable roles such as the sneaky blackmailer, Mr. Big, in "Circus of Fear", the sinister Michael in the eerie and offbeat Hammer film, "Vampire Circus", the hapless Frederick in the delightfully campy "Horror Hospital", and the deliciously wicked evil dwarf, Igor, in the failed horror comedy, "Son of Dracula".
Between acting assignments, Martin worked as a tobacconist, demonstrating his adaptability and resourcefulness. Unfortunately, Martin's life was cut short, and he passed away at the age of 56 on November 4, 1984, in London, England. Despite his relatively short career, Skip Martin left a lasting impact on the film industry, and his legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.
