Olympic Hopeful - The Life and Sad Ending® of Strother Martin

#thelifeandsadending
A mini bio about the life and career of actor Strother Martin. His most famous role was in the film "Cool Hand Luke". Also his voice was used in "Civil War" by Guns n Roses.

[@alvincash3230]

Strother Martin was one of the all time greats. Every time he appeared on screen, he stole the show.

[@garyjohnson7133]

He sure did he was fantastic!👍👍👍

[@garyjohnson7133]

He was a fantastic actor!

[@doug2078]

Hard Times !! The Best fight movie ever made !!

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

You are correct.

[@duanehamdorf2228]

One of my favorite actors. That's the way he wants it so, that's the way he gets it. 😄

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

Another great line!

[@inthewoods6111]

I always enjoyed his characters.

[@brigcastle]

He was great! That voice. First time I saw him was in an episode of Gilligan's Island. I was just a lad. He looked so much older than 61!

[@ThomasGidley-kv2uj]

Strother was my favorite character actor by far.

[@DoubleDoubleWithOnions]

The old days must of been harsh. 61 year old men looked 91.

[@ratfinkie62]

My parents did. I’m 62, and I’m told I look 47.

[@donlarocque5157]

I'm 59. Back in the 70s I thought he was in his 60s.

[@samual3006]

​@@ratfinkie62Don't think so 🤔

[@tomodonovan5931]

@@ratfinkie62 Look at what Hugh Hefner looked like in his seventies. His money told young women he looked their age.

[@doughooks7411]

Yeah, life was a little tougher back in the day. No phone, no lights, no motor car, not a single luxury. Like Robinson Crusoe, it’s primitive as can be.

[@wannabe41]

Leprechaun? Now that’s versatility. He was the consummate character actor. He often played characters that looked so rough and grisly, I thought he was a much older man. R.I.P.

[@Boomersdth]

he was unique.he was fun to watch .He was a great Actor. I liked him in everything I saw him in God rest his soul, 61 ?wow

[@sallykohorst8803]

RIP to Strother! Thanks for sharing his story.

[@TheStuport]

I knew Mr. Strother had passed away at what I think is a very young age for a senior citizen. But his history of heart problems was not a unknow fact and he was also battling diabetes, so that surely wasn't helping him physically. I do remember seeing him as The Warden in "Cool Hand Luke" and absolutely hating him as a kid. As an adult kid I realize that he was making me feel that way because he was so damn good at his craft. Was always a treat to watch him in just about anything he did. For me it was a Really big deal when he showed up on one of my all time favorite TV shows, "The Rockford Files" in a Two Part episode from 1977! Love your Channel Steverino and appreciate you saving me a seat! MOO From COW-lumbus, Ohio 👋

[@user-ov4mk9ox8y]

and then he was "recycled" at the Mining Engineer and boss with Paul Newman in "Butch Cassidy"!!!!

[@marianneegland5576]

He was also in a number of Perry Mason episodes. I just love him; reminded me of being just this side of crazy!

[@reconphil]

Strother Martin was very good in numerous Perry Mason episodes. He was great as the father of Tommy Chong in Up in Smoke. He even did a two parter in the Rockford Files. I think one of his greatest roles was in the Wild Bunch with L.Q. Jones as his partner.

[@johammond9359]

WOW, I never knew any of his early years. Mostly when he was older and didn't know his name. Thank you so much for telling us about him. 👍 And he left us at a young age.

[@bubbispapa2053]

He's always been one of my favorite supporting characters. Loved him in "Slap Shot" and "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean," both with Paul Newman. I've always wanted to watch "Hard Times." You've given me one more reason to add that film on my bucket list.

[@marknewton6984]

Hard Times-- excellent! 😮

[@user-ov4mk9ox8y]

So he did at least FOUR films with Newman: add "Cool Hand Lunke" AND "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance KId" where he plays the Bolivian mining boss. !!

[@stevegrow5349]

I use to take good actors and good scripts for granted. However, in today’s green screen super hero driven movie era I really miss the great actors and movies of the past. Leading actors and character actors today can’t hold a candle to the era of my youth. We need more Strother’s, thanks for this video and all the others you make. A major part of life is reflecting on memories and your production is such a pleasant stroll down memory lane. Good job!

[@SeanVplayer]

There was something about Strother Martin that made him unique. Always enjoyed what he brought to his roles. His character in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance was another stand out supporting role.!

[@blujay9191]

Nicely done. He was also very good in Slap Shot. His weasely response in the scene where Paul Newman's character threatens him with outing his deviant behavior is great.

[@Sandra-cm1du]

He was an excellent character actor. I always loved his acting. Too young to die. RIP.

[@user-ow1iu2wz1x]

So many great roles he played but my fav was The Ballad of Cable Hogue with Jason Robards, L.Q. Jones and Slim Pickens. He was so funny and I loved his voice. All those guys were so influential in the movies. It was a magical time in Hollywood history. Love Strother Martin and think of him often. ❤

[@ksw501]

Another outstanding video, thanks Steve. Not sure if you mentioned that he also appeared in a movie titled Slap Shot (1977?)

[@stevenfarmer2660]

I saw him on an episode of Gilligan's Island as a contestant who could survive on a deserted island by himself while using The castaways food and cooking utensils!

[@user-co7fb6qe5w]

Struther has many memorable lines but my favorite was from "The Wild Bunch"..."I I I cen nail this un"...classic.

[@TeslaTales59]

Yes, this was a short life. He did look weathered.! One of my favorite small parts, was in Butch Cassidy. He was singing a song when he was gunned down. Great presentation sir! Here's a suggestion: Benny Hill!

[@alanratay4583]

Hard Times is an absolutely fantastic movie. Strother, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn are great.

[@johnmeadows5645]

He was great in the movie "Fools Parade" with Jimmy Stewart and Curt Russell.

[@JamesHGroffSr]

He was a excellent actor. Rest in peace, STRO.

[@frankdenardo8684]

Very interesting. I remember he served as a swimming instructor with the United States Navy in San Diego. I remember watching Hard Times, The Wild Bunch, Cool Hand Luke, and Love & Bullets.

[@zenglider2145]

One of a kind, incomparable! "Some min you jes cain't reach ... an ah don't like eet any more'n you min." ... Cool Hand Luke

[@Gator1699]

I've said that line for years love it. Especially to the Woman. 🐊

[@riverbender9898]

His magic in roles was so impressive! Thanks Steve.

[@barryobee1544]

What a back story with his diving skills past!

[@larrymondello8475]

This was a really good video. The movie hard times with Charles Bronson, James Coburn, And struther martin It's one of my favorite movies. I've seen it at least 10 times. Struther Martin is one of my favorite character actors Thank you.

[@MrRhmccabe]

The Wild Bunch...........perfect film.

[@marlenepearson3936]

I remember him. Wonderful character actor. 🙏

[@richwood1522]

"HARD TIMES".....great movie.

[@mikeknox2408]

Cool hand Luke is one of my favorites

[@MrHeadbanger366]

I think he proved it's better to have a solid reputation as a character actor. You get steadier work that way.

[@garyowen9044]

What an actor! The voice over that plays in my head when I think of the Barney Jones theme music, is “Tonight’s Special Guest Star: Strother Martin”.

[@bamboo59.52]

Love your show. Did not know any of this, 61!! I'm 66 in a few months 😳 Cool hand Luke is still a brilliant film, shaking it boss .

[@tonycanabal1659]

He was great as Chong's dad in his brief appearance in Up In Smoke!😂

[@Jugivadi]

"Boss what we gonna do with him?" Struther, "Put em in the box, he got rabbit in 'em."

[@royr7046]

Strother Martin also had a small role in 1978's "UP IN SMOKE" as Chong's wealthy father.

[@ThomasGidley-kv2uj]

Good movie but his part is the best part. I laughed until I nearly puked.

[@user-co7fb6qe5w]

@@ThomasGidley-kv2uj Tommy Chong driving away in his VW with dad's Rolls Royce grill tied to the front of it...too funny.

[@paulgrimm]

Great actor !Hard Times was my favorite Bronson movie

[@richardbrentlynn9905]

One of my favorite roles he played was chong's father and up in smoke It was a small road. He had an iconic line

[@Deadfoot-Dan]

I was just thinking of this guy yesterday, when I listened to the opening of "Civil War" by Guns n Roses, and the next day this video pops up.

[@TheModbeats]

One of a group of character actors from that era(50's -70's) that many will recognize, but few will know by name. He was also in a funny episode of Gilligan's Island.

[@paulsarnik8506]

Me too with the "dyed in the wool hophead" Cutman Poe. "In my third year in Medical School there arrived a small, dark cloud on Campus. I left UNDER it!"😮😆. 🙏🏼🤓😎✌🏼Yeah, gone way too soon.😓🙏🏼

[@mooshuguy5141]

His bit part in “Up in Smoke” was just hilarious

[@tonyarichards5430]

My family is from the Kokomo area. Some still there. He’s my favorite when he’s a cowboy.

[@BBJohnny52]

I liked him in the John Wayne movies. You remember the movie he was in where he was turning guys into snakes? I'm 58 today and 61 is so young. Sad.

[@paulsarnik8506]

I first became "aware" of Strother from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Tho I had seen him multiple times before subconsciously. Then as I started seeing his multi, Multi, MULTI character roles is would say "Hey, there goes the 'Colorful' dude!" 😮again, and Again and AGAIN!😅. 🤓😎✌🏼

[@vince1638]

Only 61, geez he looked 80! Great Actor.

[@whittler0507]

I really wouldnt call it a sad ending ..I know he died rather young ..But Martin was one of the most famous character actors of his time ..He worked with some of the most famous of hollywood stars and was loved by all his fellow actors ..A one of a kind character actor

[@richardpowell7214]

Absolutely!!!😎👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@thrashpondopons8348]

I love 'Hard Times'! & he has some of the best lines! I always wondered if it was true that SNL approached him as guest host because they mistook him for Tennessee Williams! (???)

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

His character on the Dick Van Dyke show was modeled after Williams.

[@tommccallan8802]

He played a sun burned,half crazy, desert gold prospector..on 1 episode on Gun Smoke..its a good one.

[@user-co7fb6qe5w]

Remember that classic line he gave Tommy Chong upon Tommy walking away from him in "Up in Smoke" or one of their movies...Tommy walks away giving Strother the finger. Next scene is a RR radiator grill tied to the front of his Volkswagen lol.

[@rcdyer]

He was one of my favorite character actors. A real natural. He had a small part in Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke as well. Was hilarious.

[@ChicagoBeaver]

I remember a fellow movie buff and ex coworker tell me once, one of the best movies ever made was "Hard TImes." He liked it that much. I also loved it, Charles Bronson at his best!

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

It has held up over time for sure.

[@thecoolcreativebuildchanne2613]

I just saw him in the Cheech and Chong movie "Up in Smoke" and he was really funny in this film! Very talented actor! It is interesting how people used to look alot older for their age than nowadays.

[@danholm4952]

Got to mention slap shot, he was great in that!

[@rhinomechanics8423]

yep with 'ol John wayne.. Newman..He turned up almost everywhere in those days.. Butch cassidy and the sundance kid.

[@cathialford9604]

Loved his voice. He used it to make each of his characters his own.

[@georger2972]

He played T. T. Flowers in ‘The Trees, the Bees, and T. T. Flowers’ on The Rockford Files in 1977.

[@casey6518]

Believe I saw the episode of Gunsmoke last couple days, the one where he's an old man in the desert with his gold making Fetus & the outlaw carry his gold back to that deserted town he was from to show it off to everyone bc he imagines seeing people in the town once there!

[@TrudyHoyle]

I wouldn’t say sad ,he accomplished more in his lifetime than most people do.I thought he was a great character actor and loved his movies. gone way to soon .rip stro😩

[@billbest9483]

Up In Smoke!

[@dannypowers4995]

Love him on Gunsmoke

[@pwnedddddd]

I like these "sit down" stye bios. You should do one for Jim Varney.

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

Done Did it, recently refreshed and put it back up. Know what I mean?

[@pwnedddddd]

@@TheLifeandSadEnding Thanks!

[@matta3968]

He played Chong's dad in the movie Up in Smoke.

[@bhartley868]

Is there ever not a sad ending ?

[@donsmith8614]

he was really funny in the wild bunch with that all star cast!

[@SL-vi4tk]

Life with Tempest Stoner couldn't have been easy.

[@michaelgoldberg7127]

If memory serves, wasn't he also n Bonnie and Clyde?????? He was excellent as the father who made a deal with police to betray them. His son, C.W. Moss was a member of the Barrow Gang and he made a deal to have his son serve just a coupe of years in jail. GREAT character actor!!!!!!!!!!!

[@busybee4436]

He was hilarious in True Grit.

[@dannystaton5386]

😂 .good memories 🎉

[@franksavage8031]

Don't forget "Slapshot".

[@phylliswurm9473]

He was a good actor but for me he always had a creepy/mean look about him. Those eyes. Nevertheless, I got past creepy and liked his work. Interesting background. 👍

[@markmillward9733]

"He was only 61" maybe the good ol days weren't that good. That's too young.

[@martyyoung3611]

There were three major westerns made in 1969. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Wild Bunch and True Grit, Strother was in all three. My favorite scene of his is The Finkelstein Shit Kid scene from Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke.

[@ashesantics]

❤❤❤

[@NickCC23]

Strother was the first Saturday Night Live host to die.

[@northshoremoana]

I remember him! I never knew his name. Didn't know he died that long ago and that young. He looked rough.

[@joeanderson9852]

🙏🙏👍👍

[@murrayselinger9185]

He also played on bonanza

[@deborahbarlow5069]

So who played Earnest T Bass?

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

Howard Morris.

[@deborahbarlow5069]

Oh ok. Can you do a video on him, please?

[@gonavy1]

Ah another sailor ⚓

[@dimpsthealien333]

Hi Steverino! If you stop posting vids, we'll know you came to your own sad demise 😢.

[@mikecamalier2653]

How is going to do your sad end.

[@user-em2nh2hh8m]

And the Alamo

[@HypocriticYT]

Swimming instructor in the navy? Swimming only prolongs the drowning 😢