Dewey Martin (actor)
A rugged character actor who brought a grounded, everyman presence to classic westerns and adventure films of Hollywood's golden age.
1923–2018 (age 95)·American actor·Birthday: December 8·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Dewey Martin carved out a distinctive niche in mid-century American cinema as a dependable, square-jawed presence. Born in Kentucky, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before heading to Hollywood. His breakthrough came with a starring role in Howard Hawks's 1951 aviation drama 'The Thing from Another World,' where he held his own against screen veterans. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Martin became a familiar face in westerns like 'The Big Sky' and 'The Desperate Hours,' often portraying the loyal sidekick or the capable, if sometimes hot-headed, second lead. His career transitioned seamlessly into television, with guest spots on countless series from 'Bonanza' to 'The Rockford Files.' While never a marquee superstar, Martin's authentic, unpretentious style made him a favorite of directors seeking believable masculinity on screen.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Dewey was born in 1923, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dewey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1923
#1 Movie
The Covered Wagon
Dewey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1923Born
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1928Started school
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1936Became a teenager
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Could drive
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1941Could vote
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1944Turned 21
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1953Turned 30
DNA structure discovered by Watson and Crick
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,750Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Song from Moulin Rouge" — Percy FaithBest Picture: From Here to Eternity
1963Turned 40
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1973Turned 50
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1983Turned 60
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1993Turned 70
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2003Turned 80
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2018Died at 95
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
Key Achievements
- Starred as the co-pilot in Howard Hawks's seminal sci-fi classic 'The Thing from Another World' (1951).
- Played a key supporting role in the expansive western 'The Big Sky,' directed by Hawks.
- Appeared in over 50 television series, including major hits like 'Gunsmoke' and 'Mission: Impossible.'
- Had a leading role in the adventure film 'The Silent World' for producer Walt Disney.
Did You Know?
He was a skilled drummer and performed in bands before pursuing acting.
He served as a flight instructor in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
His final film role was in the 1997 movie 'The End of Violence,' directed by Wim Wenders.
“I learned to fly for 'The Thing from Another World' and never looked back.”
