Strother Martin, born on March 26, 1919, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, began his acting career in the 1950s, primarily in theater. He honed his craft in regional productions and on Broadway, often taking on character roles that allowed him to showcase his unique, gravelly voice and imposing physical presence.

Martin’s breakthrough into film came in the 1960s with roles in several notable movies. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of the sadistic prison guard, Captain Clayton, in the 1967 classic “Cool Hand Luke.” His memorable line, “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate,” became one of the most quoted lines in cinema history. This role, along with others in films like “The Wild Bunch” and “Patton,” cemented Martin’s status as a respected character actor.

Strother Martin’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Strother Martin’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, according to the latest available information.

Strother Martin’s Career

Strother Martin, born in 1919, was an American actor known for his distinctive voice and character roles. He began his career in the 1950s, appearing in various television shows and films. Martin’s breakthrough role came in the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke,” where he played the memorable character of Captain. He continued to act until his death in 1980, with notable credits including “Patton,” “The Wild Bunch,” and “The Getaway.”

Strother Martin’s Other Ventures

Besides acting, Strother Martin was also a talented musician. He played the harmonica and wrote songs, with some of his compositions being featured in films he appeared in. However, his musical ventures did not significantly contribute to his net worth, which was primarily generated from his acting career.

Strother Martin’s Assets

Strother Martin’s assets included his primary residence in Los Angeles, California, which he purchased in the 1960s. He also owned a ranch in Texas, where he spent much of his time when not working. His personal belongings, including his harmonicas and wardrobe from various films, are considered part of his estate’s assets.

Strother Martin’s Annual Income

Strother Martin’s annual income varied throughout his career. In his early years, he earned around $500 per week for television appearances. His income increased significantly with his film roles, with “Cool Hand Luke” alone earning him $25,000. However, his exact annual income is difficult to determine due to the lack of available records and the varying nature of his work.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Strother Martin

What is Strother Martin’s net worth?

Strother Martin’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.

When was Strother Martin born?

Strother Martin was born on March 26, 1919.

Where was Strother Martin born?

Strother Martin was born in Wilson County, Texas, USA.

What was Strother Martin’s cause of death?

Strother Martin died of lung cancer on August 27, 1980.

How tall was Strother Martin?

Strother Martin was 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) tall.

What was Strother Martin’s zodiac sign?

Strother Martin’s zodiac sign was Aries.

What was Strother Martin’s first film role?

Strother Martin’s first film role was in the 1955 film “The Fastest Gun Alive”.

What are some of Strother Martin’s most famous films?

Some of Strother Martin’s most famous films include “Cool Hand Luke”, “The Wild Bunch”, and “Patton”.

Did Strother Martin win any awards for his acting?

Yes, Strother Martin won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film “Patton”.

What was Strother Martin’s final film role?

Strother Martin’s final film role was in the 1980 film “The Long Riders”.