Vince Martin (actor)

Vince Martin (born 3 July 1955) is a Dutch-Australian actor, editor, director, jazz singer, and musician.

Martin was born as Vincent Markesteijn in the Netherlands and was raised in Australia from the age of 7. He is well known for his stint on soap opera E Street portraying Steven Richardson (aka 'Mr. Bad'), in one of the series popular recurring story arcs.^[1]

Martin began as a film editor on police drama series Homicide. His editing career had begun at the age of 16 at Crawford Productions. He quickly moved on to directing television series for the same company.

Beginning in the 1970s, Martin became a regular face on Australian television, with both guest starring series roles, and regular roles in several soap operas, as well as films. He played two different characters in teen soap Class of '74, then completed regular stints in soaps Number 96 (as David Palmer), The Restless Years (as Craig Garside) and The Young Doctors (as Dr. Richard Quinlan).

From 1977, Martin appeared in a regular capacity in soap opera Kirby's Company, a soap opera about the stories of three generations of males from one family.^[2] He also had regular roles in Sons and Daughters (as Matt Kennedy). He also played Phil Bryant, one-time husband of Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) in long-running soap opera Home and Away.^[3] Martin's role as serial killer Steven Richardson (better known as 'Mr Bad') over the course of a year in soap opera E Street saw the series reach record ratings.^[1]

Martin's television guest appearances include Chopper Squad, Special Squad and Mission: Impossible.

Martin film credits include playing the title role of Keiron in 1985 TV movie Keiron: The First Voyager and antagonist Steve Beck in 1988 thriller Watch the Shadows Dance (aka Nightmaster) opposite Nicole Kidman in one of her early roles.^[4][5] In 1994, he played Jimmy Pollard in thriller Ebbtide with Harry Hamlin.^[6] He later featured alongside Tom Hanks in 2000 American survival film Cast Away,^[7] as Pilot Albert Miller. In 2012, he played Wayne in New Zealand family film Kiwi Flyer (also known as Derby Dogs).^[8][9]

Martin worked as a regular director on soap opera Sons and Daughters. He also directed episodes of Neighbours and A Country Practice.^[10] He went on to direct the 1990 mystery thriller film The Sher Mountain Killings Mystery.^[11] Martin co-wrote the film script for Joan Collins' book "Prime-Time".^[12]

During the early 1980s, Martin also performed with his band New Toys as lead singer in venues around Sydney.

Martin currently performs in various jazz & blues ensembles in New York City and Los Angeles, at venues including Birdland, The Blue Note, House of Blues and the Hollywood Grill.^[7] He covers artists including Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Frank Sinatra, B. B. King, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton and Ray Charles.^[7]

Martin's decades-long campaign for Beaurepaires New Zealand aired in both New Zealand and Australia, beginning in the 1980s. It won international advertising awards and made him one of the most recognised performers in New Zealand. He became one of the longest serving retail brand spokespersons in New Zealand television history.^[7][13]

Martin has a daughter, Emma. After working in Los Angeles, he now works in New York City and New Jersey as a jazz singer/musician. After 10 years together, Martin married Jenifer Swenson on 29 April 2014.

• Vince Martin on Facebook
• Vince Martin at IMDb