After completing his studies in drama at Columbia University, Jared Martin embarked on his acting career with a role in the crime comedy “Murder à la Mod” (1968), directed by his college roommate Brian De Palma, where he portrayed the character Chris. The next year, he appeared in another De Palma film, the comedy “The Wedding Party” (1969), which also marked Robert De Niro’s debut on screen.
Following this, Jared Martin made a series of appearances on television, gradually building his resume. From 1972 to 1976, he became a familiar face on the cop drama “The Rookies” (ABC), where he played multiple roles across several episodes. His versatility as an actor was further showcased in 1977 when he took on the starring role of Varian in the sci-fi series “The Fantastic Journey” (NBC).
Jared Martin reached a significant milestone in his career in 1979 when he was cast as Steven Farlow in the long-running soap opera “Dallas” (CBS 1978–1991), a role that would define much of his professional life until the show’s conclusion. During this same period, he also portrayed Harrison Blackwood in the sci-fi series “War of the Worlds” (syndicated 1988–1990), adding another memorable character to his repertoire.
In the 1980s, Martin appeared in smaller roles in B films such as “Quiet Cool” (1986) and “Karate Warrior” (1987), continuing to contribute to the industry in various capacities. After “Dallas” ended, he largely stepped away from acting, though he did return briefly in 2003 to serve as the narrator in Joey Grossfield’s short film “The Sun Is One Foot Wide.”
Jared Martin passed away on May 24, 2017, at the age of 75, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His contributions to film and television left a lasting impression on audiences and colleagues alike.
Jared Martin’s most acclaimed work in terms of movies, films, or music is The Congressman (2016), which stands out as his highest-rated project. On the other end of the spectrum, his lowest-rated film is The Lonely Lady (1983), a project that didn’t receive the same level of appreciation from audiences or critics. Jared Martin has had a varied career, but these two titles represent the extremes in terms of public reception. While The Congressman showcased his talent in a more favorable light, The Lonely Lady seems to have been a less successful venture for Jared Martin.