Most Famous Martins in the World
The name Martin shows up across film sets, recording studios, comedy stages, and festival headliners. From celebrated directors to arena-filling musicians and beloved actors, these Martins have shaped popular culture with instantly recognisable work and long-running careers.
Below is a friendly, fact-packed tour of notable people named Martin. You’ll find quick career snapshots, hallmark projects wrapped in single quotes where relevant, and concrete achievements that explain why these names keep appearing in credits, charts, and award lists.
Martin Scorsese
An American filmmaker from New York City, Scorsese is associated with character-driven dramas and crime epics. He has collaborated repeatedly with actors such as Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio on films including ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Raging Bull’, ‘Goodfellas’, ‘The Departed’, ‘The Irishman’, and ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. His work appears frequently on industry and critics’ lists of significant films, and he co-founded The Film Foundation to preserve cinema history.
Beyond directing, Scorsese is a documentary storyteller with titles like ‘No Direction Home’ and ‘George Harrison: Living in the Material World’. His editors and cinematographers, notably Thelma Schoonmaker and Michael Ballhaus, are recurring partners, and his productions have earned Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Directors Guild honors across multiple decades.
Martin Freeman
An English actor, Freeman gained international attention as Tim Canterbury in ‘The Office’ and as Dr. John Watson in ‘Sherlock’. He played Bilbo Baggins in ‘The Hobbit’ film trilogy and Everett K. Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe entries including ‘Black Panther’.
Freeman’s work spans comedy and drama across television, film, and audio. He created and starred in the police procedural ‘The Responder’, and his performances have earned BAFTA and Emmy recognition, as well as ensemble awards for his television casts.
Martin Sheen
Born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez, Martin Sheen is an American actor known for film roles like ‘Apocalypse Now’ and television work as President Josiah Bartlet in ‘The West Wing’. His career includes collaborations with directors such as Francis Ford Coppola, Terrence Malick, and Oliver Stone.
Sheen’s credits range from independent dramas to major studio projects, voice acting, and documentary narration. He has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and awards, and he has long supported social and humanitarian causes through public advocacy.
Martin Lawrence
An American comedian and actor, Martin Lawrence starred in the sitcom ‘Martin’ and co-led the ‘Bad Boys’ action-comedy franchise opposite Will Smith. His filmography includes comedies such as ‘Big Momma’s House’, ‘Blue Streak’, and ‘Life’.
Lawrence’s stand-up specials and tours frequently sold out large venues, and his hosting and sketch work on television built a lasting audience for his comedy. He continues to appear in film sequels and reunion projects tied to his earlier hits.
Martin Short
A Canadian-American actor and comedian, Martin Short rose to prominence on sketch series including ‘SCTV’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’. His film roles include ‘Three Amigos’ and ‘Innerspace’, and he has an extensive stage career spanning Broadway and touring productions.
Short’s variety specials and late-night appearances highlight his characters and musical comedy. He co-stars with Steve Martin and Selena Gomez in ‘Only Murders in the Building’, earning awards attention for ensemble and individual performances.
Martin Garrix
Martin Garrix is a Dutch DJ and producer who topped international charts with the single “Animals”. He has headlined major festivals including Ultra, Tomorrowland, and Coachella and maintains a residency presence in leading club destinations.
Garrix runs his own label to release original tracks and collaborations with artists across pop and dance music. He has produced official songs for global sporting events and frequently appears in year-end lists of touring and streaming metrics for electronic artists.
Martin Campbell
A New Zealand–born director, Martin Campbell is known for revitalising major action franchises. He directed ‘GoldenEye’ and ‘Casino Royale’, each introducing a new era for the James Bond series with updated tone and production scale.
Campbell’s action-thrillers include ‘The Mask of Zorro’ and ‘The Foreigner’, and he has directed for television, including British crime dramas early in his career. His films are often noted for stunt-driven set pieces and practical effects coordination with second-unit teams.
Martin Clunes
An English actor and presenter, Martin Clunes is best known for the long-running medical dramedy ‘Doc Martin’. He first came to wide TV attention in ‘Men Behaving Badly’, and his film and stage work spans comedy and drama.
Clunes has presented travel and natural history documentaries, fronting series on islands, horses, and dogs. He was appointed OBE for services to drama, charity, and the community, and he serves as a patron for several animal welfare organisations.
Martin Compston
A Scottish actor, Martin Compston is widely recognised for the police drama ‘Line of Duty’, in which he plays DS Steve Arnott. He began his screen career with the critically noted film ‘Sweet Sixteen’, moving from sports ambitions to acting.
Compston’s television roles include crime, thriller, and family drama series across British and international networks. He appears regularly in contemporary miniseries and anthology projects, balancing lead and ensemble parts.
Martin Gore
An English songwriter, musician, and founding member of Depeche Mode, Martin Gore is responsible for much of the band’s catalogue, including lyrics, composition, and keyboards/guitar. Depeche Mode’s albums and tours have drawn large global audiences for decades.
Gore’s solo releases explore electronic instrumentals and cover projects, and he has collaborated with producers and artists across synth-pop and industrial genres. His work has earned induction honors with Depeche Mode in major music halls of fame.
Martin Solveig
Martin Solveig is a French DJ, producer, and radio presenter known for dance hits such as “Hello”. He has performed at clubs and festivals across Europe, North America, and Asia, and contributes regular mixes to broadcast and streaming platforms.
Solveig collaborates with vocalists and producers in pop and house music, and he directs many of his own music videos and visual campaigns. His releases chart on dance rankings and receive heavy rotation in club playlists and radio formats.
Martin Henderson
A New Zealand actor, Martin Henderson has starred in hospital drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and leads the romantic drama series ‘Virgin River’. His film credits include the thriller ‘The Ring’ and action titles alongside international casts.
Henderson works across American and Australasian productions, alternating between television series and feature films. He also appears in independent projects and limited series, adding producer roles on selected titles.
Martin Kove
An American actor, Martin Kove is known for playing John Kreese in ‘The Karate Kid’ films and the series ‘Cobra Kai’. His career includes numerous action and genre projects across film and television.
Kove’s recurring role in ‘Cobra Kai’ reintroduced his character to a new generation, expanding the franchise’s continuity. He participates in fan conventions, podcasts, and promotional tours tied to the series and its related media.
Martin Starr
An American actor, Martin Starr gained attention on ‘Freaks and Geeks’ and later appeared in ‘Silicon Valley’ as Bertram Gilfoyle. His film work includes supporting roles in comedies and superhero entries, with appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe connected to ‘Spider-Man’ titles.
Starr’s television credits span comedy ensembles and guest arcs on streaming and cable series. He also writes and produces select projects, contributing to independent film and web productions.
Martin Kemp
Martin Kemp is an English musician and actor, best known as the bassist for Spandau Ballet. The band’s hits, including “True” and “Gold,” were central to the New Romantic movement, and Kemp’s performances feature in concert films and tours.
As an actor, he played notable roles in British film and television, including the drama ‘EastEnders’. He has presented documentaries and reality formats and authored autobiographical and music-related books.
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