Sandy Martin (actress)

2.1. Childhood and Education

Sandy Martin was born on March 3, 1949. While many sources confirm her birth year as 1949, some references indicate 1950. Her birthplace is predominantly cited as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, although some accounts suggest she was born in New York. Details regarding her specific educational background beyond her early entry into acting are not widely documented.

2.2. Early Theatre Career

Martin began her acting journey at the remarkably young age of 15. She quickly immersed herself in the world of theater, becoming a founding member of several highly successful theatrical companies in both New York City and Los Angeles. In New York, she was instrumental in the establishment of two prominent troupes: the WPA Theater and the Perry Street Theater. During her time with these companies, Martin had the opportunity to collaborate with notable actors such as Christopher Lloyd and John Savage, further honing her craft and contributing to the vibrant artistic communities of these major cities. Her dedication to the stage formed the fundamental basis of her acting prowess before she expanded her repertoire to other mediums.

3.1. Film Roles

3.2. Television Roles

3.3. Notable Performances and Critical Reception

Sandy Martin's career is marked by several memorable performances across film, television, and voice acting that have garnered significant attention. One of her most iconic roles is that of Grandma Carlinda Dynamite in the 2004 cult classic film Napoleon Dynamite. Her portrayal of the quirky, four-wheeler-riding matriarch left a lasting impression, and she reprised this role in the subsequent animated television series.

On television, Martin is well-known for her recurring role as Mrs. Mac (or Mrs. McDonald) in the long-running comedy series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Her character's often gruff and cynical demeanor has made her a fan favorite. She also had a significant role as Sandy Patrick, Mickey Donovan's sister-in-law, in the crime drama series Ray Donovan.

Beyond live-action performances, Martin has also lent her distinctive voice to animated productions. In 2003, she provided the English voice for the character Abercrombie in the Japanese anime series Astro Boy. Additionally, Martin voiced Grandma Paguro in the Pixar animated feature film Luca.

In film, Martin delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Momma Dixon, the mother of Officer Dixon (played by Sam Rockwell), in the 2017 Academy Award-winning film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Her character provided a crucial supporting presence within the film's narrative. Another notable appearance was as Verna the Secretary in Tim Burton's 2019 live-action adaptation of Dumbo. Martin has stated that her connection with director Tim Burton dated back to the Beetlejuice era, through her friend Glenn Shadix, who played Otho in that film. Their reconnection was facilitated by Ben Davis, the director of photography for both Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Dumbo, who suggested Martin for the role of Verna to Burton.

Perhaps one of Martin's most discussed roles is Selma Green in the HBO series Big Love. Selma Green was the sibling of polygamous cult leader Roman Grant and the first wife of Grant's rival polygamous cult leader, Hollis Green. The character of Selma Green sparked considerable discussion and interest among fans due to her masculine gender presentation and expression. Her husband, Hollis Green, notably referred to her as "Brother Selma," further contributing to the character's unique and complex identity within the series. This portrayal opened up avenues for discussion among audiences about gender identity and presentation in media, reflecting broader social commentary on identity and societal norms within the context of a fictional, religiously-motivated community.