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Max Martini

Maximilian Carlo Martini (born December 11, 1969), known professionally as Max Martini, is an American actor recognized for his portrayals of military and law enforcement characters in film and television.^[1] Born in Woodstock, New York, to an Italian father and an American mother, Martini holds citizenship in the United States, Canada, and Italy, and was raised across those countries while learning to speak Italian fluently.^[2]^[1] He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York and began his career in theater before transitioning to screen roles, including in the 1988 film Paramedics.^[3]^[1] Martini's breakthrough came with supporting parts in war films like Saving Private Ryan (1998), where he played Corporal Fred Henderson, and [The Great Raid](/page/The Great Raid) (2005), as First Sergeant Sid Wojo.^[1] On television, he gained prominence as Sergeant Mack Gerhardt in the CBS series The Unit (2006–2009) and as Staff Sergeant John Seda in HBO's The Pacific (2010).^[1] His film work expanded into action and thriller genres with roles in Captain Phillips (2013), Pacific Rim (2013) as Herc Hansen, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016), and as Jason Taylor in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy (2015–2018).^[1] In addition to acting, Martini has worked as a writer, producer, and director on independent projects, and he attended the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York for acting training.^[3]^[4] As of 2025, Martini continues to appear in high-profile productions, including season 2 of Paramount+'s Lioness (2024), the sci-fi thriller Osiris (2025) opposite Linda Hamilton, and the neo-noir film Hollywood Grit (2025) with Tyrese Gibson.^[5]^[6]

Early life

Childhood and family

Maximilian Carlo Martini was born on December 11, 1969, in Woodstock, New York, to an Italian father, Raffaelle Martini Pandozy—a sculptor and reformist artist born in Rome—and an American mother, Patricia Dunne, a private investigator and parole officer originally from Texas.^[7]^[8] His parents raised him in a creative household, with his father's artistic pursuits shaping early influences.^[8] Martini has two younger siblings: brother Christopher Martini, an actor and producer, and sister Michelle Martini, a costume designer, both of whom followed paths in the entertainment industry.^[7] In 1982, when Martini was about 13, his mother remarried Stuart Margolin, an acclaimed actor, director, and screenwriter known for his Emmy-winning work on The Rockford Files, who became his stepfather and further immersed the family in Hollywood circles.^[8] Martini's childhood involved frequent moves, including time spent in California due to his mother's career and later in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where he attended St. Michael's University School as a teenager before returning to New York City.^[8] This peripatetic upbringing, split between the U.S. and Canada, contributed to his bilingual abilities in English and Italian, and his eventual citizenship in the United States, Canada, and Italy.^[8]

Education

Martini received his early education in California and Canada. He attended Santa Monica High School in California, where he played football as a kicker and helped win a state championship, before transferring to St. Michaels University School in Victoria, British Columbia, where he was enrolled in Grade 7 during the 1981–1982 school year.^[9]^[10] Following high school, Martini relocated to New York City to pursue a career in acting. He began his formal acting training at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, a renowned institution for method acting techniques. He later continued his studies at Michael Howard Studios in Manhattan, where he completed the majority of his professional acting preparation under the guidance of instructor Michael Howard.^[3]^[11]^[12] In the early 1990s, after initial forays into acting, Martini paused his performance career to focus on visual arts. He enrolled at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and sculpture.^[11]^[3]^[12]

Career

Film

Max Martini's film career began in the 1980s with minor roles in independent features, including a part in the crime drama The Glitter Dome (1984). He continued with small appearances in comedies like Paramedics (1988) and the short film Pictures of Baby Jane Doe (1995), gradually building experience in supporting parts. His breakthrough came in the late 1990s with roles in two high-profile Hollywood productions: he portrayed Willie, a scientist, in Robert Zemeckis's science fiction film Contact (1997), opposite Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey, and played Corporal Henderson, a member of the U.S. Army Rangers, in Steven Spielberg's World War II epic Saving Private Ryan (1998). These performances established Martini as a reliable character actor capable of handling intense, ensemble-driven narratives.^[13] Following a period focused on television, Martini returned to feature films in the early 2010s with prominent supporting roles in action blockbusters. In Captain Phillips (2013), directed by Paul Greengrass, he depicted a U.S. Navy SEAL Commander leading the rescue operation, contributing to the film's tense portrayal of the Maersk Alabama hijacking.^[14] That same year, he co-starred in Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim as Herc Hansen, a seasoned Jaeger pilot partnering with his brother to battle giant monsters, showcasing his affinity for high-stakes sci-fi action.^[15] Martini's military-themed roles continued in Michael Bay's 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016), where he portrayed real-life CIA contractor Mark "Oz" Geist, one of the security team defending the U.S. diplomatic compound during the 2012 attack.^[16] His performance earned praise for authentically capturing the heroism and trauma of the event.^[17] In the mid-2010s, Martini expanded into other genres, taking on the recurring role of Jason Taylor, Christian Grey's stoic bodyguard, across the Fifty Shades trilogy—Fifty Shades of Grey (2015), Fifty Shades Darker (2017), and Fifty Shades Freed (2018)—which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide combined. He also appeared in supernatural thrillers like Spectral (2016), a Netflix sci-fi action film, and Eli (2019), a Paramount horror entry directed by Ciarán Foy. Transitioning behind the camera, Martini made his directorial debut with Sgt. Will Gardner (2019), a drama he wrote, produced, and starred in as an Iraq War veteran struggling with PTSD and reintegration into civilian life; the film premiered at the Mammoth Film Festival and highlighted his commitment to veteran stories.^[18] More recently, he featured in George Clooney's coming-of-age dramedy The Tender Bar (2021) as a family member and has upcoming projects including the sci-fi thriller Osiris (2025).^[19] Throughout his film work, Martini has specialized in authoritative, physically demanding characters, often in military, action, or ensemble settings, amassing over 50 credits by 2025.^[13]

Television

Martini began his television career with guest roles in the late 1980s and 1990s, appearing in episodes of series such as Neon Rider (1989, as Dana Grady), The Pretender (1996, as Todd Baxter), Nash Bridges (1996–1997, as Larry Fortina), and The Outer Limits (2000, as Curtis Sandoval).^[20] These early appearances established him in procedural and sci-fi genres, often portraying supporting characters in single episodes.^[13] In the early 2000s, Martini secured his first series regular role as Jack Wiley in the UPN sci-fi drama Level 9 (2000), where he played a key operative in a cyber-security unit combating digital threats.^[20] He followed this with guest spots on high-profile shows, including three episodes of 24 (2001, as Agent Steve Goodrich), three episodes of CSI: Miami (2003–2005, as Bob Keaton), and one episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2003, as Jason Kent).^[20] These roles highlighted his versatility in intense, investigative formats.^[21] Martini's breakthrough in television came with his portrayal of Master Sergeant Mack Gerhardt, a Delta Force operator balancing military duties and family life, in the CBS military action-drama The Unit (2006–2009). He appeared in 67 episodes as a series regular across four seasons, earning praise for bringing authenticity to the character's high-stakes operations and personal struggles.^[20]^[22] The series, created by David Mamet, showcased Martini's ability to embody disciplined military figures, a recurring theme in his career. He also portrayed Staff Sergeant John Seda in the HBO miniseries The Pacific (2010).^[13] Post-The Unit, Martini maintained a steady presence with recurring and guest roles on network dramas. Notable among these was his seven-episode arc as Frank Stevens, a bodyguard entangled in a web of revenge and corporate intrigue, on ABC's Revenge (2011–2012).^[20] He also guest-starred on shows like Burn Notice (2007, as Gerard), Lie to Me (2009, three episodes as Dr. Dave Burns), Castle (2009, two episodes as Hal Lockwood), and NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–2019, five episodes as Arlo Turk).^[20] In 2014, he returned to series regular status as Kozlowski, a Secret Service agent in a conspiracy-laden plot, in NBC's political thriller Crisis (12 episodes).^[20] In the late 2010s and 2020s, Martini shifted toward streaming and limited series, often in lead or pivotal supporting roles within thriller and horror genres. He starred as Ryan Grant, a meticulous Purge participant, in the USA Network's The Purge anthology series (2018, 10 episodes).^[20]^[23] This was followed by his role as Edward Coventry, a professor entangled in a magical fraternity war, in Netflix's The Order (2019, 9 episodes).^[20] Other recent credits include a guest appearance as Alastair Henderson in Doom Patrol (2019), Detective Don Ellis in seven episodes of Amazon's Bosch: Legacy (2022), and Tracer, a CIA operative, in eight episodes of Paramount+'s Lioness (2023) and a recurring role in season 2 (2024).^[20]^[21]^[24] These performances underscore his continued demand in ensemble-driven action and suspense narratives.^[13]

Directing and producing

In addition to his extensive acting career, Max Martini has ventured into directing and producing, often taking on multiple roles in independent films that explore themes of veteran experiences, horror, and thriller genres. His directorial debut came with Sgt. Will Gardner (2019), a drama he also wrote, produced, and starred in as the titular Iraq War veteran struggling with PTSD and traumatic brain injury while on a cross-country journey to reconnect with his son.^[25] The film, which featured co-stars like Omari Hardwick, Lily Rabe, and Gary Sinise, pledged 30% of its proceeds to charities supporting veterans with TBI, PTSD, and homelessness, reflecting Martini's personal commitment to these issues.^[26] Martini's second directorial effort, The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre (2021), was a horror-comedy he also produced, following a wrestling tag team trapped in an arena during a Halloween cage match amid a zombie outbreak caused by a mutated rabies virus.^[27] Starring Chris Margetis and Mike Carey, with appearances by Randy Couture, the film blended lucha libre elements and low-budget effects to create a campy survival tale, showcasing Martini's interest in genre filmmaking. As a producer, Martini has collaborated on several projects, including serving as executive producer on What the Night Can Do (2020), a crime drama directed by his brother Christopher Martini, where he also acted as Marty Cole, a man confronting his past in a West Virginia town.^[28] His producing credits extend to more recent thrillers like Hollywood Grit (2025), a noir crime story he co-produced and starred in as ex-cop Grit Thorn searching for his missing daughter in a seedy Hollywood jazz scene, alongside Tyrese Gibson and Patrick Duffy.^[29] Similarly, he co-produced the sci-fi action film Osiris (2025), in which he played Special Forces commando Kelly, leading a team abducted by extraterrestrials during a mission.^[30] These efforts highlight Martini's role in fostering independent productions that often draw from his acting background and advocacy for military narratives.^[31]

Personal life

Marriage and children

Martini has been married to Canadian actress and producer Kim Restell since November 25, 1997.^[32] The couple met in 1996 and have maintained a private family life while supporting each other's careers in the entertainment industry.^[33] Restell has appeared in projects such as the film Happy Gilmore (1996)^[34] and has worked as a producer on various independent productions. Martini and Restell have two sons: Sean Carlo Martini and Leo Martini.^[35] The family resides primarily in Los Angeles, where they have owned property since 2006.^[4] Martini has occasionally shared reflections on fatherhood, describing the births of his children as among the most profound experiences of his life.^[4]

Citizenship and heritage

Max Martini holds citizenship in the United States, Canada, and Italy.^[2]^[12] Born on December 11, 1969, in Woodstock, New York, he is the son of Raffaelle Martini Pandozy, an Italian sculptor and reformist artist from Rome, and Patricia, an American private investigator and parole officer from Texas.^[7] His maternal ancestry is primarily Irish, with one-eighth English.^[7] Martini's stepfather was actor and director Stuart Margolin (died February 3, 2022). He has a younger brother, actor Christopher Martini, and a sister, Michelle. Martini was raised in Victoria, Canada, and New York City, and he speaks Italian fluently.^[7]^[2]

Filmography

Film

Max Martini's film career began in the 1980s with minor roles in independent features, including a part in the crime drama The Glitter Dome (1984). He continued with small appearances in comedies like Paramedics (1988) and the short film Pictures of Baby Jane Doe (1995), gradually building experience in supporting parts. His breakthrough came in the late 1990s with roles in two high-profile Hollywood productions: he portrayed a young pilot in Robert Zemeckis's science fiction film Contact (1997), opposite Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey, and played Corporal Henderson, a member of the U.S. Army Rangers, in Steven Spielberg's World War II epic Saving Private Ryan (1998). These performances established Martini as a reliable character actor capable of handling intense, ensemble-driven narratives.^[13] Following a period focused on television, Martini returned to feature films in the early 2010s with prominent supporting roles in action blockbusters. In Captain Phillips (2013), directed by Paul Greengrass, he depicted a U.S. Navy SEAL Commander leading the rescue operation, contributing to the film's tense portrayal of the Maersk Alabama hijacking.^[14] That same year, he co-starred in Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim as Herc Hansen, a seasoned Jaeger pilot partnering with his brother to battle giant monsters, showcasing his affinity for high-stakes sci-fi action.^[15] Martini's military-themed roles continued in Michael Bay's 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016), where he portrayed real-life CIA contractor Mark "Oz" Geist, one of the security team defending the U.S. diplomatic compound during the 2012 attack.^[16] His performance earned praise for authentically capturing the heroism and trauma of the event.^[17] In the mid-2010s, Martini expanded into other genres, taking on the recurring role of Jason Taylor, Christian Grey's stoic bodyguard, across the Fifty Shades trilogy—Fifty Shades of Grey (2015), Fifty Shades Darker (2017), and Fifty Shades Freed (2018)—which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide combined. He also appeared in supernatural thrillers like Spectral (2016), a Netflix sci-fi action film, and Eli (2019), a Paramount horror entry directed by Ciarán Foy. Transitioning behind the camera, Martini made his directorial debut with Sgt. Will Gardner (2019), a drama he wrote, produced, and starred in as an Iraq War veteran struggling with PTSD and reintegration into civilian life; the film premiered at the Mammoth Film Festival and highlighted his commitment to veteran stories.^[18] More recently, he featured in George Clooney's coming-of-age dramedy The Tender Bar (2021) as a family member, the neo-noir thriller Hollywood Grit (2025) as Grit Thorn (which he also produced), and the sci-fi thriller Osiris (2025) as Kelly.^[19]^[29] Throughout his film work, Martini has specialized in authoritative, physically demanding characters, often in military, action, or ensemble settings, amassing over 50 credits by 2025.^[13]

Television

Martini began his television career with guest roles in the late 1980s and 1990s, appearing in episodes of series such as Neon Rider (1989, as Dana Grady), The Pretender (1996, as Todd Baxter), Nash Bridges (1996–1997, as Larry Fortina), and The Outer Limits (1995–2000, as Curtis Sandoval).^[20] These early appearances established him in procedural and sci-fi genres, often portraying supporting characters in single episodes.^[13] In the early 2000s, Martini secured his first series regular role as Jack Wiley in the UPN sci-fi drama Level 9 (2000), where he played a key operative in a cyber-security unit combating digital threats.^[20] He followed this with guest spots on high-profile shows, including three episodes of 24 (2001, as Agent Steve Goodrich), three episodes of CSI: Miami (2003–2005, as Bob Keaton), and two episodes of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2003 and 2011, as Jason Kent and Jarrod Malone).^[20] These roles highlighted his versatility in intense, investigative formats.^[21] Martini's breakthrough in television came with his portrayal of Master Sergeant Mack Gerhardt, a Delta Force operator balancing military duties and family life, in the CBS military action-drama The Unit (2006–2009). He appeared in 67 episodes as a series regular across four seasons, earning praise for bringing authenticity to the character's high-stakes operations and personal struggles.^[20]^[22] The series, created by David Mamet, showcased Martini's ability to embody disciplined military figures, a recurring theme in his career.^[13] Post-The Unit, Martini maintained a steady presence with recurring and guest roles on network dramas. Notable among these was his seven-episode arc as Frank Stevens, a bodyguard entangled in a web of revenge and corporate intrigue, on ABC's Revenge (2011–2012).^[20] He also guest-starred on shows like Burn Notice (2007, as Gerard), Lie to Me (2009, three episodes as Dr. Dave Burns), Castle (2009, two episodes as Hal Lockwood), and NCIS: Los Angeles (2018–2019, five episodes as Arlo Turk).^[20] In 2014, he returned to series regular status as Kozlowski, a Secret Service agent in a conspiracy-laden plot, in NBC's political thriller Crisis (12 episodes).^[20] In the late 2010s and 2020s, Martini shifted toward streaming and limited series, often in lead or pivotal supporting roles within thriller and horror genres. He starred as Ryan Grant, a meticulous Purge participant, in the USA Network's The Purge anthology series (2018, 10 episodes).^[20]^[23] This was followed by his role as Edward Coventry, a professor entangled in a magical fraternity war, in Netflix's The Order (2019, 9 episodes).^[20] Other recent credits include a guest appearance as Alastair Henderson in Doom Patrol (2019), Detective Don Ellis in seven episodes of Amazon's Bosch: Legacy (2022), and Tracer, a CIA operative, in eight episodes of season 1 of Paramount+'s Lioness (2023) and season 2 (2024).^[20]^[21] These performances underscore his continued demand in ensemble-driven action and suspense narratives.^[13]

References

[1]
Max Martini — The Movie Database (TMDB)
Maximilian Carlo "Max" Martini (born December 11, 1969) is an American film, theater and television actor known for his roles as Corporal Fred Henderson in ...
[2]
Max Martini - Biography - IMDb
Max Martini was born in New York to an Italian father and an American mother. He is a citizen of the United States, Canada, and Italy and speaks Italian ...
[3]
Max Martini Biography, Celebrity Facts and Awards - TV Guide
Birth Name:Maximilian Carlo Martini ; Birth Place:Woodstock, New York, United States ; Profession Actor, Producer, Director, Soundtrack, Writer ...
[4]
Max Martini Net Worth
Martini was educated at St. Michaels University School in Victoria, Canada. After that, he moved to New York City, where he studied acting at the Neighborhood ...Missing: family background
[5]
Linda Hamilton, Brianna Hildebrand Lead Sci Fi Movie 'Osiris'
Feb 6, 2024 · Martini is best known for his roles in Pacific Rim, 13 Hours, Captain Phillips, and TV series The Unit. He is currently filming and starring in ...
[6]
NEO-NOIR THRILLER HOLLYWOOD GRIT STARRING TYRESE ...
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HOLLYWOOD GRIT, a new indie thriller starring Tyrese Gibson (Transformers,Fast & Furious), Max Martini (The Unit, ...
[7]
Max Martini - Ethnicity of Celebs | EthniCelebs.com
Jan 27, 2017 · Max is the son of Patricia, a private investigator and parole officer, and Raffaelle Martini Pandozy, a sculptor and reformist artist. His ...Missing: family | Show results with:family<|control11|><|separator|>
[8]
Max Martini cinematic travel - Ep. 54 - The Travel Wins Podcast
Aug 5, 2019 · Early life. Martini's father, Raffaelle Martini Pandozy, a sculptor and reformist artist was born in Rome. Martini's mother, Patricia (née ...
[9]
Max Martini Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements
Sep 23, 2024 · Martini studied at Santa Monica High School as well as St. Michaels University School. Later, he attended School of Visual Arts and obtained a ...
[10]
Trivia - Max Martini - IMDb
He and Leslie Hope were at St. Michaels University School in Victoria, B.C. from 1981 to1982; Max was in Grade 7 while Leslie was in Grade 12.
[11]
Max Martini - IMDb
Max Martini was born in New York to an Italian father and an American mother. He is a citizen of the United States, Canada, and Italy and speaks Italian ...Biography · News · 7 of 122 · 13 Hours
[12]
Max Martini biography and filmography - Tribute.ca
New York native Max Martini grew up in a family that encouraged his interest in the arts, which first sparked his interest in acting.Missing: background education
[13]
Max Martini Movies & TV Shows List | Rotten Tomatoes
In 2013, Martini finally won a sizeable film role in a major production as one of the heroic pilots of the giant robots in the sci-fi/action movie "Pacific Rim.
[14]
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/captain_phillips
[15]
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pacific_rim_2013
[16]
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4172430/characters/nm0242882
[17]
'Pacific Rim' Actor Max Martini Joins Michael Bay's '13 ... - Variety
Feb 17, 2015 · “Pacific Rim” actor Max Martini is in negotiations to join the cast of Michael Bay's Benghazi thriller “13 Hours.”.
[18]
'Sgt. Will Gardner': Film Review - The Hollywood Reporter
Jan 10, 2019 · Max Martini writes, directs and stars in 'Sgt. Will Gardner,' a drama about a troubled Iraq War veteran, also featuring Lily Rabe, Robert Patrick, Elisabeth ...
[19]
Vertical Acquires North American Rights to Sci-Fi Thriller 'Osiris'
May 16, 2025 · Vertical has acquired North American rights to William Kaufman's sci-fi thriller “Osiris,” starring Max Martini, Brianna Hildebrand, LaMonica Garrett, Linds ...
[20]
Max Martini | TVmaze
Actor Guide for Max Martini. Complete TV filmography with main cast, guest cast, and show crew credits; biography; and gallery.
[21]
Max Martini - TV Guide
See Max Martini full list of movies and tv shows from their career. Find ... Blue Ridge: The Series as Earl 'The Pearl' Gibson. Blue Ridge: The Series.
[22]
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460690/
[23]
'The Purge': Derek Luke, Max Martini, Paola Nuñez & Joel Allen Set ...
Jun 21, 2019 · Martini will portray Ryan Grant. Unassuming yet laser-focused, Ryan spends his entire year precisely preparing for a massive once-a-year Purge ...
[24]
SGT. Will Gardner (2019) - IMDb
A troubled Iraq War veteran struggling to reintegrate into society sets out on a cross-country journey with the hope of reuniting with his young son.Full cast & crewParents guideUser reviewsSGT. Will Gardner (2019) - PlotSGT. Will Gardner (2019) - FAQ
[25]
Sgt. Will Gardner | Rotten Tomatoes
An Iraq War veteran takes a spirited motorcycle trip across America and picks up pieces of his life that have been lost since going into combat.
[26]
The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre (2021) - IMDb
The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre: Directed by Max Martini. With Chris Margetis, Mike Carey, David B. Meadows, Randy Couture.Full cast & crewUser reviewsPlot keywordsNewsVideos
[27]
What the Night Can Do (2020) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
Producers · Michael Hagerty · Michael Hagerty. producer · Tanya Hill · Tanya Hill. executive producer · Stuart Margolin · Stuart Margolin. producer · Max Martini.
[28]
Hollywood Grit (2025) - IMDb
Rating 8.1/10 (68) Hollywood Grit: Directed by Ryan Curtis. With Max Martini, Tyrese Gibson, Patrick Duffy, Linda Purl. When his daughter vanishes from a Hollywood jazz club, ...
[29]
Osiris (2025) - IMDb
Rating 4.7/10 (3,288) Osiris: Directed by William Kaufman. With Max Martini, Linda Hamilton, Brianna Hildebrand, LaMonica Garrett. Special Forces commandos are abducted ...
[30]
Max Martini — The Movie Database (TMDB)
Known For Acting ; Known Credits 85 ; Gender Male ; Birthday December 11, 1969 (55 years old) ; Place of Birth Kingston, New York, USA ...Missing: accurate | Show results with:accurate<|separator|>
[31]
Kim Restell - Biography - IMDb
She has been married to Max Martini since November 25, 1997. They have two children. Family. Spouse. Max Martini(November 25, 1997 - present) (2 children) ...
[32]
Max Martini and Kim Restell - Dating, Gossip, News, Photos
They were dating for 1 year after getting together in 1996 and were married in 1997. They have 2 children, Leo and Sean Carlo.
[33]
Max Martini - NNDB
Brother: Christopher ; Sister: Michelle ; Wife: Kim Restell (actress, m. 1997, two sons) ; Son: Leo Martini ; Son: Sean Carlo Martini.