Mark Anthony Martin, 71, passed away unexpectedly Monday, October 14, 2019 in Los Angeles. He was born on April 25, 1948 in New Bedford, MA, the son of Hannah (Nancy) H. (Dias) Martin and the late Lionel (Leo) J. Martin.
Mark graduated from New Bedford High School in 1966 and attended Bridgewater State College for two years, majoring in education.
Mark relocated to Los Angeles in 1968 to pursue his artistic desires and was accepted into the prestigious Pasadena College of Theater Arts (Pasadena Playhouse). While there, he was honored to be mentored by the likes of Raymond Burr and Agnes Moorhead. The College closed in 1969. Mark then travelled to New York City and performed in theatre that summer, including as a backup performer at Radio City Music Hall.
Mark returned to Los Angeles and pursued a career in the motion picture and television industry. Starting in 1970, he worked for every major studio in Hollywood (Paramount, National General Pictures, Burbank Studios, Warner Brothers, MGM/Sony, Columbia Pictures, Disney) in various capacities – studio administration, motion picture and television production, publicity, and motion picture and television project development. While in project development, Mark enjoyed working with such talent as Roddy McDowell. Much of his industry training was achieved through the tutelage and support of motion picture and television professionals from Hollywood’s classic era.
Mark was fluent in French and Russian, with knowledge of German, Italian, Dutch and Danish. He translated letters and typed translations for foreign movie subtitles into English, and also translated for visitors on the studio lots.
Earlier in his career, Mark enjoyed acting in several motion pictures; he was also in charge of a writer’s workshop and heavily involved in a film production workshop at Warner Brothers, helping to train the next generation of motion picture professionals.
Mark also worked in Human Resources at Disney Studios and then at Shamrock Holdings starting around 2004. At that time the “Save Disney” campaign started, to revive the fortunes of the Disney Company, which had been declining under Michael Eisner after the death of Frank Wells. Roy E. Disney and Stanley Gold lead the fight to enlist stockholders to oust Eisner. Mark was part of that team. During the “Save Disney” days, he would writhe many opinion pieces for the website and had a great knack for composing. His stories were always filled with passion and humor.
When Patty Disney was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Mark assisted as a caregiver, friend and social director. Patty’s family was very appreciative of his contributions to Patty’s quality of life.
Mark was part of a team of volunteers who, for many years, helped put on screenings at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood. He recently assisted with the screenings of the wide-screen classics – HOW THE WEST WAS WON; IT’S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD; 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY, and GRAND PRIX. Mark loved old films of all types and regularly showed up to watch and appreciate them; he was a collector of them, too. He also liked to help as an usher at the Cinerama Dome, the Pasadena Playhouse, and the Pink Lady’s Senior Star Power Shows, by greeting, seating people and handing out programs. Mark loved Hollywood and always enjoyed telling stories of his years working at the various studios.
Mark was known by friends, family and neighbors as one of the kindest and gentlest souls that they had ever met. He was always very friendly and polite, showing genuine concern about how others were doing even while undergoing his own trials.
Mark had a great love for God, his county and his fellow man and woman. He unapologetically held conservative convictions and spoke up and fought for causes close to his heat. He was an advocate for the homeless and those affected by the AIDS epidemic. He was a staunch supporter and strong advocate for saving Radio City Music Hall. He very much enjoyed attending services and bible study at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Los Angeles.
Mark was a very gifted writer, as reflected in his very moving novel, “I’LL LOOK TO THE SKY! Published in 2014, it was inspired by his experience at Pasadena College of Theatre Arts and was penned under the name of M. Anthony Martin. He also wrote and co-wrote several scrips for stage and screen, which embraced themes of love, redemption and spirituality. Mark will be remembered by all who knew him as being polite, thoughtful, kind, compassionate and caring. He loved God and people. His life was truly successful.
In addition to his mother, Mark is survived by his sister, Nancy Tessier of New Bedford, MA; paternal aunt, Rita Costa of Freetown, MA; cousin Gayle Brandley and her husband, Paul, of Venice FL; goddaughter, Lynn Perry of N. Dartmouth, MA; and several cousins; many dear friends who became his extended family while he resided in Los Angeles as well as those in the New Bedford Massachusetts area with whom he maintained friendships throughout his lifetime.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mark’s funeral service at 9:30 am on Friday, October 25th at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, Los Angeles. A viewing at 9:00 am will precede the service. Burial will follow at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood at 1:00 pm
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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