Adolfo Larrue Martínez III, known professionally as A Martinez, is an American actor and singer who has built an enduring career spanning over five decades across daytime television, primetime dramas, and feature films. Born on September 27, 1948, Martinez first gained widespread recognition for his work in the soap opera genre, where his compelling performances made him a fan favorite. He is perhaps best known for his role as Cruz Castillo on Santa Barbara, a performance that earned him a Daytime Emmy Award and solidified his status as a leading man in daytime television. His work on the show established him as a versatile actor capable of conveying deep emotion and intensity, leading to a long and varied career that has seen him transition seamlessly between genres.

Martinez’s early career included a notable film role in The Cowboys (1972), where he appeared alongside John Wayne in a classic Western that showcased his talent in a supporting role. He continued to build his resume with appearances in primetime series before landing the iconic part of Cruz Castillo on Santa Barbara in 1984. His portrayal of the complex, romantic hero earned him critical acclaim and a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1990. After his run on Santa Barbara ended, Martinez became a familiar face on other major soap operas, including General Hospital, One Life to Live, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Days of Our Lives, demonstrating his enduring appeal in the daytime arena.

Beyond soap operas, Martinez expanded his reach into primetime television with recurring roles on acclaimed series such as L.A. Law and Profiler. He later found a new generation of fans with his role as Jacob Nighthorse on the hit modern Western Longmire, where his nuanced performance as a conflicted businessman added depth to the series. More recently, he has starred in the AMC crime drama Dark Winds, a show that explores Navajo culture and crime, further showcasing his ability to bring authenticity and gravitas to Native American characters. His filmography also includes the cult classic Powwow Highway (1989), the horror film Curse of Chucky (2013), the action thriller Ambulance (2022) directed by Michael Bay, and the Western Far Haven (2023). With a career defined by versatility, longevity, and a commanding screen presence, A Martinez remains a respected and active figure in the entertainment industry, continuing to take on roles that highlight his range as both an actor and a singer.