Alison Martino is a notable writer, television producer, and historian, best known for her expertise in the rich cultural tapestry of Los Angeles. Born on December 15, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, she is the daughter of acclaimed singer Al Martino and model and flight attendant Judi Stilwell Martino. Her upbringing in a family intertwined with the entertainment industry undoubtedly influenced her path, leading her to become a prominent figure in documenting the history of the city she loves.
Martino’s career began to take shape as she cultivated her passion for Los Angeles history, which earned her the affectionate title of the "Godmother" of old LA and the Sunset Strip. Her extensive knowledge and insights have been featured in a plethora of regional publications, including Curbed LA, Los Angeles Magazine, WeHoVille, The Hollywood Reporter, and national outlets such as Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, and The New York Times. This wide-ranging recognition underscored her status as a leading historian of the area.
In addition to her work as a writer, Martino is an accomplished television producer. During the late 1990s and 2000s, she held various production roles, contributing to notable shows such as Mysteries and Scandals on E! Entertainment Television, as well as popular reality series like Trading Spaces, Celebrity Rehab, and the critically acclaimed intervention series Intervention. Her versatility in the industry allowed her to blend her historical insights with the entertainment world effectively.
Martino's talents extend beyond production; she has embraced new media through her creation of the online community Vintage Los Angeles in 2010, a platform dedicated to documenting the history and culture of Los Angeles. This initiative reflects her commitment to preserving the legacy of the city while engaging with a contemporary audience. In 2014, she collaborated with P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes of The Ebersole Hughes Company to launch the web series VLA TV, which premiered on her YouTube channel, further showcasing her innovative approach to storytelling.
She also made significant strides in documentary filmmaking, co-producing a documentary on the iconic actress Jayne Mansfield titled Mansfield 66/67 in 2017. Her efforts in this area highlight her dedication to exploring and preserving the stories of influential figures in Hollywood history.
In recent years, Martino has taken on the role of on-air host and producer for Spectrum News, contributing to a series called The SoCal Scene, which is produced by Make Fresh Productions. Her current work continues to reflect her passion for Los Angeles and its vibrant history, solidifying her status as a prominent historian and media personality. Through her writing, production, and hosting, Alison Martino remains a vital force in the celebration and preservation of the cultural heritage of Los Angeles.