J.J. Martinez(IV)
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Born in Los Angeles, California, JJ Martinez is a dynamic and versatile first-generation Mexican-American actor, writer, director, and producer. With roots tracing back to the Mexican state of Coahuila, Martinez grew up on the Texas-Mexico border in the 1980s, a backdrop that deeply influenced his artistic journey.
Martinez's passion for the performing arts ignited at the tender age of eight, with his early roles in school and community theaters. His breakthrough came with a speaking role in the ITC Films production "Barbarosa," starring Willie Nelson and Gary Busey and directed by Fred Schepisi. In this film, he portrayed one of the young grandsons of "Don Braulio," played by the legendary Gilbert Roland.
Martinez continued to hone his craft in high school theater and furthered his education at The University of Texas at Austin. His stage presence flourished in numerous productions across Austin and San Antonio, including notable performances in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," both in Austin and off-Broadway. His expertise expanded into stage combat choreography, and in the 1990s, he co-founded the Border Players, a Southwest theatrical company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare to young audiences in rural Texas. His standout roles included Mark Antony in "Julius Caesar," King Theseus in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and Mercutio in "Hamlet."
In recent years, Martinez has revitalized his film acting career in Texas and founded his independent film production company, Dos Tacos y Un Chile Films. His recent credits include portraying the lead character "Gordo" and directing the trailer for "The Giveback" (2018), produced for Apple RCC. In 2023, he produced the short film "Cassidy vs the Toilet Seat" for Austin Film Meets. His multifaceted talents were showcased in the 2024 short film "California Landshark," where he served as the screenplay writer, director, and co-producer, produced for the 48HR Austin Texas Film Project.
Martinez holds a Level 1 Stunt Actor certification from Extreme Hollywood Stunts in Texas (2023), further solidifying his commitment to mastering all facets of the craft.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Martinez cherishes time with his college sweetheart Heather Lee, their two children, and three grandchildren. He has a profound love for horses, family, nature, and the vibrant culture of Austin.
Martinez's passion for the performing arts ignited at the tender age of eight, with his early roles in school and community theaters. His breakthrough came with a speaking role in the ITC Films production "Barbarosa," starring Willie Nelson and Gary Busey and directed by Fred Schepisi. In this film, he portrayed one of the young grandsons of "Don Braulio," played by the legendary Gilbert Roland.
Martinez continued to hone his craft in high school theater and furthered his education at The University of Texas at Austin. His stage presence flourished in numerous productions across Austin and San Antonio, including notable performances in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," both in Austin and off-Broadway. His expertise expanded into stage combat choreography, and in the 1990s, he co-founded the Border Players, a Southwest theatrical company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare to young audiences in rural Texas. His standout roles included Mark Antony in "Julius Caesar," King Theseus in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and Mercutio in "Hamlet."
In recent years, Martinez has revitalized his film acting career in Texas and founded his independent film production company, Dos Tacos y Un Chile Films. His recent credits include portraying the lead character "Gordo" and directing the trailer for "The Giveback" (2018), produced for Apple RCC. In 2023, he produced the short film "Cassidy vs the Toilet Seat" for Austin Film Meets. His multifaceted talents were showcased in the 2024 short film "California Landshark," where he served as the screenplay writer, director, and co-producer, produced for the 48HR Austin Texas Film Project.
Martinez holds a Level 1 Stunt Actor certification from Extreme Hollywood Stunts in Texas (2023), further solidifying his commitment to mastering all facets of the craft.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Martinez cherishes time with his college sweetheart Heather Lee, their two children, and three grandchildren. He has a profound love for horses, family, nature, and the vibrant culture of Austin.
