Lock Martin

Joseph Lockard Martin

Joseph Lockard Martin Jr. (October 12, 1916 – January 19, 1959), known professionally as Lock Martin, was an American actor best known for his role as the robot Gort in the 1951 science fiction film The Day the Earth Stood Still. Standing at 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm) tall due to a condition known as acromegaly, Martin's height was a key factor in his casting in the role of Gort.

Early Life

Little is known about Martin's early life. Born in Pennsylvania, he moved to California in the early 1940s, where he found work as a doorman at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. His towering stature made him a local celebrity and eventually led to his discovery by film producers.

Career

Lock Martin's film career was brief, largely due to his health issues related to his height. Besides his iconic role in The Day the Earth Stood Still, Martin appeared in a few other films and television shows, often typecast due to his size. His roles included appearances in Invaders from Mars (1953) and a few episodes of The Adventures of Superman.

Despite his limited filmography, Martin's portrayal of Gort remains a significant part of science fiction cinema history. His performance helped to cement the character as one of the genre's most memorable robots, largely due to the imposing physical presence he brought to the role.

Personal Life and Death

Martin's health was a constant challenge, and his acromegaly contributed to his early death at the age of 42. He passed away in Los Angeles, California, and left behind a legacy that, while brief, made a lasting impact on the science fiction genre.

Legacy

Lock Martin is remembered today primarily for his role as Gort. His portrayal has been celebrated for its contribution to the film's themes of peace and the potential for humanity to destroy itself. The character of Gort, and by extension Martin's performance, has been analyzed in film studies and remains a topic of interest for fans of classic science fiction.

Filmography

• The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) as Gort
• Invaders from Mars (1953)
• Appearances in The Adventures of Superman

See Also

• Science fiction film
• Acromegaly
• Robot in film