Kellie Martin

From her start as a child actress to becoming a familiar face in beloved family dramas, hit medical series, and popular mystery franchises, Kellie Martin has carved out a unique and enduring career in Hollywood. Her journey reflects a thoughtful approach to her craft, balancing on-screen success with personal growth and academic pursuits. Join us as we explore the remarkable evolution of this versatile performer. Kellie Martin began her acting career at a remarkably young age, securing her first role through a family connection to Michael Landon. She became a household name through iconic roles in television dramas like 'Life Goes On' and 'ER,' captivating audiences with her nuanced performances. Beyond acting, Martin is a Yale graduate who has also ventured into directing, producing, and even authoring, showcasing her diverse talents and intellectual curiosity.

Source: Wikipedia

AI Summary

From her start as a child actress to becoming a familiar face in beloved family dramas, hit medical series, and popular mystery franchises, Kellie Martin has carved out a unique and enduring career in Hollywood. Her journey reflects a thoughtful approach to her craft, balancing on-screen success with personal growth and academic pursuits. Join us as we explore the remarkable evolution of this versatile performer.

A Star is Born—and Discovered

Born Kellie Noelle Martin in 1975, her path to the screen began when she was just seven years old. It was an unusual entry into the entertainment world, facilitated by a lucky connection. Her aunt, who happened to be the nanny for actor Michael Landon's children, helped young Kellie secure a guest spot on Landon's series, 'Father Murphy'.

Early Steps and Animated Voices

By age 11, Martin was already a contestant on 'Card Sharks' during Young People's Week, showing her early comfort in front of the camera. Her career quickly gained momentum with a recurring role on 'Valerie's Family: The Hogans' and even lent her voice to a beloved animated character. She became the original voice of the iconic Daphne Blake in 'A Pup Named Scooby-Doo', a role that many still fondly remember.

The Breakthrough: 'Life Goes On'

The role that truly catapulted Kellie Martin into the national spotlight was Rebecca 'Becca' Thatcher in the groundbreaking family drama 'Life Goes On'. Airing from 1989 to 1993 on ABC, the series tackled significant social issues and earned critical acclaim, establishing Martin as a talented young actress. She even co-hosted the pilot for 'America's Funniest Home Videos' alongside Bob Saget during this period.

Her early filmography also included a role in the enduringly popular 1989 film 'Troop Beverly Hills', starring Shelley Long. This period demonstrated her versatility, moving effortlessly between dramatic television, lighthearted film, and even voice-acting roles like Molly Tasmanian Devil in 'Taz-Mania' from 1991 to 1995.

From Lead Roles to Iconic Voices

The mid-90s saw Martin take on her own series, 'Christy', in 1994, where she played the title character, a young woman who moves to the Appalachian Mountains to teach. This heartfelt drama further solidified her reputation. She also captivated audiences in TV films like 'A Friend to Die For' and 'The Face on the Milk Carton', based on the popular book.

Beyond live-action, her voice work continued to shine, perhaps most notably as Roxanne, Max Goof's charming love interest in Disney's animated hit 'A Goofy Movie' in 1995. This role added another beloved character to her growing repertoire, endearing her to a new generation of fans.

The 'ER' Years and a Pivotal Pause

From 1998 to 2000, Kellie Martin joined the cast of the groundbreaking medical drama 'ER' as medical student Lucy Knight. This was a significant role, showcasing her ability to handle complex, high-stakes storytelling. What many didn't know was that Martin was actively pursuing a degree at Yale University at the time, and actually put her education on hold to join the show.

After her two impactful seasons on 'ER', she made a deliberate choice to step away from acting for three years. This break allowed her to return to Yale and complete her degree in art history, demonstrating a profound commitment to her academic goals alongside her successful career. It's a testament to her dedication both on and off screen.

Life After Yale: Mysteries and Motherhood

Returning to acting in 2003, Martin found a new niche with the Hallmark Channel, starring in 'Mystery Woman'. This film proved so popular that it launched a successful series of ten more films between 2005 and 2007, where she played Samantha Kinsey, a mystery bookstore owner who solves real crimes. She even stepped behind the camera to direct two of these films.

Her career continued to flourish with guest appearances on popular shows like 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Ghost Whisperer', and a notable role as Army Captain Nicole Galassini on 'Army Wives'. Martin consistently delivered strong performances, proving her enduring appeal to audiences across various genres.

The 'Hailey Dean Mysteries' Era

In 2016, Kellie Martin began another successful run with Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, starring as Hailey Dean in the 'Hailey Dean Mysteries' series. Her character, a former prosecutor turned therapist, brought a unique blend of insight and determination to solving crimes. These popular films are based on characters created by New York Times best-selling author Nancy Grace.

Beyond the Screen: Personal Life and Achievements

Kellie Martin is not just an accomplished actress; she's also an astute businesswoman and an author. She owns and operates her own toy store, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. Furthermore, she has authored a novel titled 'Madam: A Novel of New Orleans', demonstrating her talents extend to the literary world.

Her personal life is equally fulfilling. She married Keith Christian in 1999 in Polson, Montana, and together they have two daughters. Martin successfully navigated the demanding world of Hollywood while building a family and pursuing diverse interests, truly embodying a multi-faceted life.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Kellie Martin has received well-deserved recognition for her talent. She won a Young Artist Award for 'Life Goes On' and a Viewers for Quality Television Award. Later, she shared a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for her work on 'ER', a testament to her impactful contributions to television history.

Article

Kellie Martin

Kellie Noelle Martin (born October 16, 1975) is an American actress. Her roles have included Lolly in Potato Head Kids, Daphne Blake in A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, Emily Coleman in Troop Beverly Hills, Becca Thatcher in Life Goes On, Molly Tazmanian Devil in Taz-Mania, Sherry in Matinee, Christy Huddleston in Christy, Sadira in Aladdin, Roxanne in A Goofy Movie, Lucy Knight in ER, Samantha Kinsey in the Mystery Woman TV film series, and as Hailey Dean in the Hailey Dean Mysteries.

Early life

Kellie Martin

Martin began her acting career at age 7, when her aunt who was a nanny for actor Michael Landon's children helped her land a guest spot on the Landon-produced series Father Murphy. At the age of 11, she was a contestant during Young People's Week on the Bob Eubanks-hosted version of Card Sharks.

Career

Early years

Martin had a recurring role on season three of Valerie's Family: The Hogans (1987–1988). She also contributed the voice of Daphne Blake on the animated series A Pup Named Scooby-Doo in 1988–1991. In 1989, Martin began the role of Rebecca "Becca" Thatcher on the family drama Life Goes On, which ran on ABC for four seasons. She also played the role of Emily in 1989's Troop Beverly Hills, starring Shelley Long. Martin also co-hosted the 1989 pilot of America's Funniest Home Videos alongside Bob Saget.

1990s

Martin in 1993

From 1991 to 1995, Martin supplied the voice of Molly Tasmanian Devil on Taz-Mania. In 1993, she played Sherry in Matinee, and made a guest appearance as Cleo Walker on an episode of seaQuest DSV titled "Brothers and Sisters".

In 1994, she starred in her own series, Christy. Also in 1994, she starred in the Lifetime film A Friend to Die For. In 1995, she starred in The Face on the Milk Carton, a TV film based on the book by Caroline Cooney about a teenager who finds out she was kidnapped from her real family 13 years prior and had been raised by the parents of her kidnapper. She was in A Goofy Movie as the voice of Roxanne, Max's love interest.

In 1996, Martin starred in the Lifetime films After the Silence and Hidden in Silence. From 1998–2000, Martin appeared on the medical drama ER as medical student Lucy Knight. Martin was still attending Yale at the time and postponed her education so that she could join the cast. When she left ER, she stopped acting for three years and returned to Yale to finish her degree in art history.

2000s

In 2003, Martin starred in Mystery Woman, a Hallmark Channel film about the owner of a mystery bookshop who solves actual crimes. From 2005 to 2007, she made ten more Mystery Woman films for Hallmark, two of which she directed. Also in 2003, Martin had a supporting role on the comedic film Malibu's Most Wanted.

In 2006, she starred in the Lifetime film Live Once, Die Twice, followed by No Brother of Mine in 2007. Also in 2007, Martin provided the voice for the adult-version of Barbara Gordon on "Artifacts", an episode of The Batman.

In 2009, Martin was a guest on Grey's Anatomy, episode "No Good at Saying Sorry." She also guest starred in the Ghost Whisperer episode "Stage Fright" as Cally O'Keefe. She has guest starred on the Private Practice episode "The Way We Were".

In 2012, she played Army Captain Nicole Galassini on the Lifetime Network television series Army Wives.

In 2016, Martin began starring in a new Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel show Hailey Dean Mystery as the protagonist Hailey Dean who is a former prosecutor turned therapist and solves mysteries. The Hailey Dean Mysteries are based on characters from Nancy Grace's New York Times best-selling series of mystery books about Dean.

In 2017, she played police officer Kimberly Leahy in seven episodes of the TBS comedy series The Guest Book.

Personal life

Kellie Martin

Martin graduated from Yale University in 2001 with a degree in art history. She was a member of the Saybrook Fellowship. She married Keith Christian on May 15, 1999, in his hometown of Polson, Montana. They have two daughters.

Martin owns and operates her own toy store and has authored a novel, Madam: A Novel of New Orleans from Plume.

Filmography

Film

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1986</td><td>Jumpin' Jack Flash</td><td>Kristi Carlson</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Body Slam</td><td>Missy Roberts</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1988</td><td>Doin' Time on Planet Earth</td><td>Sheila</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1989</td><td>Troop Beverly Hills</td><td>Emily Coleman</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Flamingo Kid</td><td>Lauren Brody</td><td>Short film</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td><td>Matinee</td><td>Sherry</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1995</td><td>A Goofy Movie</td><td>Roxanne (voice)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>All You Need</td><td>Beth Sabistan Starnes</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2003</td><td>Malibu's Most Wanted</td><td>Jen</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2004</td><td>Open House</td><td>Debbie Delaney</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas</td><td>Mona (voice)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2005</td><td>Thru the Moebius Strip</td><td>Allana (voice)</td><td>English dub</td></tr></tbody></table>

Television

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1982</td><td>Father Murphy</td><td>Flossie</td><td>Episode: "Sweet Sixteen"</td></tr><tr><td>1984</td><td>Highway to Heaven</td><td>Lisa Ratchett</td><td>Episode: "Another Song for Christmas"</td></tr><tr><td>1985</td><td>The Canterville Ghost</td><td>n/a</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>1986</td><td>Wonderful World of Disney</td><td>Linda / Veronica</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>Dallas</td><td>Brenda Crane</td><td>Episode: "J.R. Rising"</td></tr><tr><td>Life With Lucy</td><td>Patty</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>Potato Head Kids</td><td>Lolly (voice)</td><td>Main cast</td></tr><tr><td>1987–1988</td><td>The Hogan Family</td><td>Tracy Nash</td><td>5 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>My Two Dads</td><td>Rebecca</td><td>2 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>1988</td><td>thirtysomething</td><td>Robin Kramer</td></tr><tr><td>The Tracey Ullman Show</td><td>Kari</td><td>Episode: "2.21"</td></tr><tr><td>ABC Weekend Specials</td><td>Karen</td><td>Episode: "Runaway Ralph"</td></tr><tr><td>Superman</td><td>Lana Lang (voice)</td><td>Episode: "The Birthday Party"</td></tr><tr><td>Secret Witness</td><td>Jennie Thomas</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>1988–1991</td><td>A Pup Named Scooby-Doo</td><td>Daphne Blake (voice)</td><td>Main cast</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td><td>America's Funniest Home Videos</td><td>Herself</td><td>Episode: Pilot</td></tr><tr><td>Charles in Charge</td><td>Heather Curtis</td><td>Episode: "Adam See, Adam Do"</td></tr><tr><td>Mr. Belvedere</td><td>Miriam</td><td>Episode: "The Election"</td></tr><tr><td>Baywatch</td><td>Chelsea Carroll</td><td>Episode: "Panic at Malibu Pier"</td></tr><tr><td>1989–1993</td><td>Life Goes On</td><td>Rebecca 'Becca' Thatcher</td><td>Main role</td></tr><tr><td>1991–1995</td><td>Taz-Mania</td><td>Molly Tazmanian Devil (voice)</td><td>Main cast</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td><td>SeaQuest DSV</td><td>Cleo Walker</td><td>Episode: "Brothers and Sisters"</td></tr><tr><td>ABC Afterschool Specials</td><td>Samantha Wheeler</td><td>Episode: "Montana Crossroads"</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td><td>Aladdin</td><td>Sadira (voice)</td><td>4 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>Christy</td><td>Christy Huddleston</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>A Friend to Die For (also known as Death of a Cheerleader)</td><td>Angela Delvecchio</td></tr><tr><td>1994–1995</td><td>Christy</td><td>Christy Huddleston</td><td>Lead role</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td><td>If Someone Had Known</td><td>Katie Liner</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>The Face on the Milk Carton</td><td>Jennifer Sands / Janie Jessmon</td></tr><tr><td>Her Hidden Truth</td><td>Billie Calhoun</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>Hidden in Silence</td><td>Fusia Podgorska</td></tr><tr><td>Her Last Chance</td><td>Alex Saxen</td><td>Television film; also co-producer</td></tr><tr><td>Breaking Through</td><td>Laura Keyes</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>1997</td><td>On the Edge of Innocence</td><td>Zoe Taylor</td><td>Television film; also co-producer</td></tr><tr><td>Crisis Center</td><td>Kathy Goodman</td><td>Main role</td></tr><tr><td>1998</td><td>About Sarah</td><td>Mary Beth McCaffrey</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>1998–2000</td><td>ER</td><td>Lucy Knight</td><td>Main role (seasons 5 & 6)</td></tr><tr><td>2001</td><td>Man in the Kitchen</td><td>Unknown</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>2002</td><td>Fiona</td><td>Det. Fiona Fitzgerald</td></tr><tr><td>2003</td><td>Law & Order: Special Victims Unit</td><td>Melinda Granville</td><td>Episode: "Tragedy"</td></tr><tr><td>Mystery Woman</td><td>Samantha Kinsey</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>2005</td><td>Mystery Woman: Mystery Weekend</td></tr><tr><td>Mystery Woman: Snapshot</td></tr><tr><td>Mystery Woman: Sing Me a Murder</td></tr><tr><td>Mystery Woman: Vision of a Murder</td></tr><tr><td>Mystery Woman: Game Time</td></tr><tr><td>2006</td><td>Mystery Woman: At First Sight</td></tr><tr><td>Live Once, Die Twice</td><td>Nicole Lauker</td></tr><tr><td>Mystery Woman: Wild West Mystery</td><td>Samantha Kinsey</td></tr><tr><td>Mystery Woman: Oh Baby</td></tr><tr><td>Mystery Woman: Redemption</td></tr><tr><td>2007</td><td>Mystery Woman: In the Shadows</td></tr><tr><td>The Batman</td><td>Barbara Gordon / Oracle (voice)</td><td>Episode: "Artifacts"</td></tr><tr><td>No Brother of Mine</td><td>Nina St. Clair</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>2009</td><td>Ghost Whisperer</td><td>Cally O'Keefe</td><td>Episode: "Stage Fright"</td></tr><tr><td>Grey's Anatomy</td><td>Julie Zelman</td><td>Episode: "No Good at Saying Sorry"</td></tr><tr><td>Private Practice</td><td>Michelle Larsen</td><td>Episode: "The Way We Were"</td></tr><tr><td>2010</td><td>Drop Dead Diva</td><td>Joan Feiner</td><td>Episode: "Senti-Mental Journey"</td></tr><tr><td>The Jensen Project</td><td>Claire Thompson</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>Smooch</td><td>Gwen Cole</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>Army Wives</td><td>Army Captain Nicole Galassini</td><td>8 episodes</td></tr><tr><td>I Married Who? or Always a Bride</td><td>Jordan Grady</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>The Christmas Ornament</td><td>Kathy</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>Dear Viola</td><td>Katherine</td><td>Television film; also executive producer</td></tr><tr><td>Mad Men</td><td>Carolyn Glaspie</td><td>Episode: "Waterloo"</td></tr><tr><td>Satisfaction</td><td>Jennifer</td><td>Episode: "...Through Self Discovery"</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>So You Said Yes</td><td>Annabelle Blanche</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>Hello, It's Me</td><td>Annie</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>Hailey Dean Mystery: Murder, With Love</td><td>Hailey Dean</td><td>Television film; also executive producer</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>Hailey Dean Mystery: Deadly Estate</td></tr><tr><td>Hailey Dean Mystery: Dating Is Murder</td></tr><tr><td>The Guest Book</td><td>Officer Kimberly Leahy</td><td>Main role</td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>Hailey Dean Mystery: 2+2=Murder</td><td>Hailey Dean</td><td>Television film; also executive producer</td></tr><tr><td>Hailey Dean Mystery: A Marriage Made for Murder</td></tr><tr><td>Hailey Dean Mystery: A Will to Kill</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>Hailey Dean Mystery: Death on Duty</td></tr><tr><td>Hailey Dean Mystery: A Prescription for Murder</td></tr><tr><td>Hailey Dean Mystery: Killer Sentence</td></tr><tr><td>Christmas in Montana</td><td>Sara Bradley</td></tr><tr><td>Death of a Cheerleader</td><td>Agent Murray</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>Mistletoe in Montana</td><td>—N/a</td><td>Television film; director</td></tr><tr><td>2022</td><td>An Amish Sin</td><td>Sara</td><td>Television film</td></tr></tbody></table>

Awards and nominations

Kellie Martin

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Association</th><th>Category</th><th>Nominated work</th><th>Result</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1990</td><td>Young Artist Awards</td><td>Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series</td><td>Life Goes On</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>1991</td></tr><tr><td>1992</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>Viewers for Quality Television</td><td>Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Drama Series</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td><td>Emmy Awards</td><td>Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>1999</td><td>Screen Actors Guild</td><td>Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series</td><td>ER (shared with cast)</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>2000</td><td>Nominated</td></tr></tbody></table>