A Martinez, born Adolfo Larrue Martínez III on September 27, 1948, in Glendale, California, is an acclaimed American actor and singer known for his versatile performances across television, film, and music.

Of Mexican and Apache heritage on his father’s side and Piegan Blackfeet and Northern European ancestry on his mother’s side, he grew up in a culturally rich family environment. During his childhood, his family affectionately called him “A” or “Little Adolfo” to distinguish him from his father and grandfather, and eventually “A” became his professional moniker.

He showed early talent for music, making his singing debut at age twelve at the Hollywood Bowl, where he won a talent competition.

He attended Sunland Elementary School and Mt. Gleason Junior High School in Sunland/Tujunga and graduated from Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga, where he participated in school musicals, played in a rock band, and excelled on the track team. Initially planning to study political science at UCLA, he ultimately pursued acting instead. 

He began his professional entertainment career as a singer and later played semi-professional baseball for five seasons before establishing himself as a prominent actor.

His acting career spans over five decades, with major roles in several renowned daytime soap operas, including “Santa Barbara,” where he played Cruz Castillo from 1984 to 1992, “General Hospital,” “One Life to Live,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” and “Days of Our Lives.”

He also appeared in prime-time series such as “L.A. Law,” “Profiler,” “Longmire,” and “Dark Winds,” along with standout performances in “Queen of the South” and the Netflix adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

His film credits include “The Cowboys” (1972), “Powwow Highway” (1989), “Curse of Chucky” (2013), “Ambulance” (2022), and “Far Haven” (2023). He has portrayed a diverse range of characters in television and film, earning both critical acclaim and a loyal fan following.

His personal life includes a marriage to Leslie Bryans since 1982, with whom he has three children.

He was previously married to actress Mare Winningham. Over the course of his career, he has received accolades such as a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for his role on “Santa Barbara,” further solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected actors in the entertainment industry.