Joseph Lockard Martin, Jr., better known as Lock Martin, was born on December 10, 1916, in Pennsylvania. He was a towering figure, standing well over seven feet tall, which made him stand out from a young age. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Lock always knew he was destined for something special.
Before he found fame on the silver screen, Lock Martin worked as a doorman at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. It was during this time that he caught the eye of casting agents who were looking for someone to play the iconic role of Gort the robot in the 1951 science fiction movie, The Day the Earth Stood Still. Lock's size and presence made him the perfect fit for the role.
Lock Martin's portrayal of Gort the robot in The Day the Earth Stood Still cemented his place in Hollywood history. Despite his imposing stature, Lock was not particularly strong, which became evident during a scene where he was unable to lift actress Patricia Neal. This limitation, combined with the cumbersome robot costume, added a layer of complexity to his performance that truly brought the character to life.
In addition to his iconic role as Gort, Lock Martin also played the Giant in several scenes that were later deleted from the 1957 movie The Incredible Shrinking Man. Though these scenes may not have made it to the final cut of the film, Lock's presence left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of working with him.
Outside of his acting career, Lock Martin led a relatively private life. He eventually settled in Los Angeles, California, where he lived and worked until his untimely death. For the final decade of his life, Lock was married to Ethel Babcock, who stood by his side through thick and thin.
Lock Martin's contributions to the world of film may have been limited, but his impact is undeniable. Alongside Michael Rennie, he helped bring The Day the Earth Stood Still to life, forever earning his place in the annals of science fiction cinema. Though he may no longer be with us, Lock Martin's memory lives on through the characters he brought to life on the silver screen.