The only son that Tony had with wife and dancer Cyd Charisse passed away at the age of 60 on April 10, 2011. Tony Martin Jr. was born on August 28, 1950 in Los Angeles, California to two of the most talented people in Hollywood. Tony Martin was a big band singer, live performer, and movie star since the mid 1930s. Cyd Charisse was one of the best dancers of Hollywood's golden age. She was a popular dancer in MGM musicals from 1946 to 1957.
Tony Martin Jr. was a musican, who married beauty starlet Liv Lindeland-Martin. Liv was originally from Norway and a popular Playboy playmate. It is not known if they had any children together.
I have not discovered the cause of death, but it was reported that Tony Martin Jr had been in ill health for years, and his parents had to pay most of the medical bills. It was also reported that Tony Jr was in a car accident in 2001, but I am not sure if that contributed to his death.
This is the second sad death that the elder Tony Martin, who is now 97, has had to deal with. Cyd Charisse passed away on June 17, 2008. Tony Martin Jr. is survived by his wife, his father, and his half brother Nico Charisse...
I went to boarding school with Tony Martin Jr., must have been the 8th grade.
ReplyDeleteAfter graduation a group of students and I traveled in a bus together across the US and visited Tony at his parent's house in Los Angeles. Could have been Beverly Hills.
I recall that his father had a draft beer spout coming right out of the outside wall of the house, near the pool. For a 16 y/o that was pretty special!
Not sure who you are, but I went to that school too ;)! I remember him in school performance of Pirates of Penzance, and Tony Sr. and Cyd Charisse were out in the audience. I was pretty young at the time, but I remember seeing those beautiful legs of hers as they watched the performance.
DeleteThanks for sharing the story. I would love to learn more about Tony Jr. Supposedly his last few years were not good. I head he was a musician as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat story!
I was Tony's drummer in 1974 when he and Guy Finley were signed to Motowns Mowest label and had Dazzle 'em in Footwork out. We rehearsed with Bob Gaudio (Four Seasons-Jersey Boys fame) in Guy's basement in Benedict Cyn.Guy's roommate at the time was Desi Arnaz, jr. Once while I was upstairs the phone rang and Guy asked me to answer it. It was Lucille Ball asking for Desi who was not there at the time. It was an amazing time! Just think, I talked to Lucy!!! My brother was so jealous when I told him. My name is Debi Drums Pomeroy.
ReplyDeleteI searched for info about Tony Martin, Jr., and found nothing beyond notices of his passing. Amazing that there is nothing even though he cam from such a famous family.
ReplyDeleteI only found one picture of him with his mother at:
http://live-imagecollect.s3.amazonaws.com/preview/560/08b93966dce3a22
To bad friends didn't create a memorial site.
I met and became friends with Tony Jr. While he was living in the Big Island of Hawaii back in the Nineties.
ReplyDeleteWe spent many nights at my home with Tony on the piano and I in the Drums! He was gifted on the Piano
He bought my big screen tv ( in their infant age) and put it in his bedroom that was all tv then. God bless his wife.
Glad I knew ya Tony!
Who are you? I am Tony DeCaprio. I'm certain that we have met on the Big Island the same time. I didn't hear about Tony's death until years after the fact.
DeleteI DATED TONY WHEN I WAS LIVING IN MALIBU WITH MY SISTER. WE WOULD GO TO HIS HOUSE IN BEVERLY HILLS AND THEY HAD AN ORIENTAL COUPLE AS HOUSEKEEPERS. THEY WERE VERY NICE AND LOVED TONY. WE HAD A PARTY ONE NIGHT AND HE SHOWED OFF ALL OF THE GREAT ART HE HAD PURCHASED AT ONE OF HIS MUSIC TRIPS TO EUROPE. I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT THAT HE HAD A THIRST FOR COLLECTIBLE ART...WE WOULD FREQUENT A PRIVATE NIGHT CLUB CALLED THE DAISY. THERE I MET SONS OF THE GREATEST - BING CROSBY, DESI ARNAZ, DEAN MARTIN TO NAME A FEW...AND THEY SANG A SONG ABOUT FATHERS AND THEIR LOVE FOR THEIR SONS...SO APPROPRIATE FOR FATHER'S DAY ON THE HORIZON..RIP, TONY.
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly or maybe not, this thread continues to get numerous views and visits. If anyone has memories of Tony Martin Jr, please share them here.
ReplyDeleteI would love to do another article on Tony Jr, so if anyone has pictures or memories, you can share them here or email me at dlobo74@gmail.com.
Thanks!
I know that what with helping with Tony Jr's medical bills, and Cyd's heart condition it wiped out Tony and Cyd financially and they were pretty strapped the last few years of their lives, One of the main reasons Tony still did his performances frequently.
ReplyDeleteNow all three Martins are together, free from ailments and earthly cares.
ReplyDeleteBet Tony Martin is singing in an Angelic choir, since I felt his voice was heavenly while he was HERE! Thank you Tony and Cyd for years of wonderment. Would be nice to know if there is a grandchild or more. We can then maybe look forward to seeing great talent once more.
Nico "Nicky" Charisse would have been Tony Martin Jr.'s half brother, not his step brother.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct! Thanks for the catch!
DeleteWhen I met Nico in LA, he was an attorney.
DeleteI am a big fan of Cyd Charisse and the old golden years of Hollywood. The actors/dancers/entertainers from that era will never be seen again - they were one of a kind. It saddens me that nothing is known of their children, nothing is really written about them. I was heart-broken to learn of Cyd and then Tony's death, but nothing of their son's death. Also, what happened to Cyd's first child? For such a wonderful time in movie history, it saddens me that there isn't more information out there. We loved them and we loved their children - it is like their existence has been wiped away - forgotten forever!!!
ReplyDeleteTony Jr. and Liv had no children. Tony's death was the result of a car accident on the freeway north of LA, and the brain damage incurred, disabled him
Deletefor many years until his passing. Tony Jr. and his wife Liv had been friends for many years and I spent a lot of time with them and even sung a duet with Tony at the veterans post. :-) Liv has returned to Norway to live. Aloha, Gary
Thanks for the honest truth - I was going to share it as well, as I just today saw this thread after googling him to make I got my dates roughly correct. A friend posted an old photo on the Facebook Max's Kansas City page, showing Harry Nilsson, John Lennon, May Pang and across the table from them at the Troubadour, a young bearded Tony - made me miss him and his musical talents and funny stories about his crazy days and nights hanging with those prodigious partiers and gifted musicians. I was a neighbor and friend of Tony & Liv's when they lived in Brentwood in the late 80s/early 90's, before they moved up to the Grapevine area (which of course is why Tony was on the 5 north late that night, heading home after a day in LA). RIP Tony.
DeleteI am a big fan of the old "Hollywood" era. It saddened me when Cyd and then Tony passed away. I never heard of the passing away of their only son. It is very sad that nothing is ever written about their children, maybe it is by their choice - I don't know. We grew up with these stars and read/saw pictures of their children and then - nothing - it's like they fell off the face of the earth. I would really love to see a sight about what happened to the Hollywood stars children!! Thanks, forever a Hollywood fan!!
ReplyDeleteAs a matter of fact, I wrote a story on Cyd's first son. You can read the story here...
Deletehttp://greatentertainersarchives.blogspot.com/2015/01/nico-charisse-hollywood-offspring-story.html
Dear David.....We meet again.I wanted to add to your nice story about Nicky Charisse. I met him at the reception after Cyd Charisse's funeral service in the building where they lived. I didn't know who he was but we started talking. He seemed to be one of the saddest people I had ever met. He told me he had two terrible things that happened to him that he could never get over....one of them was the death of his wife in the airplane crash. I tried to cheer him up and even gave him a book I had worked on in order to take his mind off his troubles. It seemed he carried this pain around with him always. It was a terribly sad day but a nice service for Cyd Charisse. After the service we all walked past the open casket. Tony and his children were sitting to he right, looking grief-stricken. As we left the chapel, I was introduced to and chatted with Esther Williams who told me she still swam every night. At the reception, I was glad to see Tony was surrounded by his peers, older men who gave him some comfort. I did get to see and talk with Tony again when he performed at Catalina's Jazz club in 2011. He was very charming and it was great to see him. He was supposed to attend Dolores Hope's 100th birthday party that year, but did not show. I will also never forget how at Red Button's 80th birthday in 1999, Tony and Cyd were the first to arrive and they were so cute as they cozied up to the bar and got drinks, like kids having ice cream. Lucky to have seen them both when they were still alert and happy. Maureen
DeleteOctober 2017
DeleteFor a book I am writing about my adventures in Hollywood, I am including a chapter about meeting Tony Martin (who was a cousin) and interviewing Cyd. I can be reached at davisivor@yahoo.com. Apologies for this late missive. ivor
Maureen, loved your story. I would to talk to you more. My email is: davidlobosco@yahoo.com.
DeleteI got to meet Billy Hinsche of Dino, Desi, and Billy in February 2000 when Billy was here in Logansport, Indiana, playing keyboards for Jan and Dean. Billy was really friendly and he signed all my DDB LP's and answered all my questions about his musical career, but was stumped when I asked about The Beverly Hills Blues Band...I thought that was another of his projects, but he'd never heard of the group! Coincidentally, Billy was appearing at a radio station event in Indianapolis with Desi Arnaz Jr. a few days later, and Billy insisted I show up and hang out with them, and get the scoop on The Beverly Hills Blues Band! So, I did go to this event and got to visit some more with Billy and also meet Desi and his (now deceased) wife Amy...what charming, wonderful people, all of them. The fans especially loved Desi and Billy, and they really seemed to enjoy the fans at the meet and greet as well. Anyway, Desi explained that the BHBB recorded a song called "Beverly Hills Is Funky" (!!!) that ended up never coming out...instead Warner Bros. released two other songs on a 45 that went nowhere! Desi said the group was Dino Martin Jr., Terry Melcher, Tony Martin Jr., and himself. Billy asked him "Where was I?" and Desi said, "I'm not sure!" and I added, "Probably with The Beach Boys," and Billy agreed! Desi smiled and said, "We should get The Beverly Hills Blues Band back together, with you and Brad!" Billy said "I'm in," and I said "Me too!" as if I was hardly worthy of being in a group with these guys...! I've made some records, and it probably would have been fun to have recorded with these guys! Dino was gone by 2000 of course, Terry Melcher may have been in ill health by then, and I didn't know much about Tony Martin Jr. but after reading some of these posts it sounds like he was a good guy too. Judging by my acquaintance of Desi and Billy, it sounds like they would have been a good bunch of guys and I have a great deal of respect for them and their music. Billy and I have a mutual friend in the music business and we sometimes keep in touch through him; I wish he and Desi Jr. all the best.
ReplyDeleteBrad Long
Just watched the silencers. Cyd was amazing.
ReplyDeleteI went to the same boarding school and was actually a sailor in the HMS Pinafore. Tony was of course the captain. And yes Tony Sr. and Cyd Chiarses were in the audience. It was 1964.
ReplyDeleteSome information r/t Tony Martin Jr's brain damage due to a car accident years prior to his death :
ReplyDeletehttp://www.morelaw.com/verdicts/case.asp?s=CA&d=32180
Late70a hung out with Tony and Liv alot.We both lived on Broad Beach Rd, malibu..It was early days of Vcr, we had only2 movies, Dr Strangelove and all the original Godfatbers. We learned over a fabulous summer practically every line of dialogue. Only just heard of his passing. Very sad.He was"a prince of this city" and a great guy.Liv, if you are still around, Natasha and I wish you well. Martin
ReplyDeleteLiv is living in her homeland of Norway. Tomorrow is her birthday and I shall attempt a call to her.
DeleteTony Jr. and Liv had been friends for a decade or so in Hawaii and LA. Gary
You're so kind to remember friends of yore. And, to post what you know about Tony and Liv. I know it must be sad for her. Just saw Cyd on "What's My Line" which prompted Googling her background, and then finding this link.
DeleteShe was gorgeous, so sweet. RIP.
I lived in Malibu in the Seventies--and would like to contact Tony Jr's widow. I am a writer (davisivor@yahoo.com) and you can Google me. I was a cousin of Tony Martin. thanks ivor davis, ventura california.
DeleteWhile cleaning up I found a very old Playboy from January 1971 with Liv Lindeland. I wondered what happened to her and seems she married Tony Martin Jr. Someone here stated as Anonymous, always makes one wonder why says she moved back to Norway. I have been to Norway a few times. Why not move back if your husband is gone. Hope she is well.
DeleteMany thanks!!! Neal H. Hurwitz NY NY
ReplyDeleteHi Neal! I’m waving at you from next door in Connecticut. ����
DeleteWhat is the date of Tony, Jr.'s death?
ReplyDeleteApril 10, 2011.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has stories to share about Tony Jr or the family please email me. I would love to write a follow up article.
Email me at dlobosco@verizon.net
Tony and Liv were close friends of mine in the 80s. They knew me then as Robert Eastland. We lost touch when I moved to Palm Springs in 89, and my house was burglarized along with my briefcase containing my one and only personal phone book. Liv, Tony R.I.P., myself and Timothy Leary R.I.P., would hang out at the Playboy mansion parties (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6435566/) I have many fond memories of my old pals from those days. Liv, if you ever read this, my email address is at my website: http://skytrek.life
DeleteHowever, if what I read here on this blog is correct, you have left the USA, and headed for Norway. That would be a tough Google search indeed. My sincere condolences on Tony's Passing.
I met Tony Jr in 1981 while working on a recording studio for Sandy Smith. I remember "Money in My Pocket" a real catchy song he recorded but it was not released as far as I know. I remember helping him move out of his parents house and meeting them. They were very nice and appreciative for me helping him. I think the last time I saw him was 1982. I know he always treated me with respect and kindness. I am sorry I lost contact with him and the people around what we used to call "Sandyland"
ReplyDeleteI met Tony Jr. while I worked building and later working at Sandyland a recording studio in the house of Sandy Smith in Hollywood Hills in 1981. He started recording an album, I was the house manand joats. He always treated me with respect and I thought him a good guy. I helped him move from his parents house, meeting Tony Sr and Cid , they were very nice and humble people. I lost contact with everyone from that time. You will always be in my heart Tony and know that even as time passes we still remember and think of you.
ReplyDeleteI was also a classmate of Tony's at boarding school, in the 60's. I watch a lot of old musicals and always chuckle when I see Cyd Charisse, in "The Harvey Girls." I don't chuckle at her, per se, just the fact that she's in that movie. Those other classmates will know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has any stories about the Martin and Charisse family, my new email is davidlobosco@yahoo.com if you want to share stories.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great article. I very much enjoyed reading the comments, as well. Lynn
ReplyDelete