Arlene Martel was born on April 14th, 1936

Written by: David Williams

Arlene Martel: The "Chameleon" of Hollywood

Arlene Martel, born Arline Greta Sax, was a talented American actress renowned for her versatility and ability to portray characters of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. With a career spanning over four decades, she earned the nickname "Chameleon" among Hollywood insiders, thanks to her impressive range of accents and dialects.

Early Life and Education

Martel was born on April 14, 1936, in the Bronx, New York. She attended the prestigious Performing Arts High School in New York, laying the foundation for her future in the entertainment industry.

Career Highlights

• Twilight Zone Appearances: Martel made her mark in two episodes of the iconic series: "What You Need" (1960) and "Twenty Two" (1961), showcasing her range as a woman in a bar and a nurse with a haunting phrase.
• The Rebel and Route 66: She appeared in episodes of both series, including "The Hunted" (1960) alongside Leonard Nimoy and "Legacy for Lucia" (1961), where she played the title role of a Sicilian girl.
• Perry Mason and Hong Kong: Martel guest-starred in two episodes of Perry Mason, "The Case of the Absent Artist" (1962) and "The Case of the Dead Ringer" (1966), and appeared in an episode of Hong Kong (1961) opposite Rod Taylor.
• Have Gun – Will Travel and I Dream of Jeannie: She played the princess Sarafina in "The Princess and the Gunfighter" (1961) and a female cosmonaut in "Russian Roulette" (1965).
• The Fugitive and Hogans Heroes: Martel appeared in "The Blessings of Liberty" (1966) as a Hungarian immigrant and Tiger, a French Resistance contact, in five episodes of Hogans Heroes.

Legacy and Impact

Arlene Martel's remarkable career served as a testament to her incredible range and talent. Her ability to seamlessly transition between roles and accents paved the way for future actors and set a high standard for character portrayals. As the "Chameleon" of Hollywood, Martel left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Awards and Recognition

While Martel didn't receive any major awards during her lifetime, her contributions to the entertainment industry are still celebrated and recognized by fans and peers alike.

Personal Life and Trivia

• Martel was often billed as Arline Sax or Arlene Sax before 1964.
• She passed away on August 12, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Arlene Martel's remarkable career and talent continue to inspire and amaze audiences. Her legacy as the "Chameleon" of Hollywood ensures her place in the annals of entertainment history.