J. R. Martinez

J. R. Martinez
J. R. Martinez in 2008
Born
Jose Rene Martinez

(1983-06-14) June 14, 1983 (age 41)
Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
Occupation(s)Actor
Motivational speaker
Soldier (veteran)
Years active2008–present (acting)
ChildrenLauryn Anabelle Martinez (b. 2012)
Websitehttp://www.JRMartinez.com/

Jose Rene "J. R." Martinez (born June 14, 1983)[1] is an American actor, motivational speaker and former U.S. Army soldier. He participated in Dancing with the Stars and won in Fall 2011. He was the grand marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2012.[2] In 2008, he played the role of Brot Monroe on the ABC daytime soap opera All My Children.

In 2003, Martinez sustained severe burns over 34 percent of his body while serving as an Army infantryman in Iraq.

Early life

He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to Maria Zavala.[1] He has two sisters who were raised with his mother's family in El Salvador.[3] His sister Anabel died before Martinez ever had the chance to meet her.[3] Martinez has never met his father.[4] When he was young he moved to Hope, Arkansas with his mother.[1] At 17, Martinez and his mother moved to Dalton, Georgia, before his senior year of high school.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "My Story in My Words". J.R. Martinez (official site). Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  2. ↑ "'Dancing with the Stars' contestant, Iraq war veteran named Rose Parade Grand Marshal". Pasadena Star-News. November 1, 2011. Archived from the original on January 13, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "J. R.'s Story". Knowjr.com. 1983-06-14. Archived from the original on 2011-10-06. Retrieved 2012-12-29.
  4. ↑ "Wounded Veteran and Soap Opera Star to Speak at Clarkson University" (Press release). Clarkson.edu. 2010-02-25. Archived from the original on 2011-11-25. Retrieved 2012-12-29.

Other websites