J. R. Martinez
Jose Rene Martinez (born June 14, 1983)[1] is an American actor, motivational speaker, and former U.S. Army soldier. Starting in 2008, he played the role of Brot Monroe on the ABC daytime drama All My Children. He is the winner of Season 13 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Martinez served as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Rose Parade.[2] He is currently costarring on the syndicated action series SAF3.
J. R. Martinez
Actor
motivational speaker
soldier (veteran)
2008–present (acting)
2
United States
2002–2003
Combat Action Ribbon (Needs Review – Awarded by United States Navy – United States Marine Corps – United States Coast Guard)
In 2003, Martinez sustained severe burns to over 34 percent of his body while serving as an Army infantryman in Iraq. Since his recovery, he has traveled around the country speaking about his experiences to corporations, veterans groups, schools, and other organizations.
Early life[edit]
Martinez was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Maria Zavala.[1] He has two sisters who were raised with his mother's family in El Salvador. His sister Anabel died before Martinez ever had the chance to meet her.[3] Martinez has never met his father.[4] At a young age, he moved with his mother to Hope, Arkansas.[1] At 17, just prior to his senior year of high school, they moved to Dalton, Georgia.[1]