A native Californian of blended heritage (Mexican and Apache on his father's side, Piegan Blackfeet and Northern European on his mother's) he played Native Americans in several of his early western films.
Made his singing debut at age 12 at the Hollywood Bowl where he won a talent competition.
Played five seasons on a semi-pro baseball team.
Two daughters (Devon Makena, Ren Farren) and one son (Dakota Lee)
Was in a rock-and-roll band in high school and ran track.
When he was a child, his family referred to him as "A" or "Little A" to distinguish him from his father and grandfather, also named Adolpho. The nickname stuck and he eventually took "A Martinez" as his stage name.
Won a daytime Emmy award for his hunky role as Cruz in the soap opera "Santa Barbara" (1984).