NATALIE MARTINEZ

Natalie Martinez: A Dynamic Journey from Modeling to Acting​

Natalie Martinez, born on July 12, 1984, in Miami, Florida, is a Cuban-American model and actress who has made significant strides in both the fashion and entertainment industries. Her career, marked by versatility and determination, showcases her evolution from a teenage model to a recognized actress in film and television.

Early Life and Modeling Career

Raised in a Cuban-American household, Martinez graduated from St. Brendan High School in 2002. Her foray into modeling began at the age of 15 when her mother encouraged her to audition for Jennifer Lopez's clothing line, JLO. Outshining over 5,000 applicants, she became the face of the brand, leading to widespread exposure in magazines like Maxim and appearances in music videos for artists such as Justin Timberlake, Sean Paul, and Pitbull .​

Transition to Acting

Martinez's acting debut came in 2006 with the telenovela "Fashion House," where she played Michelle Miller. She continued to build her television portfolio with roles in "Saints & Sinners" (2007) and "Detroit 1-8-7" (2010–2011). Her film debut was in the 2008 action movie "Death Race," followed by notable performances in "End of Watch" (2012), "Broken City" (2013), and "Self/less" (2015) .​

Television Success and Recent Projects

Martinez gained further recognition with her role as Deputy Linda Esquivel in the CBS series "Under the Dome" (2013–2014). She continued to secure prominent roles in series like "Kingdom" (2015–2017), "APB" (2017), and "The Crossing" (2018). In 2019, she starred in the Netflix miniseries "The I-Land" and took on a main role in the NBC drama "Ordinary Joe" starting in 2021. Most recently, she appeared in the Apple TV+ series "Bad Monkey" in 2024 .​

Personal Endeavors and Advocacy

Beyond her on-screen work, Martinez co-founded the music project "Goldsnatch" with her best friend Naz Tokio, aiming to create empowering and fun music that resonates with audiences. She is also an advocate for animal welfare, particularly supporting bully breeds, and owns two Pit Bull Terriers and two American Bulldogs .​

Natalie Martinez's journey from modeling to acting exemplifies her adaptability and commitment to her craft. Her diverse roles and projects reflect a dynamic career that continues to evolve, making her a notable figure in the entertainment industry.​