Trivia

Parallelling his character of Detective J.D. LaRue in Hill Street Blues (1981), he was a recovering alcoholic.

Wife Claudia Martin is Dean Martin's daughter.

Was a chain smoker and heavy drinker which most likely led to his early death at 46 of lung cancer.

Upon his death, there was no funeral because that's what he said in his will.

Was often mistakenly referred to as the half-brother of Larry Hagman.

He was raised in Miami and first acted with stock companies in Florida, later diversifying as a stand-up comic and musician.

According to an article in the" Los Angeles Times", Martin--who was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and grew up in Hialeah, FL--studied drama in high school and at Trinity University in Texas and the University of Miami. He then moved to New York City, where he worked as a guitar player, stand-up comic and dockworker.

Had a daughter, Jesse, with Claudia Martin.

Kiel Martin's final TV acting role, If the Shoe Fits (1990) and his final TV movie, Perry Mason: The Case of the Poisoned Pen (1990) before his death on December 28, 1990 at the age of 46, were broadcast on the same night, January 21, 1991.

Most people are usually confused about his name, thinking it's "Martin Kiel" (as 'Martin' has also commonly been a first name and 'Kiel' is much more common as a surname).