11-10-2023 11:48am

The Former President of Sony Pictures Studio Operations, Gary O. Martin Dies at age 79

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gary O. Martin, a retired President of Sony Pictures Studio Operations and Production. Gary was a highly esteemed member of the MPTF family for several years. Gary was 79 years of age. His death was confirmed by relatives.

He began his career at Sony (then Columbia Pictures) as a production manager in 1981, and eventually rose to the position of President of Production, which included physical production and post-production in 1988, and added Studio Operations in 2003. Upon his retirement in 2013, Sony Pictures renamed its largest sound stage, Stage 15, to the Gary Martin Stage in honor of his contributions to the company.

Gary was known as a mentor to many of today's leaders in producing and production management. He was respected for his intelligence, honesty, and his unwavering commitment to ensuring that Sony Pictures received the best possible return on its investments.

Gary and his wife, Susan, were renowned for their exceptional generosity toward the MPTF. Gary's father, Ivan, who was Director of Studio Operations at 20th Century Fox, introduced him to the organization, and Gary's mother received excellent care at the Motion Picture Hospital. The Susan and Gary Martin Screening Room in the Louis B. Mayer Theater complex on our campus is just one example of their philanthropy. They funded an extensive renovation of the screening room a decade ago. Additionally, Martin and actor-director Clint Eastwood have supported MPTF's benefits assistance program for military veterans in the entertainment industry for many years.

Most recently, Gary and Susan played a crucial role in making our Memorial Garden a reality with their contribution. "We never had to ask Gary and Susan for anything. They were always one step ahead of us," said Bob Beitcher, MPTF CEO and long-time friend of Gary. "Gary would ask, 'What can we do that would make a positive impact for the residents?' We'd give him the list of things we were considering, and he'd pick out the most ambitious item and say, 'Susie and I want to give you the money for that.' He was the best kind of donor, one who always gave from his heart."

Martin is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan; his son, Sean; his daughter-in-law, Aisha; his grandchildren, Camille, Norah, and Natalie; his sister-in-law, Nancy Patterson; his nephews, Larry Ellena, Steve Ellena, Jason Ellena, and Matthew Ellena; and his nieces, Colleen Milroy, Linda Patterson, and Nicole Ellena.

The funeral services will be held at Old North Church at Forest Lawn at 9 a.m. on November 17th. Donations in Martin’s memory may be made instead of flowers to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.

By Anita Johnson-Brown