Martin West (born Martin Weixelbaum; August 28, 1937 – December 31, 2019) was an American actor whose work spanned film, television and theatre. He was born in Westhampton, New York and adopted the professional name Martin West for his screen and stage credits.
Overview
West built a steady career as a character actor and leading man in modestly budgeted features and in numerous television roles. He is often remembered for a few high‑visibility parts that reached both genre fans and daytime audiences, while otherwise maintaining a presence in guest appearances and stage productions over several decades.
Career and notable roles
On film, West is widely recognized for playing Lawson in John Carpenter's influential crime‑horror film Assault on Precinct 13, working with director John Carpenter early in Carpenter's career. He also took the lead in the film Freckles, a screen adaptation of a young‑adult novel, which showcased him in a more traditional leading‑man part.
Television and soap operas
West had significant visibility on American daytime television. He portrayed Dr. Phil Brewer on the soap opera General Hospital, a role that placed him in the center of serialized storylines, and later played Donald "Don" Hughes on As the World Turns. Beyond soaps, his résumé includes guest roles and recurring parts on other TV series of the period.
Roles and screen presence
- Noted for a quiet, naturalistic acting style that fit both villainous and heroic parts.
- Worked across mediums: feature films, episodic television and stage productions.
- Remains recognizable to genre fans through his association with a landmark Carpenter film.
Personal life and legacy
Martin West continued acting into later life and was respected by colleagues for his professionalism. He died on December 31, 2019 in Norwalk, Connecticut at age 82. His body of work—especially his soap opera characters and his part in Assault on Precinct 13—ensures he is remembered by both daytime viewers and cult film audiences.
For additional basic credits and career details, consult film and television reference sources and actor databases for consolidated listings.