Kellie Noelle Martin, better known by Kellie Martin or Keith Christian is an American Actress known for her roles as Rebecca Becca Thatcher on Life Goes On and as Lucy Knight on the series ER. She is a popular American actress who is most renowned for her Movie and T.V Shows.
Table of Contents
Kellie Martin Biography, Career, Serials, Movies, Images, Family, Profile, and Awards
Individual Life
She belongs to a Christian Family from Riverside, California, United States. She Married to Keith Christian in his hometown of Polson, Montana. The pair have two daughters Margaret Heather Christian & Olivia James Christian
Martin graduated from Yale University in 2001 with a degree in art history. She was a member of Saybrook College. She owns and operates her own toy store Rompstore.com and has authored a novel, MADAM: A Novel of New Orleans from Plume. She began her acting career at age seven, when her aunt, who was a nanny for actor Michael Landon’s children, helped her land a guest spot on the Landon produced series Father Murphy. At the age of eleven, she was a contestant during Young People’s Week on Card Sharks.
| Real Name | Kellie Noelle Martin |
| Nick Name | Kellie Martin |
| Profession | Actress |
| Birth Place | Riverside, California, United States |
| Hometown | Riverside, California, United States |
| Meaning of Martin | Servant Of Mars, God Of War |
Physical Appearance
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters- 158 cm in meters- 1.58 m in Feet Inches- 5’ 2” |
| Weight (approx.) | in Kilograms- 67 kg in Pounds- 147 lbs |
| Body Measurements (approx.) | 38-28-39 Inches |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Education Qualification
| Education Qualifications | Degree in art history |
| Graduation | Yale University |
Family
| Father | Doug Martin |
| Mother | Debbie Martin |
| Sister | Heather Martin |
| Husband | Keith Christian |
| Daughter | Margaret Heather Christian |
| Daughter | Olivia James Christian |
Journey
Martin had a recurring role on season three of Valerie’s Family: The Hogans (1987–88). She also contributed the voice of Daphne Blake on the animated series A Pup Named Scooby-Doo in 1988–91. In 1989, Martin began the role of Rebecca “Becca” Thacher on the family drama Life Goes On, which ran on ABC for four seasons. She also played the role of Emily in 1989’s Troop Beverly Hills, starring Shelley Long.
1990s
From 1991-95, Martin supplied the voice of Molly Tasmanian Devil on Taz-Mania. In 1993, she played Sherry in Matinee, and made a guest appearance as Cleo Walker on an episode of seaQuest DSV, titled “Brothers and Sisters”.
In 1994, she starred on her own series, Christy. In 1994, she starred on the Lifetime movie A Friend to Die For. In 1995, she starred on The Face on the Milk Carton, a TV film based on the book by Caroline Cooney about a teenager who finds out she was kidnapped from her real family 13 years prior and had been raised by the parents of her kidnapper. She was in A Goofy Movie as the voice of Roxanne, Max’s love interest.
In 1996, Martin starred as deaf abuse victim Laura Keyes on Lifetime’s TV movie “After the Silence (aka Breaking Through)”. She starred in a made for TV movie Hidden in Silence (Lifetime Television). From 1998–2000, Martin appeared on the medical drama ER as medical student Lucy Knight. Martin was still going to Yale at the time and postponed her education so that she could join the cast.
2000s
In 2003, Martin starred in Mystery Woman, a Hallmark Channel movie about the owner of a mystery bookshop who solves actual crimes. It proved a popular vehicle for Martin; since 2005 she has gone on to make ten more Mystery Woman movies for Hallmark, two of which she directed. Also in 2003, Martin had a supporting role on the comedic film Malibu’s Most Wanted.
In 2006, Martin starred in the Lifetime movie Live Once, Die Twice, followed by No Brother of Mine in 2007. Also in 2007, Martin provided the voice for the adult-version of Barbara Gordon on “Artifacts”, an episode of The Batman.
In 2009, Martin was a guest on Grey’s Anatomy, episode “No Good at Saying Sorry.” She also guest starred in the Ghost Whisperer episode “Stage Fright” as Cally O’Keefe. More recently, she has guest starred on the Private Practice episode “The Way We Were”.
In 2012, Martin played Army Captain Nicole Galassini on the Lifetime Network television series Army Wives.
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Father Murphy | Flossie | Episode: “Sweet Sixteen” |
| 1984 | Highway to Heaven | Lisa Ratchett | Episode: “Another Song for Christmas” |
| 1985 | Canterville Ghost, TheThe Canterville Ghost | Unknown | Television movie |
| 1986 | Wonderful World of Disney | Linda | Episode: “Help Wanted: Kids” |
| 1986 | Wonderful World of Disney | Veronica | Episode: “The Richest Cat in the World” |
| 1986 | Dallas | Brenda Crane | Episode: “J.R. Rising” |
| 1986 | Life With Lucy | Patty | 2 episodes |
| 1986 | Potato Head Kids | Lolly (voice) | Unknown episodes |
| 1987–88 | My Two Dads | Rebecca | 2 episodes |
| 1987–88 | Hogan Family, TheThe Hogan Family | Tracy Nash | 5 episodes |
| 1988 | thirtysomething | Robin Kramer | 2 episodes |
| 1988 | Tracey Ullman Show, TheThe Tracey Ullman Show | Kari | Episode: “2.21” |
| 1988 | Fantastic Max | Additional Voices | Unknown episodes |
| 1988 | ABC Weekend Specials | Karen | Episode: “Runaway Ralph” |
| 1988 | Superman | Unknown | Episode: “The Birthday Party” |
| 1988 | Secret Witness | Jennie Thomas | Movie |
| 1988–91 | Pup Named Scooby-Doo, AA Pup Named Scooby-Doo | Daphne Blake | 21 episodes |
| 1989 | Charles in Charge | Heather Curtis | Episode: “Adam See, Adam Do” |
| 1989 | Mr. Belvedere | Miriam | Episode: “The Election” |
| 1989 | Baywatch | Chelsea Carroll | Episode: “Panic at Malibu Pier” |
| 1989–93 | Life Goes On | Rebecca ‘Becca’ Thacher | 83 episodes |
| 1989–93 | Life Goes On | Rebecca ‘Becca’ Thacher | Won – Viewers for Quality Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Drama Series |
| 1989–93 | Life Goes On | Rebecca ‘Becca’ Thacher | Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series (1991–92) |
| 1989–93 | Life Goes On | Rebecca ‘Becca’ Thacher | Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series |
| 1989–93 | Life Goes On | Rebecca ‘Becca’ Thacher | Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series |
| 1991–95 | Taz-Mania | Molly Tazmanian Devil | 22 episodes |
| 1993 | SeaQuest DSV | Cleo Walker | Episode: “Brothers and Sisters” |
| 1993 | ABC Afterschool Specials | Samantha Wheeler | Episode: “Montana Crossroads” |
| 1994 | Aladdin | Sadira (voice) | 4 episodes |
| 1994 | Christy | Christy Huddleston | Movie |
| 1994–95 | Christy | Christy Huddleston | 20 episodes |
| 1994 | Friend to Die For, AA Friend to Die For | Angela Delvecchio | Television movie |
| 1995 | If Someone Had Known | Katie Liner | Television movie |
| 1995 | Face on the Milk Carton, TheThe Face on the Milk Carton | Jennifer Sands / Janie Jessmon | Movie |
| 1995 | Her Hidden Truth | Billie Calhoun | Movie |
| 1995 | A Goofy Movie | Roxanne | Movie |
| 1996 | Hidden in Silence | Fusia Podgorska | Movie |
| 1996 | Her Last Chance | Alex Saxen | Movie |
| 1996 | Breaking Through | Laura Keyes | Movie |
| 1997 | On the Edge of Innocence | Zoe Taylor | Movie |
| 1997 | Crisis Center | Kathy Goodman | 6 episodes |
| 1998 | About Sarah | Mary Beth McCaffrey | Movie |
| 1998–2000 | ER | Lucy Knight | 36 episodes |
| 1998–2000 | ER | Lucy Knight | Won – Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (1999) |
| 1998–2000 | ER | Lucy Knight | Nominated – Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2000–01) |
| 1998–2000 | The Powerpuff Girls | Additional Voices | 16 episodes |
| 2001 | Man in the Kitchen | Unknown | Movie |
| 2002 | Fiona | Det. Fiona Fitzgerald | Movie |
| 2003 | Mystery Woman | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2003 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Melinda Granville | Episode: “Tragedy” |
| 2005 | Mystery Woman: Mystery Weekend | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2005 | Mystery Woman: Snapshot | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2005 | Mystery Woman: Sing Me a Murder | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2005 | Mystery Woman: Vision of a Murder | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2005 | Mystery Woman: Game Time | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2006 | Mystery Woman: At First Sight | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2006 | Live Once, Die Twice | Nicole Lauker | Movie |
| 2006 | Mystery Woman: Wild West Mystery | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2006 | Mystery Woman: Oh Baby | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2006 | Mystery Woman: Redemption | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2007 | Batman, TheThe Batman | Oracle (voice) | Episode: “Artifacts” |
| 2007 | Mystery Woman: In the Shadows | Samantha Kinsey | Movie |
| 2007 | No Brother of Mine | Nina St. Clair | Movie |
| 2009 | Ghost Whisperer | Cally O’Keefe | Episode: “Stage Fright” |
| 2009 | Grey’s Anatomy | Julie Zelman | Episode: “No Good at Saying Sorry” |
| 2009 | Private Practice | Michelle Larsen | Episode: “The Way We Were” |
| 2010 | Drop Dead Diva | Joan Feiner | Episode: “Senti-Mental Journey” |
| 2010 | Jensen Project, TheThe Jensen Project | Claire Thompson | Movie |
| 2011 | Smooch | Gwen Cole | Movie |
| 2012 | Army Wives | Army Captain Nicole Galassini | 8 episodes |
| 2012 | I Married Who? | Jordan Grady | Movie |
| 2013 | The Christmas Ornament | Kathy | Movie |
| 2014 | Dear Viola | Katherine | Movie |
| 2015 | So You Said Yes | Annabelle Blanche | Movie |
| 2014 | Mad Men | Carolyn Glaspie | Episode: “Waterloo” |
| 2014 | Satisfaction | Jennifer | Episode: “…Through Self Discovery” |
| 2015 | Hello, It’s Me | Annie | Movie, Hallmark |
| 2016 | Hailey Dean Mystery: Murder, With Love | Hailey Dean | Movie |
| 2017 | Hailey Dean Mystery: Deadly Estate | Hailey Dean | Movie, Hallmark |
| 2017 | The Guest Book | Kimberly Leahy |
Films
| 1986 | Jumpin’ Jack Flash | Kristi Carlson | |
| 1986 | Body Slam | Missy Roberts | |
| 1988 | Doin’ Time on Planet Earth | Sheila | |
| 1989 | Troop Beverly Hills | Emily Coleman | |
| 1989 | Flamingo Kid, TheThe Flamingo Kid | Lauren Brody | Short film |
| 1993 | Matinee | Sherry | |
| 1995 | Goofy Movie, AA Goofy Movie | Roxanne | Voice role |
| 2001 | All You Need | Beth Sabistan Starnes | |
| 2003 | Malibu’s Most Wanted | Jen | |
| 2004 | Open House | Debbie Delaney | |
| 2004 | Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas | Additional Voices | Voice role |
| 2005 | Thru the Moebius Strip | Allana | Voice role |
Toy Store
Martin owns and operates her own toy store ROMPstore.com and has authored a novel, MADAM: A Novel of New Orleans from Plume.
Awards & Recognition
- In 1993, Martin was nominated for an Emmy Award as Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series for her work in Life Goes On.
- 2000, Screen Actors Guild Awards — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: Nominee
- 1998, Screen Actors Guild Awards — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: Winner
| Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series | Life Goes On | Won |
| 1991 | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series | Life Goes On | Won |
| 1992 | Young Artist Awards | Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series | Life Goes On | Nominated |
| 1992 | Viewers for Quality Television | Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Drama Series | Life Goes On | Won |
| 1993 | Emmy Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Life Goes On | Nominated |
| 1999 | Screen Actors Guild | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | ER (shared with cast) | Won |
| 2000 | Screen Actors Guild | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | ER (shared with cast) | Nominated |
| 2000 | Screen Actors Guild | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | ER (shared with cast) | Nominated |
Interview
The interview with Kellie took place on or about December 18, 2001.
Q: Did it surprise you to know that now even 7 years after “Christy” that there are a loyal group of fans who have stayed behind this show and cast members?
Kellie Martin: I am both surprised and not surprised that so many people remained fans of the “Christy” television series. We had a built-in fan base which consisted of people who loved Catherine Marshall’s book. Yet it is always surprising when a show is well-received and then sustains some popularity even after its TV run.
Q: In retrospect how do you feel about your time on “Christy” & about the series itself?
Kellie Martin: My time on “Christy” was an incredible learning experience. I had never been the title character in a series, and I was unprepared for the demands that would bring. It was exhausting yet rewarding. It’s not every day that you are able to work with such an amazing cast and crew. I think every show on the series was more beautiful than the next.
Q: Do you have any favorite memories from your time on “Christy” that you would like to share?
Kellie Martin: I loved working with the children on the show. They each had such distinct personalities and brought a bit of magic to each scene.
Q: Which is your favorite “Christy” series episode and why?
Kellie Martin: I must say that I am quite fond of the pilot episode. I think Patricia Green wrote a beautiful script that set the tone for the rest of the series. She also managed to modernize Christy while keeping her in the appropriate time period.
Q: What was the most difficult (least enjoyable) aspect about playing Christy?
Kellie Martin: As I mentioned in the second question, the most difficult part of playing Christy was the demanding schedule–and I love to work! I was so tired one day that in the middle of one of my close-ups, I fell asleep! The beautiful period costumes were also a bit uncomfortable.
Q: Conversely, what was the most fun and/or enjoyable aspect?
Kellie Martin: One of the most enjoyable aspects of the show was working with Tyne Daly. She is a gifted performer and a beautiful person. I learned a lot from her.
Q: Tell us about writing “Babe in the Woods” with Tom. How did that come about? How did you get the idea for it?
Kellie Martin: “Babe In the Woods” came from a dream I had one night. I just wrote it down when I woke up. When I showed it to Patricia Green and Tom Blomquist they were incredibly supportive. I never guessed they would use it for an episode.
Q: You may be aware by now (or you may not) but the majority of the Christy fans have always preferred MacNeill for Christy over Grantland. Of course, that reflects the flow of the book, but it definitely is also true of the majority of the fans of the series. When we did a survey recently (before the mini series) we found out that 90% of the fans were supporters of Christy with MacNeill. Were you aware of the fans preference, and comment on why you think this is so or why this information surprises you?
Kellie Martin: I think people want Christy to end up with MacNeill because he challenges her and makes her a more interesting character. I am not surprised to find that most of the fans prefer that outcome.
Q: Tom tells me that you have recently visited NeilandChristy.com. So tell us what you think about all the swooning?
Kellie Martin: “Swoon” is an interesting word to use when referring to Christy and MacNeill. When I was working on the series I would say that they had a more passionate, love/hate relationship. I think David might have made Christy swoon, but the more complex relationship she shared with MacNeill won out in the end.
Q: I understand that you recently saw the new movies and enjoyed them. How did you react to the number of cast changes and the location change?
Kellie Martin: I thought that the cast and location changes were quite smooth. Enough time has passed since the initial series that I think fans would not be disturbed by the changes. I think the new setting is more rustic, which may be more true to the book and to the actual Cutter Gap. I also think it was helpful that the audience see some familiar faces.
Q: Who and what did you like about the new movies?
Kellie Martin: I enjoyed the frame story in the new series. For those who are fans of Catherine Marshall’s writing, I would think that is was exciting to see fictional versions of Catherine and Christy.
Q: How did it feel to see that the old Cutter Gap cowboys were back in the movies–Dale, Bruce, Andy, Mike, and of course, Stewart.
Kellie Martin: It was good to see those familiar faces, and they were doing great work as always.
Q: Was there anything in particular from the series that you missed seeing in the movies?
Kellie Martin: I think the only thing I missed was the Tennessee accent.
Q: What did you think of the new Christy?
Kellie Martin: Lauren brought very Christy-like qualities to the role. She handled a very demanding role with a lot of grace.
Q: Tell us your impressions of the wedding.
Kellie Martin: I thought the wedding was lovely. It was one of my favorite scenes.
Q: How do you predict the MacNeills will be as a married couple?
Kellie Martin: The MacNeills as a married couple…It would be a household full of interesting discussions with the occasional bickering. But I think it would work well.
Q: Was it difficult for you watching someone else play Christy? How did it feel to watch and see Christy finally get married?
Kellie Martin: I thought it would be difficult to watch someone else play Christy, but, surprisingly, it wasn’t. Rather than compare our performances, I just enjoyed watching the continuation of a story. I am so happy that the new movies tied up the loose ends left by the series. The marriage issue pervaded so much of the book and the series that it was nice to have the question finally answered (MacNeill or David) and have Christy with a ring on her finger.
Q: Would you mind telling us briefly how you got cast as “Christy” originally and also why you decided not to play her this time around.
Kellie Martin: I was cast as Christy after a few auditions; first for the writer, director and producers and next for the network (CBS). I decided not to play Christy in the new movies because, although it’s difficult to explain, it’s not an experience I wanted to try to duplicate. I wouldn’t go back and reprise my role on “Life Goes On,” although it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Once I complete a project, I simply move on. As I said earlier, I am glad that Tom Blomquist tied up so many loose ends left by the series–it was important to the fans of the show.
Q: You turned 18 during the pilot of “Christy,” and you are now 26. I understand a lot has happened to you in your personal life since then. Tell us a bit about that. And do you ever see any of the old Christy gang socially or professionally?
Kellie Martin: Since “Christy” a lot has happened in my life. I just graduated from Yale with a degree in History of Art. I am very interested in photography and am a bit of a photographer myself. My husband and I live in Los Angeles with our dog and cat.
I wish I saw more of the “Christy” cast. Tyne and I run into each other from time to time, and I see Randall Batinkoff (the original David) occasionally. I do keep in touch with some of the original “Christy” writers, Patricia Green and Tom Blomquist. They’re awesome!
Q: Is there anything you would like to say to the “Christy” fans that you never got to say or to correct the record on for something that you were misrepresented on?
Kellie Martin: As far as being misrepresented on anything referring to Christy, I am not sure what you mean. I hope fans understand that whenever someone does an interview they can be misquoted and thereby misrepresented. I enjoyed working on “Christy” and am very glad that the book, series, and new movies have touched so many lives.
Facts
- TV Actress Kellie Martin was born on Thursday, a birthstone is Opal, the season was Fall in the Chinese year of Rabbite, it is 20 days until Kellie Martin next birthday.
- After her aunt showed Michael Landon a photo of her, he cast her in an episode of Highway to Heaven, which marked her TV debut at the age of 9.
- Appeared in Burger King and Taco Bell commercials in the mid-’80s.
- Became the spokesperson for the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association after her sister passed away from lupus in 1998.
- Life Goes On costar Patti LuPone sang at her 16th birthday party, her wedding ceremony, and her reception.
- Completed the Directing Workshop for Women at the American Film Institute in 2004.
- Owns an online toy store called Romp.
- Is a partner in Entertaining Elephants, a sustainable children’s clothing line.
Social Media Handles
| @kellie_martin | |
| @thekelliemartin |
