[4] He is best known for his performances in acclaimed films such as Rosario (2010), Rizal in Dapitan (1997), Segurista (1996) and Sidhi (1999), as well as in multiple hit television series like Ang Probinsyano (2015), Kadenang Ginto (2018), Juan dela Cruz (2013) and The General's Daughter (2019).
With a career spanning four decades in the showbusiness, Martinez made his screen debut in 1980 and has since starred in over 60 television series and movies.
[10] In 1992, after taking a break from acting to raise his two children with Anna Lissa "Liezl" Sumilang in the United States, Martinez starred in the romantic drama film Yakapin Mo Akong Muli, which was a box office bomb.
[8] Martinez got back into significant roles thanks to performances in GMA teleseryes and the 1994 film Pangako ng Kahapon, which earned him a FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actor.
He also won several Best Supporting Actor awards from the Gawad Urian and the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) for his role in the film Dead Sure.
He then starred in the television series, Sa Piling Mo, together with Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual which was shown on ABS-CBN.
He also worked on the fantaserye Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko and the teleserye Maria Flordeluna in 2007 as the role of Gen. Leo Alicante.
[4] He played the role of Frank Crisanto on the teleserye Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo, alongside Kris Aquino, Kim Chiu, Gina Pareño, Coco Martin, and Gerald Anderson.
Priam dela Torre, the leader of the Tatsulok syndicate and the biological father of the protagonist, Apollo, played by Richard Gutierrez.
[8] Martinez owns a large car collection, which includes a 1968 Mercury Cougar he restored for his late wife, Liezl.