Martin James Palmer was born on November 4, 1959, in Binghamton, New York, to Sandra Ann (Sedlak) and James Charles Palmer, making him the oldest of three children, including sister Shelly and brother Randy.
The family resided in New York until 1975, when they relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where his father was a partner in the "Steaksmith" restaurants. It was in Santa Fe that Martin initially began his acting career.
A year later, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to open the new Steaksmith location. Martin attended Eldorado High School, where he studied theater under the guidance of George Nason.
Following high school, Martin enrolled at New Mexico State University, where he received training in both acting and set design under the tutelage of Mark Medoff, known for his work on "Children of a Lesser God," and Jack Barkla, who was affiliated with the renowned Guthrie Theater.
Martin is also notable for being the 7th Great Grandson of Lieutenant William Palmer, whose earliest recorded activities date back to the Plymouth Colony. According to historical records, William Palmer was present at a Court of Assistants in 1639 and was later "propounded to be free" as an inhabitant of Yarmouth, Connecticut, in 1639.
Additionally, William Palmer served as Lieutenant under Captain Myles Standish and was a representative to the Plymouth Colony General Court in 1642, 1643, 1644, 1648, 1649, and 1650. He also served as Magistrate in Middleboro, now part of the Borough of Queens, New York City, from 1657 to 1661.
Today, Martin resides in the Manzano Mountains outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, with his dog Rain. He is a proud father to his son, James Daniel Palmer, also known as JD.
