Martin Milner, a 1960s TV star, has died, the Associated Press reported. Milner was best known for his roles in two hit series: the CBS drama "Route 66" and NBC's police drama "Adam-12."
Milner died on Sunday, Sept. 6 in his Los Angeles home, a spokesperson from the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed with People. LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck honored the actor in a statement.
"Adam-12 and Martin Milner embodied the spirit of the LAPD to millions of viewers," Beck said in a statement obtained by People. "His depiction of a professional and tough yet compassionate cop led thousands of men and women applying to become LAPD officers, including me. Godspeed Martin, you will live forever in our hearts."
Born in Detroit in 1931, Milner made his film debut in the 1947 movie "Life with Father," according to the Los Angeles Times. After the film, Milner was diagnosed with polio, but recovered a year later and continued to work in Hollywood. He had parts in the John Wayne 1949 war film "Sands of Iwo Jima" and the 1950 war film "Halls of Montezuma," where he met fellow actor Jack Webb.
Milner played Tod Stiles in "Route 66," inspired by the Jack Kerouac novel "On the Road," between 1960-64, according to the LA Times. He joined forces with Webb again when he joined the cast of his police drama "Adam-12." Milner played police officer Pete Molloy and co-starred alongside Kent McCord.
"I had a long, long friendship with Marty and we remained friends up till the end," McCord told the AP. "He was one of the really true great people of our industry with a long, distinguished career...Wonderful films, wonderful television shows, pioneering shows like 'Route 66.' He was one of the great guys. I was lucky to have him in my life."
