Martin Milner, the "other" star of television's "Route 66" series, may be zooming the highways solo next season if co-star George Maharis is unwilling or unable to continue in the show.
Maharis, the bombastic, emotional character in the series, generally wins the juicier lines and publicity while Milner plugs along steadily turning in top-flight performances. A liver infection has sidelined Maharis, leaving Milner to carry on alone. There is speculation in Hollywood that Maharis is in no hurry to return to the show, looking, instead, to movie roles and video guest shots. In that case the CBS-TV drama will either cancel out next season, carry on with Milner alone or find a new partner for the remaining star.
Should the network renew the show, Milner will continue to pack his bags six months of each year and hit the road, complete with his wife Judy, and children (Stuart, 9 months; Molly, 2; and Amy 4 1/2), a housekeeper, and his dog, Cupcake.
"It's not easy," he sighed during a brief sojourn in his San Fernando Valley home, "but I'd rather have the family with me than be separated from them."
"We try to live as normally as possible. We stop at motels and hotels that have ktichens so our diet remains pretty much the same. When possible we rent apartments and sometimes even houses if we are going to be in a particular area for any length of time.
"I think we'd all prefer to stay at home, but I knew exactly what I was getting into when I accepted the show. I had other offers, but this one pays me more money than I've ever made before. What's more, it's a very exciting and successful series."
Milner is anxious to see Maharis in action. His absence has doubled Marty's work load.
"We really miss George on the show," he said. "I understand his condition is improving right along and that he should be ready for action in the near future."
Milner, a native of Detroit, has studied acting since he was 10 years old. his first major role was that of the second oldest son in the movie version of "Life With Father." No sooner had he completed the role than he suffered a polio attack, but he recovered completely. Today he is a big, strapping man whose future is mapped as clearly as Route 66.
"I'll stay with this series as long as they want me," he said. "After that I'd like to settle down in Hollywood permanently and work right here. I'm so tired of traveling that my idea of a good vacation is to stay at home."
Milner was interrupted by his pretty brunette wife who entered the living room carrying their infant son. "All this traveling isn't easy", she sighed. "But it's better than being alone."
"Amen," said Milner.