Martin Milner, the boyishly handsome star who played Officer Pete Malloy on the 1968-1975 hit Adam-12, is having the time of his life!
In a position to pick and choose his acting roles, he works when he wants to and the rest of the time avidly pursues his favorite hobbies of golf and fly-fishing in exotic parts of the world.
Marty's a familiar face in celebrity golf tournaments from Hollywood to North Africa. "I don't usually win, but I have a lot of fun," he says.
And he recently trekked into a remote part of Costa Rica to fish for tarpon. "I caught three, one weighing 89 pounds," he says proudly.
He's also fished in Alaska and plans a fishing trip later this year to Russia. "Sport fishing is rare in Russia, so we'll get a chance to introduce the sport to the people," says Marty, a loyal San Diego Chargers fan who walks 25 to 30 miles a week to keep in shape.
On the acting front, he can afford to pick and choose his roles carefully. He reunited briefly in 1989 with Adam-12 co-star Kent McCord when the two appeared as cops in the TV movie Nashville Beat. Though his TV roles have brought him fame, Marty, 61, says it's actually been some of his stage work--particularly in regional theaters where live audiences provided instant feedback--that's given him the most satisfaction.
But even more satisfying is his personal life. Marty has four grown children--including a daughter who's about to make him a grandfather for the first time--and a terrific wife of 36 years, Judy, who "puts up with him".
"My wife's real easy to get along with, easier than I am," he answers when asked about his secret for a happy marriage. "We both have a good sense of humor and that helps, and we enjoy doing things together--especially traveling."
Unlike many stars who made a lot of money on a series, then blew it on fast cars and faster women, Marty says he was sensible.
"I'm in a wonderful position. I worked hard for 40 years and didn't waste my money. Not getting divorced saved me a lot of money, too," he jokes. "That's an expensive hobby."
"No one in Hollywood will be throwing any fundraisers for me."