Soap Opera Weekly had such a great interview with ALL MY CHILDREN's JR Martinez, Brot's portrayer, that we're going to feature it on our site not once, but twice. Here's Part 1.
Soap Opera Weekly: When did you join the military?
JR Martinez: I joined when I was 18, right out of high school. My job in the military was infantry. Infantry is basically the front line. You're trained on combat. I chose that because if I was going to go to a war environment, I wanted to feel like I was a part of it, and I wanted to feel I actually did something to help the cause.
Weekly: The day you were injured in Iraq, your Humvee drove over a landmine, throwing three other soldiers from the vehicle. But what happened to you?
Martinez: I was trapped inside the vehicle. The explosion caused a fire. We would rather lose one guy than five, and what that means is if one of our guys [is] injured, then we have to get to a safe point, and once we figure out what's going on, then we go back to help our fellow service member.
Weekly: So you ended up being trapped in the burning Humvee for 10 to 15 minutes. What were you thinking?
Martinez: "My life will end in another country." The biggest thing was my mother. My mother was the one who raised me on her own, and she's basically my best friend. I [was] thinking to myself that my mother was going to be devastated, because she had already lost a daughter when I was 5 years old. I was conscious, and all of this was going through my mind.
Weekly: But they did get you out, and they evacuated you to Germany. What happened there?
Martinez: When I got there, I immediately went into emergency surgery. After about three or four days, I was brought down to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Weekly: And you had been in a coma that whole time — you didn't wake up until you were back in the United States?
Martinez: Yeah. I got to the U.S. on the 9th of April, four days after my injury. I didn't come out of my coma until the last week of April. I was back in the States almost three weeks before I came out of it.
Weekly: What was your rehabilitation like?
Martinez: After I came out of the coma, I basically went from being this tough guy — being an athlete in high school to being in the Army and being able to do all the physical things — [to] being somewhat of an infant. Not being able to do anything for myself — the simple things that we do every single day that sometimes we take for granted.
Weekly: When did you first see your wounds?
Martinez: After about the fifth day, I hadn't seen my body, because there were so many bandages. [The nurse] came into my room and he said, "Okay, JR, we're going to do your care." I said, "No. I want to see my face. I want to see my body." That really shocked him, for me to say that so early on. He said, "No, no, no, not yet." I said, "I'm 19 years old, and I'm going to have to live with this for the rest of my life; I might as well start learning how to live with it now." He said, "I can't argue with you on that. That's your request. We have to grant it." He pulled up a mirror, and that's when everything changed for me. I was called "the pretty boy." I was always concerned about my looks. When I looked at the mirror, it wasn't the same thing I was used to seeing. [What I saw] was so devastating, and immediately I became angry, depressed, regretful, you name it — all of these things popped into my head. I said I would have been better off not making it than having to live like this. My mother said something to me: "JR, it's not about how you look, it's about who you are. If anyone is going to be in your life, it's going to be because they love who you are." Even though it made sense, I continued to argue with her. I said, "No, you don't understand. I'm going to walk down the street and people are going to stare. People are going to move away out of disgust. There are going to be kids that are going to scream and look at me with fear." She basically said, "You'll learn that your personality will shine, and that's what people will love." I didn't even think I had a personality. I was like, "I don't have a personality, Mom! What the hell am I going to do?! People aren't going to hang out with me." To my surprise, when I got out of the hospital, yes, I got stares, yes, kids were afraid, and yes, people stepped away from me. But there were people that didn't. They showed me that they were giving me the opportunity to [show] the real me, and that's all that mattered.
Im happy that someone cared enough about my rights to risk his life. Like most our military they get over looked. I was a proud military wife and have to say THANK YOU to all who give their lives for the freedom of others. And to all on the home front or support their military from home be it a spouse, mother, brother, father, sister or whatever... THANK YOU too. Without your support they would not be able to do it.
I lost an uncle on the Rue Irish on 5.4.04 due to an IED and have such a profound respect & admiration for each and every soldier over in harms way.I can only say that reading this story of what this man has been through & will continue to endure makes me gush with an enormous sense of pride for country. Bravo and this dude needs a fan club ASAP! I will happily volunteer! God Bless America & heros like JR!
I have always been a fan of All My Children. I am so touched by the story line of JR. I am so proud of the military men and women who show great love for this country. JR, to come on a show such as AMC really shows that you are making such an attempt to live. I think I am speaking for many people when I say 'Thank you' for being so courageous. One can learn to live when face with difficult challenges or one can succumb to the darkness that falls upon us. Thank You for having such a profound impact on my life.
I was very pleased when I saw the story line that AMC was doing. When Tad sat in on the group interview last week, I almost wept. So many television shows have portrayed our soldiers in a negative light... and just to make political statements. I am a fourth generation military wife living near the largest Army post in the country. We watch our soldiers leave regularly and endure the wait while most of the country continues to live their lives unaffected. Thank you to AMC for showing people the reality of life for the men and women who serve.
Hi Julie--Thanks for bringing JR's amazing journey to light. It must have been an honor for you to speak to this incredible man. He is a great actor from what I've witnessed so far but also has the true ability to draw from his horrific experiences and bring so much credibility to his performances. Words cannot express how courageous he is and he is nothing less than a gift in the lives of so many Americans and in the lives of All My Children fans.
We need more heroes like JR. We should be grateful for what military personnel go through every day for us, that we can continue to be 'the land of the free.'
They say the eyes are the window to the soul. When I first viewed you on the show, I said he is a very handsome man. It wasn't, he would be handsome without the scars (burns). My friends often teased me when I was growing up for always seeing beauty in people. It was so ironic that JR referred to himself as the "pretty boy" as I could see it before it was stated. I pray you continue to live a positive life because you are indeed beautiful. God bless! SNJ
JR Martinez has the most beautiful smile. Thanks for all you have gone through to protect our country. I have always been a fan of All My Children but you are quickly becoming one of my favorite people on the show. Heres to seeing your Brot charecter around Pine Valley for a long time. Maybe you will be there until you are as old as Adam Chandler!
Hey JR, this is your friend from Arlington, Tx's Mom. I am so proud of you! I have been watching AMC since I was a kid and feel so blessed that the writers had enough forsight to do something for our boys. CONGRATULATIONS on landing the role! Keep up the great work. You doing yourself and our troops proud! I know Vicki and I will be keeping your with your fabulous performance! YOU GO BOY! Show them what you've STILL got, just like your Mom told you back when.
There's an old saying,"If Only All The Hands That Reach, Could Touch" A HUGE HUG and Thank You to everyone in the military, my husband is retired 22 years Army,We have seen and been thru it all, as we go to the VA hospital every month for my husband still, he fought in Desert Shield/Desert Storm on the front lines, andI'm so proud of him, and TO YOU JR, you are beautiful! Keep that smile, it reaches so many,and touches our hearts deeply, We seen so many men and women that have been "thru it" every month, and it takes a Real Human, someone will to sacrifice for others,you are our HERO!
Welcome back JR, and I also wish to thank you for your service and sacrifice's for our freedoms. God Bless you always and I wish you all the best in your future, be it in acting or which ever path you take. Thank you and all our service men & women for the couragous services.
GOD bless you, my son was also in the army and he came back with some mental sickness, he drove away everyone of his friends and family even me his own mom... there's a name of this sickness I just don't know something like PTSD... I'm still strugling not just him because I will always be there for him, because he was there for US......
I watch how you come across on screen and I think you are gorgeous! Your eyes have a story to tell.
I am so touched by your courage. I never had a hero before, I do now.
JR, you are incredibly handsome and brave. You make me proud to be an American. Watching AMC is now a pleasue as well as a treat! Keep up the good work and thanks for serving our beautiful country with such diligence and bravery. My oldest sibling was in the Vietnam war and lost his life at 21 years old in Vietnam. Please thank God for sparing your life because you have so much to offer. You are an Americn Hero! God bless you and your family.
Dearest JR, I am a army wife myself with a husband overseas in Afghanistan for 15 months. I want to say to you and all of our service men and women everywhere: thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do and I am enjoying you on AMC and hope you will remain for time to come. You are an inspiration to anyone who is "different" in peoples eyes. If they cant see beyond the surface then they are not worth the time. God Bless you and your family and I am so glad you came home safe. Since I live in Texas if I ever see you at BAMC I will be glad to come up to you and give you a hug. Thank you for being you and keeping us safe in this awful war. Alicia
you are very brave preson i seen in my life
You absolutely ROCK! I hope you know how much this will help others who have been hurt and disfigured. Your Mom is right - its what is in the inside that counts - always remember that! I wouldn't hesitate to date a guy like you - brave, honest, and a hero! Good luck in life and all your endeavors!
WOW! You are an amazing young man, JR. You're also a devilishly handsome young man too! Your smile and your eyes shine through and still make a girl's heart swoon. Of that, I'm sure. I hope that you're beginning to see how beauty isn't skin deep and that people will love you in spite of your fears and apprehensions. I'm the mom of a soldier currently serving and your courage and spirit are uplifting. He also went in at 18, wanting nothing more than to serve, and to make a difference. After all you've been through, you are STILL making that difference. By sharing your experience, and allowing yourself to be seen by millions on television, you are taking the shock and awe out of how people will view burn victims in the future. Your willingness to put a face to the injured soldier for the world to see, is another way of serving, and for you, I am forever thankful. We love you JR, and can't wait to see more of you (and your character) shine on AMC! I know your mom must
I HAVE WATCHED ALL MY CHILDREN FOR 35 YEARS. NEVER, HAS THERE BEEN SUCH A TOUCHING STORY LINE. GOOD BLESS YOU JR. I HAVE A HELICOPTER PILOT GRANDSON OVER THERE NOW. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM. LOVE YOUR LOALITY TO YOUR COUNTRY===JANICE====
Hey JR, I've been watching AMC for many years now too, and I think the story line is excellent. My Mom watches too and we both have fallen in love with you--your character on the show as well as with you, the actor! You are one of the best actors I have ever watched. I echo all of the comments above. I was a flight attendant for ATA and we had the privilege of flying the military around, so your story hits home as on many flights, I witnessed first-hand the emotions that many of our troops had, whether going on R & R or headed back for more duty overseas. You make us all very proud!
Hello, JR! Welcome to the world of daytime television. I just wanted to say a "HUGE THANK YOU" for showing the type of committment to our country that you did at such a young age. I also want to you know that your personality really does "SHINE", and so does your skill in this new arena of daytime.
Hey JR: I am a 70 yr old Great Grandma (former Military) Tell you right now Honey, if I were about 50 years younger, I'd be chasing you down the hall! It's really a pleasure watching you on AMC - hope you are around for a LONG, LONG time and that you grow old in Pine Valley.
you are awesome in so many ways. thank you for protecting our country and being a great entertainer on AMC
I too watch AMC & enjoy the story line about Brot. In today's show, 4/21 they played a song I'm Your Soldier, does anyone know who wrote that particular one. I really loved that song. My son just joined the Air Force & I want to get a copy of the song. Thanks
I want to tell you what a fabulous person you are. My daughter and I watch AMC every day. When you came on as a character, we thought, what a realistic job the make up artists do on that show. I just got online today to find out if that was really make up. After reading your story, I am so glad that I decided to search for you. What an inspiration to everyone! Now that I know your story, I realize how much your true strength, wisdom and courage come thru in your acting. Thank you so much for the service to our country! You are a beautiful person, inside and out! You have the kindest eyes, and the brightest smile! Keep "shining" the way you do! And Kudos to AMC for bringing a person such as yourself to light in the best storyline I've ever watched!
Dear JR, It was such a pleasure to meet you at the Strawberry Festival over the weekend. I look forward to seeing you again next weekend. Thanks for taking the time to give an autograph and take a picture with my nephew Andrew. Your generosity and big smile made my day. What a inspiration you are to others. All the best to you and your family. Take Care, Susie
Hi JR! I have been a long time fan of AMC, your addition to the show has been one of the best storylines I've seen in the last 25 years. Bravo to you for your bravery and sacrifice. I'm proud to live in a country with people like you. I'd also like to thank your mother for the wonderful job she did raising you. Your strength and bravery is truly appreciated and admired. I wish you, your family and Brot the best!
Jr' story brign me to tears, for u fought for your country and now I see u on my fav soap, ur so brave I thank you even thought I am not from the use.
Wow what a story,Iam so glad I read this. I have watched All My Children since I was a Young child. I often wonder if YOU, Brock Was Just made up with makeup, even would look and see if the scars changed from day to day. Wondering I looked you up and found this. My husband was in the Army durning Vitnam. He came home to me without any problems. I am so proud of you to not give up and to show your face to the world this way. I, like your mom would love you no matter what. You are whatyou are on the inside not the skin on the outside. I am sure that you being on Day time TV has helped other service men to see that NO matter what,they should never give up. I am so glad I read this it just made me more of a fan of yours than I already was. Hold your head up high and shoot for the stars. They are within your reach.
hes my fav!!!!! i think ur sexy and very good looking!!!!
Hey JR,I am knocked out by your AMC character-Brot!But also I'm knocked out by you JR, and your real story!Brot is charming & Sarastic Dry Comedy...in a good way! Really telling it/How it is/Like it or Not. This is better than Drama, or a written script...although Brot has a script,... but JR Martinez is the real Person! And I have read about you JR, and about your military time. I myself, had enlisted around 1989 in the Gulf War,I was/or rather wanted to enlist ARMY as a militaty police officer. I passed the written exam, but for my physical exam, I Rebecca had only measured on the scale(Militaty Requirements) - 5' 3". A militaty P.O. Female has to be at least 5' 4". To make a long story short "I was a sworn in soilder ARMY. But I had been disqualified because of my weight... height/weight requirement/and I had gone to the opposite extreme with an eating disorder, I ended up being extremely underweight! I was DX-with anexoria/bulima. I gone to the extreme to be within the height
I can kind of get it. My Uncle had enlisted (with forged I.D. at 17 yrs old) in the Vietnam War. My Uncle had served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. He recieved a Purple Heart. But after all of that my Uncle (in a PG version) was strung out... and when he returned to the U.S.A. Suvivors guilt, or God only knows, my uncle has passed on : 1972. Rebecca. rlaturneau@comcast.net rlaturneau@comcast.net 10/23/2009.
Hey JR, I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn, C.D. Titled - Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble. The Song - Titled "Life Without You" - Listen, this is a great song, from The Departed/ Pa ssed A Way! : On Stevie Ray Vaughn. Also The song "Tightrope". in reference to OTHER STUFF?! I really get that I should sensor: My Stuff: on this web-site...Keep it P.G.But I have too much to ......say R.L. P.S. Just listen to the two or all of Stevie Ray Vaughn Music. I have also lost a loved one, my son,-(three Mo).- born Premature. My son Patrick had only lived for a brave ten days old.-1991( 18 Year')s Old-NOW -2009 ) So I'am only to fimilar with loss ! R.L. P.S. I hope that an editor READ'S & Check's Text's.
Hey JR, I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn, C.D. Titled - Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble. The Song - Titled "Life Without You" - Listen, this is a great song, from The Departed/ Pa ssed A Way! : On Stevie Ray Vaughn. Also The song "Tightrope". in reference to OTHER STUFF?! I really get that I should sensor: My Stuff: on this web-site...Keep it P.G.But I have too much to ......say R.L. P.S. Just listen to the two or all of Stevie Ray Vaughn Music. I have also lost a loved one, my son,-(three Mo).- born Premature. My son Patrick had only lived for a brave ten days old.-1991( 18 Year')s Old-NOW -2009 ) So I'am only to fimilar with loss ! R.L. P.S. I hope that an editor READ'S & Check's Text's.
Hey JR, I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn, C.D. Titled - Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble. The Song - Titled "Life Without You" - Listen, this is a great song, from The Departed/ Pa ssed A Way! : On Stevie Ray Vaughn. Also The song "Tightrope". in reference to OTHER STUFF?! I really get that I should sensor: My Stuff: on this web-site...Keep it P.G.But I have too much to ......say R.L. P.S. Just listen to the two or all of Stevie Ray Vaughn Music. I have also lost a loved one, my son,-(three Mo).- born Premature. My son Patrick had only lived for a brave ten days old.-1991( 18 Year')s Old-NOW -2009 ) So I'am only to fimilar with loss ! R.L. P.S. I hope that an editor READ'S & Check's Text's.
Hey JR, I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn, C.D. Titled - Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble. The Song - Titled "Life Without You" - Listen, this is a great song, from The Departed/ Pa ssed A Way! : On Stevie Ray Vaughn. Also The song "Tightrope". in reference to OTHER STUFF?! I really get that I should sensor: My Stuff: on this web-site...Keep it P.G.But I have too much to ......say R.L. P.S. Just listen to the two or all of Stevie Ray Vaughn Music. I have also lost a loved one, my son,-(three Mo).- born Premature. My son Patrick had only lived for a brave ten days old.-1991( 18 Year')s Old-NOW -2009 ) So I'am only to fimilar with loss ! R.L. P.S. I hope that an editor READ'S & Check's Text's.
Hey JR, I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn, C.D. Titled - Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble. The Song - Titled "Life Without You" - Listen, this is a great song, from The Departed/ Pa ssed A Way! : On Stevie Ray Vaughn. Also The song "Tightrope". in reference to OTHER STUFF?! I really get that I should sensor: My Stuff: on this web-site...Keep it P.G.But I have too much to ......say R.L. P.S. Just listen to the two or all of Stevie Ray Vaughn Music. I have also lost a loved one, my son,-(three Mo).- born Premature. My son Patrick had only lived for a brave ten days old.-1991( 18 Year')s Old-NOW -2009 ) So I'am only to fimilar with loss ! R.L. P.S. I hope that an editor READ'S & Check's Text's.
Hey JR, I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn, C.D. Titled - Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble. The Song - Titled "Life Without You" - Listen, this is a great song, from The Departed/ Pa ssed A Way! : On Stevie Ray Vaughn. Also The song "Tightrope". in reference to OTHER STUFF?! I really get that I should sensor: My Stuff: on this web-site...Keep it P.G.But I have too much to ......say R.L. P.S. Just listen to the two or all of Stevie Ray Vaughn Music. I have also lost a loved one, my son,-(three Mo).- born Premature. My son Patrick had only lived for a brave ten days old.-1991( 18 Year')s Old-NOW -2009 ) So I'am only to fimilar with loss ! R.L. P.S. I hope that an editor READ'S & Check's Text's.
Hey JR, I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn, C.D. Titled - Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble. The Song - Titled "Life Without You" - Listen, this is a great song, from The Departed/ Pa ssed A Way! : On Stevie Ray Vaughn. Also The song "Tightrope". in reference to OTHER STUFF?! I really get that I should sensor: My Stuff: on this web-site...Keep it P.G.But I have too much to ......say R.L. P.S. Just listen to the two or all of Stevie Ray Vaughn Music. I have also lost a loved one, my son,-(three Mo).- born Premature. My son Patrick had only lived for a brave ten days old.-1991( 18 Year')s Old-NOW -2009 ) So I'am only to fimilar with loss ! R.L. P.S. I hope that an editor READ'S & Check's Text's.
Hey JR, I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn, C.D. Titled - Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble. The Song - Titled "Life Without You" - Listen, this is a great song, from The Departed/ Pa ssed A Way! : On Stevie Ray Vaughn. Also The song "Tightrope". in reference to OTHER STUFF?! I really get that I should sensor: My Stuff: on this web-site...Keep it P.G.But I have too much to ......say R.L. P.S. Just listen to the two or all of Stevie Ray Vaughn Music. I have also lost a loved one, my son,-(three Mo).- born Premature. My son Patrick had only lived for a brave ten days old.-1991( 18 Year')s Old-NOW -2009 ) So I'am only to fimilar with loss ! R.L. P.S. I hope that an editor READ'S & Check's Text's.
Hey JR, I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn, C.D. Titled - Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble. The Song - Titled "Life Without You" - Listen, this is a great song, from The Departed/ Pa ssed A Way! : On Stevie Ray Vaughn. Also The song "Tightrope". in reference to OTHER STUFF?! I really get that I should sensor: My Stuff: on this web-site...Keep it P.G.But I have too much to ......say R.L. P.S. Just listen to the two or all of Stevie Ray Vaughn Music. I have also lost a loved one, my son,-(three Mo).- born Premature. My son Patrick had only lived for a brave ten days old.-1991( 18 Year')s Old-NOW -2009 ) So I'am only to fimilar with loss ! R.L. P.S. I hope that an editor READ'S & Check's Text's.
I met JR today at Soap Nation and he thought I was Sherri Shepard from "the View". He's a fun guy to be around for sure!
Hi JR, just wanted to thank u for ur service to our country. My dad, brother & ex all served too & I'm fully aware of ur sacrifices. I love ur character on AMC & hope it is a long "tour". U r a very handsome young man & ur inner beauty shines thru like the brightest star in the heavens. U r an inspiration to all of us & a great reminder of what the military men & women do for our great country.
First Thank Mr. Martinez, U veterans are the true heroes of this country. Sorry for your serious injuries, I spent the whole year 1969, in the U.S. Army. I was down in the land of wet, the Mekong Delta. And the M113 APC were notorious for flaming up when hit by Enemy fire. terrible, then they went to diesel.My wife watches all my children, I love the support she gives, she knew all about u. Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas.
I am a veteran, I have never been to war and so I cant began to imagine what those young men and women experience, I am so very grateful to them all for putting their lives on the line everyday. I am very proud of Mr. Martinez I watch all my children and every time I see him my heart jumps for joy to see that he did not give up. He his a very handsome young man with a great personlity, his mother was right, its what inside that counts, and even thought he is acting I can still see a warm and loving person on the inside. God Bless you.
Hey, You JR Martinez, I am wanting to Watch 1:00PM and What is new for A.M.C. CHARACHTER, Brot is not a easy one to fool around with! Let the story-line fly . O.K. R.Renee Laturneau.Oh Yeh !
JR I FIRST SAW YOU ON ALL MY CHILDREN I TRYED NOT TO WATCH ANYTHING ABOUT THE WAR BECAUSE MY SON IS IN THE MILITARY. HE IS STATION IN ENGLAND WITH HIS WIFE AND TWO DAUGHTERS HE WENT TO AFGHANISTAN AND STAYED FOR FOUR MONTHS PEOPLE TELL ME THAT NOTHING BUT TO A MOTHER YES IT IS. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE AND THE SACRIFICE YOU HAD TO DEAL WITH. STAY STRONG AND I WILL KEEP ON WATCHING ALL OF MY CHILDREN
JR when I first saw you on AMC I was amazed that someone had the forsight to hire someone who has "been there"! I also saw a handsome man that yes had some scarring from an injury, but what really shows through it all is your amazing smile and a personality that is so endearing. After watching you just a short time the scars fade from the vision of a young man that has all the dynamics of one very appealing magnetically sexy guy. You are a joy to watch and your talent is becomeing more and more obvious as your character evolves. God Bless You,,, you make my day. Thank you.
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