American actress, who received her theatrical education in London, played the role of Carmen in 'Three Amigos', and starred in the early 1990s television series 'Zorro'. The daughter of Margarita Martinez and the sister of brother, Benito Martinez, who is currently in the entertainment industry as an actor (starred in the Netflix series 'House of Cards') and sister, Andre Benita Martinez. Growing up in the South Valley section of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Martinez and her siblings participated with the repertory theater company 'La Compania de Teatro de Albuquerque', founded by her mother. She had a strong background in theatre acting. However, her talents weren't limited to the stage. Her resume manifested a well-rounded acting that career, which was complemented by her film and television credits. She began her career in her early teens, when she was working as an extra in 'Convoy' (1978) starring Kris Kristofferson and directed by Sam Peckinpah. After catching the attention of the director, Peckinpah offered her a speaking role. Graduating early from high school, she followed into the footsteps of some very distinguished actors when she decided to seek formal training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, England, one of the world's most prestigious and respected drama schools. Among 3000 aspiring actors from around the world vying for the only 23 coveted entries that were offered, Martinez was awarded the sole scholarship of her term. Upon graduating from RADA, she was honored with five of the most prominent awards the academy has to commend. Returning back to the United States, Martinez moved from her home state of New Mexico and ventured into California in order to continue her acting career. After being in Hollywood for only a couple of months, she was cast in a lead role in her first feature film 'A Walk on the Moon' (1987). Shortly thereafter, she was cast in another lead role in the hit comedy 'Three Amigos!' (1986) starring Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short and directed by John Landis. She would later be selected as Tom Selleck's love interest in 'Magnum PI' and out of all his leading ladies, Martinez was the only one asked back to reprise her role in the two-part series finale of the final episode of the television series 'Resolutions' on May 8, 1988. In the interim, she guested in NBC's 'Miami Vice' (1984) with Don Johnson and Edward James Olmos, appeared in the films 'Bettlejuice' (1988) with Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis and 'The Effects of Magic' (1988) among others.