Evelyn Angel Martin is a small-time con man and habitual schemer Jim Rockford knew during his time in prison. Cowardly, greedy, and almost incapable of telling the truth, Angel is forever chasing a get-rich-quick angle, and his plans almost always collapse in ways that drag Jim into trouble. Despite this, the two share an odd, durable friendship.
Angel functions as both comic relief and recurring complication. He informs, lies, betrays, and grovels in roughly equal measure, often selling Jim out to save his own skin before sheepishly turning up again for help. His unreliability is a running joke, yet Rockford keeps bailing him out, revealing Jim's stubborn loyalty even to people who do not deserve it.
Stuart Margolin's performance made Angel a standout, earning him two Emmy Awards for the role. Across the series Angel never reforms, which is precisely the point: he embodies the seedy, opportunistic underside of Rockford's world while remaining strangely sympathetic and consistently funny.
Angel Martin is one of the central figures in The Rockford Files, a crime/drama/mystery/detective series that aired on NBC from 1974–1980. Within the narrative of The Rockford Files, Angel Martin serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Seasons 1-6. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Stuart Margolin, Angel Martin has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Stuart Margolin's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Stuart Margolin's work has been recognized with 2 major awards, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Angel Martin, played by Stuart Margolin, is a cowardly small-time con artist Jim Rockford met in prison. He recurs throughout the series as a schemer whose plots constantly entangle Jim in trouble, while also providing much of the show's comedy.
Yes. Stuart Margolin won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Angel Martin, making the character one of the most acclaimed supporting roles of the series.
