Magician Marty Westerman was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, but at the age of three his family relocated to Ponca City, Oklahoma where he spent his childhood. Being one of twelve children, Marty was privileged to be a member of a large supportive family. Marty was intrigued with magic at a young age being influenced by Blackstone, Jr., Doug Henning, Mark Wilson, as well as, never missing a program having to do with The Great Houdini. As far as his entertainment influences — it was definitely Jerry Lewis and Red Skeleton. Marty was in awe of their talent…mainly, with their natural ability to make people laugh.
Following his graduation from high school in 1975, Marty moved to Wichita, Kansas to begin what he thought would be a lifelong career of meat cutting. Being new to the area, Marty would frequently go to a local night club to dance and better acquaint himself with the people in the area. Little did he know it would be a life-changing experience. Marty became an instant celebrity by amazing everyone with his robotic dancing. Requests began pouring in for him to perform for local businesses doing promotions and grand openings. An agent took over Marty’s bookings, he adopted the name “Robbie The Mechanical Man” and he was off!
Inspired by a magician Skip Kane in Oklahoma City, Marty began incorporating magic into his act. As a non-speaking entertainer, Marty’s performances were enjoyed by all…by using only his body movements and facial expressions, people of all nationalities could enjoy his performances. In addition to his many engagements, Marty was contracted to do television commercials for businesses in and around Phoenix, Arizona and Oklahoma City. You could also find him in men’s shops and malls performing as a mannequin model…on roller skates!
Marty’s agent was getting unbelievable jobs. Marty was performing for guests prior to a performance by B J Thomas at a celebrity fundraiser in Midland, Texas, when he was noticed by Mae Axton. She was not only the mother of Hoyt Axton, a singer and actor, but was also referred to as the “Queen Mother of Nashville”. While performing in Nashville for one of Mae’s events, she arranged for Marty to perform on the Emmy award winning show “Nashville Now”. Shortly after returning to Oklahoma, Mae flew Marty to California to perform for Hoyt’s birthday celebration. Marty made his second trip to Nashville when Waylon Jennings asked him to perform for his son’s (Shooter) birthday party.
Oklahoma City also held many opportunities for Marty. While performing at Doc Severinsen’s club, Marty had the privilege of sharing his magic with Dinah Shore and Johnny Bench. Much to his surprise, Dale Robertson requested Marty’s appearance at a private function at his home. At a celebrity classic fashion show, Marty was honored to perform for June Haver, the wife of Fred MacMurray (My Three Sons’). He was thrilled to be asked to assist David Copperfield with his “Project Magic” program…teaching therapists to use sleight-of-hand magic in the rehabilitation of patients by helping them regain their dexterity and coordination following an injury or illness. Marty did much traveling performing his magical robotic character. He performed for private events and did business promotions and commercials from Nashville to Florida and Texas. The 80’s were certainly full of excitement for Marty!
In 1989, Marty eventually settled in Dallas, Texas where he continues to perform locally for corporate and private functions, as well as, traveling for trade shows, promotions, and special events across the U.S and abroad. His travels have taken him to Cabo San Lucas, Colombia, South America, Canada, as well as many cities across the United States. As you can see, Marty’s appearance has changed in the past 35 years (of which he blames his wife’s southern cooking), but his passion for entertaining has remained the same. “Robbie” has been retired, but Marty has evolved into a vocal entertainer allowing his once-silent sense of humor to surface. His comedy and quick wit is a bonus to his polished presentation of magic.