They say that when opportunity knocks, it's time to let it in. But for Ross Martin, the only possible option was to refuse the opportunity five times before finally acquiescing.

You might know Martin from his role as Artemus Gordon in the CBS series, The Wild Wild West. However, Martin revealed during an interview that originally, he had no intention of ever accepting the role when it was offered to him. Martin felt that the role, as it stood, didn't align with his view of where he felt his career trajectory should go. According to that same interview, Martin was correct in that gut feeling.

"I turned down the series five times," said Martin during an interview with the Associated Press. "But I was told over and over again that I would be able to enjoy the character actor's dream of a strong new role in each segment. I accepted, and the producer was fired. It was three years before I got what was promised."

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Still, the role made Martin known on television and brought him enough success that he was able to continue working. Acting wasn't simply a career for Martin; it was a way of life.

"I think that acting teaches almost everyone who's in it compassion for his fellow man," said Ross during an interview with The Vancouver Sun. "When you have to play a man dying of an incurable disease, a new father, a dictatorial power-mad individual, or a psychopath, you try ot feel as they might feel."