D’urville Martin enjoyed a string of small roles in television and movies. He was featured in supporting parts in Black Like Me, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and Rosemary’s Baby. He co-starred in two unaired pilots for All in the Family playing “Lionel Jefferson.” The role was recast when the series was finally sold.
A veteran of several films in the “blaxsploitation” genre, D’urville’s big break came when he directed the 1975 film Dolemite starring comedian Rudy Ray Moore. This film is cited as genre-defining, paving the way for a successful run for hundreds of films in the 70s. Stars like Fred Williamson had great success, and rappers like Snoop Dog and Notorious B.I.G. found inspiration from D’urville’s cinematic vision.
D’urville passed away in 1984 at the age 45.