Dean Martin
Actor
About Dean Martin
Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti, rose from humble beginnings in Steubenville, Ohio, to become one of America's most beloved entertainers of the 20th century. He began his career as a nightclub singer in the 1940s before teaming up with comedian Jerry Lewis in 1946, creating one of comedy's most successful partnerships that produced 16 films together. Their first film, 'At War with the Army' (1950), marked Martin's film debut and established their successful formula of Martin as the cool straight man to Lewis's manic comedy. After their acrimonious split in 1956, Martin reinvented himself as a solo superstar, releasing numerous hit songs including 'That's Amore,' 'Memories Are Made of This,' and 'Everybody Loves Somebody.' He became a founding member of the Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and others, starring in films like 'Ocean's 11' and performing legendary shows in Las Vegas. Martin hosted 'The Dean Martin Show' on television from 1965-1974, showcasing his laid-back charm and musical talent to millions of viewers. Throughout his career, he maintained an effortless persona of cool indifference that earned him the nickname 'The King of Cool,' making him an enduring icon of American entertainment.
The Craft
On Screen
Dean Martin developed a distinctive acting style characterized by his seemingly effortless, laid-back approach and natural charisma. His technique involved underplaying scenes with a cool, detached demeanor that made his comedic timing and dramatic moments appear spontaneous. Martin specialized in the 'straight man' role during his partnership with Jerry Lewis, using his suave presence and deadpan delivery to ground their comedy. In his solo film career, he often played the charming, slightly roguish character with a drink in hand, projecting an image of sophisticated nonchalance that audiences found irresistible.
Milestones
- Formed comedy duo with Jerry Lewis (1946-1956)
- Film debut in 'At War with the Army' (1950)
- Solo music career with 36 top 40 hits
- Founding member of the Rat Pack
- Hosted 'The Dean Martin Show' (1965-1974)
- Starred in the Matt Helm spy film series
- Received Golden Globe for 'The Young Lions' (1957)
- Inducted into the Las Vegas Hall of Fame
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor (1957)
- Golden Globe for World Film Favorite – Male (1967)
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2009, posthumous)
- Emmy Award nomination for 'The Dean Martin Show' (1967, 1968, 1969)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for 'The Young Lions' (1957)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series (1967, 1968, 1969)
- Golden Globe nominations for 'The Dean Martin Show' (1966-1970)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960)
- Las Vegas Walk of Fame star
- Grammy Hall of Fame for 'That's Amore' (2001)
- Inducted into the Italian American Hall of Fame
- USO Hall of Fame
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dean Martin's impact on American culture extends far beyond his entertainment career. He helped define the concept of 'cool' in post-war America, embodying a sophisticated yet approachable masculinity that resonated with millions. His Rat Pack performances in Las Vegas helped transform the desert city into the entertainment capital of the world, creating a new model for casino entertainment that combined music, comedy, and camaraderie. Martin's television show broke new ground by featuring a diverse range of guests and pioneering the celebrity roast format. His relaxed, alcohol-fueled persona, while partly a performance, influenced perceptions of masculinity and entertainment in the 1960s and beyond.
Lasting Legacy
Dean Martin's legacy endures through his timeless music, classic films, and the archetype of the effortlessly cool entertainer he created. His recordings continue to sell millions of copies, and his films remain popular on classic movie channels. The Rat Pack era he helped create continues to fascinate new generations, inspiring films, books, and tribute acts. Martin's influence can be seen in modern entertainers who project similar laid-back charisma, from George Clooney to Harry Connick Jr. His pioneering work in television variety shows helped shape the format for decades. Despite his death in 1995, Martin remains an iconic figure representing a golden age of American entertainment.
Who They Inspired
Dean Martin influenced countless entertainers with his natural, unforced style of performance. His approach to comedy—underplaying for maximum effect—has been studied and emulated by comedians and actors. Musicians continue to be inspired by his smooth vocal delivery and song interpretation. His television variety show format influenced later hosts like Johnny Carson and David Letterman. The Rat Pack's blend of music, comedy, and camaraderie created a template for ensemble performances that persists in modern entertainment. Martin's ability to seamlessly transition between music, comedy, and acting demonstrated a versatility that has inspired multi-talented performers across generations.
Off Screen
Dean Martin was married three times and had seven children. His first marriage to Elizabeth Anne McDonald (1941-1949) produced four children. He married Jeanne Biegger in 1949, with whom he had three children before their divorce in 1973. His third marriage was to Catherine Hawn (1973-1976). Martin was known for his devotion to his family despite his playboy public image. His son Dean Paul Martin died in a military jet crash in 1987, which devastated him. Martin was also a close friend of Frank Sinatra and maintained lifelong friendships with many in the entertainment industry.
Education
Dropped out of Steubenville High School at age 16 to work various jobs including steel mill worker, gas station attendant, and prizefighter before pursuing entertainment career
Family
- Elizabeth Anne McDonald (1941-1949)
- Jeanne Biegger (1949-1973)
- Catherine Hawn (1973-1976)
Did You Know?
- He changed his name from Dino Crocetti to Dino Martini before settling on Dean Martin
- Spoke only Italian until age five, leading to childhood bullying and a speech impediment
- Was a welterweight boxer who fought under the name 'Kid Crochet'
- Despite his drinking persona, Martin rarely drank more than two glasses of whiskey during performances
- His famous 'drunk' act was developed during his early nightclub days when he would drink to calm stage fright
- Had a fear of flying and often traveled by train or car
- Never attended his own children's weddings due to his fear of being the center of attention
- Was offered the role of Johnny Fontane in 'The Godfather' but turned it down
- His trademark song 'Everybody Loves Somebody' knocked The Beatles' 'A Hard Day's Night' from #1 in 1964
- Was an accomplished amateur golfer who often played with celebrities and politicians
In Their Own Words
If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
I'd hate to be a teetotaler. Imagine getting up in the morning and knowing that's as good as you're going to feel all day.
You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on.
The whole world is a bottle and we should all get drunk on it.
I don't drink anymore... I freeze it and eat it like a popsicle.
I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day.
It's a man's obligation to stick his boneration in a woman's separation; this sort of penetration will increase the population of the younger generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dean Martin?
Dean Martin was an American singer, actor, comedian, and television host who rose to fame as part of the comedy duo Martin and Lewis before becoming a solo superstar. He was a founding member of the Rat Pack and was known as 'The King of Cool' for his effortless charisma and laid-back performing style.
What films is Dean Martin best known for?
Dean Martin is best known for 'At War with the Army' (1950), his first film with Jerry Lewis; 'The Young Lions' (1957); 'Rio Bravo' (1959); 'Ocean's 11' (1960); the Matt Helm spy series including 'The Silencers' (1966); and 'Airport' (1970).
When was Dean Martin born and when did he die?
Dean Martin was born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio. He died on December 25, 1995, at age 78 in Beverly Hills, California, from acute respiratory failure resulting from emphysema.
What awards did Dean Martin win?
Dean Martin won a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year in 1957 for 'The Young Lions,' another Golden Globe for World Film Favorite in 1967, and received a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
What was Dean Martin's acting style?
Martin's acting style was characterized by his natural, underplayed approach and seemingly effortless charisma. He specialized in playing the cool, charming straight man during his Martin and Lewis years, and later perfected the suave, slightly roguish character with a drink in hand. His laid-back delivery and deadpan timing made his performances appear spontaneous and authentic.
How did Dean Martin influence popular culture?
Dean Martin helped define the concept of 'cool' in mid-20th century America and was instrumental in making Las Vegas the entertainment capital through Rat Pack performances. His television variety show pioneered the celebrity roast format, and his smooth singing style influenced generations of crooners. The archetype of the effortlessly cool entertainer he created continues to influence performers today.
Was Dean Martin really drunk during performances?
Despite his famous 'drunk' persona, Dean Martin was rarely actually intoxicated during performances. The act originated from his early nightclub days when he would drink to calm stage fright, but he developed it into a comedic routine. He typically limited himself to two glasses of whiskey during shows, maintaining enough control to perform professionally while appearing carefree and relaxed.
Learn More
Films
1 film
