Dean Martin
The effortlessly smooth crooner and comedian who made relaxation an art form, becoming a cornerstone of mid-century American entertainment.
1917–1995 (age 78)·American singer and actor·Birthday: June 7·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Dean Martin was the embodiment of cool, a singer and performer who made it all look easy. Born Dino Crocetti in Steubenville, Ohio, he started as a boxer and speakeasy dealer before finding his voice in nightclubs. His decade-long partnership with comedian Jerry Lewis created a national sensation, a act built on their chaotic, opposites-attract dynamic. After their split, Martin silenced doubters by becoming a massive solo success—a chart-topping singer with hits like 'That's Amore,' a movie star in films like 'Rio Bravo,' and the host of his own wildly popular TV variety show. His secret was a palpable sense of ease; he often seemed to be winking at the audience, a glass of Scotch in hand, letting them in on the joke. This carefully crafted persona of the unflappable, slightly detached bon vivant made him a beloved fixture in American homes and a founding member of Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack, where his dry wit often stole the show.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Dean was born in 1917, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dean Was Born
The biggest hits of 1917
#1 Movie
Cleopatra
Dean's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1917Born
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Started school
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1930Became a teenager
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Could drive
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1935Could vote
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Turned 21
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1947Turned 30
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 40
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 50
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 60
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 70
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Died at 78
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
Key Achievements
- Hosted 'The Dean Martin Show,' a top-rated NBC variety program that ran for nine years and won a Golden Globe.
- Sold millions of records with numerous gold singles, including 'Memories Are Made of This,' 'Volare,' and 'Everybody Loves Somebody.'
- Starred in over 50 films, including classics like 'Ocean's 11' with the Rat Pack and the western 'Rio Bravo.'
- Formed one of the most successful comedy duos in history with Jerry Lewis, dominating nightclubs, radio, and film throughout the 1950s.
Did You Know?
He was famously terrified of flying and traveled to engagements by train or car whenever possible.
The glass he often held on stage during his TV show usually contained apple juice, not alcohol.
He was an excellent golfer with a single-digit handicap.
He was offered the role of Matt Helm in films after it was turned down by his friend Frank Sinatra.
“You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on.”
