Dean Martin was an American singer, actor, and comedian, renowned as one of the most popular entertainers of the mid-20th century. Dubbed 'The King of Cool,' Martin's career took off in 1946 when he partnered with comedian Jerry Lewis, forming the celebrated duo Martin and Lewis. Together, they performed in nightclubs and became fixtures on radio, television, and in films.
June 7, 1917: Birth of Dean Martin
Dean Martin was born as Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio. He would go on to become one of the most popular entertainers of the mid-20th century, earning the nickname 'The King of Cool'.
July 14, 1922: Birth of Elizabeth Anne "Betty" McDonald
Elizabeth Anne "Betty" McDonald was born on July 14, 1922. She later married Dean Martin in 1941 and became the mother of his four children.
March 27, 1927: Birth of Dorothy Jean "Jeanne" Biegger
Dorothy Jean "Jeanne" Biegger, who later married Dean Martin, was born on March 27, 1927.
1938: Birth of Carole Costello
Carole Costello, daughter of comedian Lou Costello, was born in 1938. She later married Craig, Dean Martin's eldest son.
1940: Start of Singing Career
By late 1940, Dean Martin began singing for Cleveland bandleader Sammy Watkins, who suggested he change his name from Dino Martini to Dean Martin. This marked the beginning of his professional singing career.
October 1941: Marriage to Elizabeth Anne McDonald
In October 1941, Dean Martin married Elizabeth 'Betty' Anne McDonald in Cleveland. The couple initially lived in an apartment in Cleveland Heights.
1941: First Marriage to Elizabeth Anne McDonald
Dean Martin married Elizabeth Anne "Betty" McDonald in 1941. They had four children together before their divorce in 1949.
May 1943: Singing with Sammy Watkins' Band
By May 1943, Dean Martin had been performing with Sammy Watkins' band. This period was crucial in establishing his career as a singer.
August 1944: Meeting with Jerry Lewis
Dean Martin met comedian Jerry Lewis in August 1944 at the Belmont Plaza Hotel in New York City. This meeting led to the formation of their famous music-comedy team.
July 24, 1946: Debut Performance with Jerry Lewis
On July 24, 1946, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis made their debut performance as a duo at Atlantic City's 500 Club. Although their initial act was not well received, they quickly became a popular team.
1946: Career Breakthrough with Jerry Lewis
In 1946, Dean Martin gained his career breakthrough when he partnered with comedian Jerry Lewis as the duo 'Martin and Lewis'. They performed in nightclubs and later appeared on radio, television, and in films.
June 20, 1948: Television Debut on The Ed Sullivan Show
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis made their television debut on June 20, 1948, on the first broadcast of CBS-TV network's The Ed Sullivan Show (then called The Toast Of The Town). This appearance marked a significant milestone in their career.
1949: Divorce from Elizabeth Anne McDonald
Dean Martin and Elizabeth 'Betty' Anne McDonald divorced in 1949 after having four children together. This marked the end of their marriage.
1949: Marriage to Dorothy Jean "Jeanne" Biegger
Dean Martin married Dorothy Jean "Jeanne" Biegger in 1949. They had three children together and remained married for 24 years.
1949: Radio Series and Hollywood Contract
In 1949, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis began a radio series and signed a contract with Paramount producer Hal B. Wallis for the movie 'My Friend Irma'. This year also marked their entry into Hollywood.
1949: Marriage to Jeanne Biegger
In 1949, Dean Martin remarried Jeanne Biegger, with Jerry Lewis acting as his best man. This event highlighted the close friendship between Martin and Lewis.
1956: Solo Career After Split with Jerry Lewis
In 1956, after an acrimonious end to his partnership with Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin pursued a solo career. He became a successful singer and performer, and was a popular act in Las Vegas. He also formed close friendships with fellow Rat Pack members Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.
1956: End of Partnership with Jerry Lewis
On the 10th anniversary of their teaming, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis ended their partnership in 1956. The breakup was due to escalating arguments and Martin's dissatisfaction with their work.
1957: Ten Thousand Bedrooms Release and Waning Crooner Era
In 1957, Dean Martin's first solo film, "Ten Thousand Bedrooms," was released but failed to perform well at the box office. This coincided with the decline of the pop crooner era, challenged by the emergence of rock and roll.
1958: Transition to Dramatic Acting and Career Comeback
Dean Martin transitioned to dramatic acting in 1958, taking a pay cut to star in the war drama "The Young Lions" alongside Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift. This strategic career move, orchestrated by his agency MCA, aimed to establish him as a versatile entertainer. The film marked a turning point, reviving his career and leading to his first collaboration with Frank Sinatra in "Some Came Running."
1959: Acclaim for "Rio Bravo" Role
Dean Martin received critical acclaim in 1959 for his performance as Dude in the Howard Hawks-directed Western "Rio Bravo," starring alongside John Wayne and Ricky Nelson.
1960: Musical Comedy and Golden Globe Nomination
In 1960, Dean Martin starred in the film adaptation of the Judy Holliday stage musical comedy "Bells Are Ringing" and received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the comedy "Who Was That Lady?"
1964: Grauman's Chinese Theatre Handprint Ceremony
Dean Martin's footprints were immortalized at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in 1964, cementing his status as a Hollywood icon.
1964: "Everybody Loves Somebody" Hits Number One, Beatles Dethroned
Dean Martin's signature tune, "Everybody Loves Somebody," achieved a significant milestone in 1964, reaching number one in the United States and surpassing the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" on the charts. This success was followed by another hit, "The Door is Still Open to My Heart," reaching number six.
1964: Political Support for Lyndon B. Johnson
Despite being a lifelong Republican, Dean Martin showed support for the Democratic candidate Lyndon B. Johnson during the 1964 presidential election.
1964: Satirical Roles and Self-Referential Comedy
In 1964, Dean Martin took on roles that satirized his womanizing persona, such as "Dino" in Billy Wilder's "Kiss Me, Stupid." He also poked fun at his image in the "Matt Helm" spy spoofs, which he co-produced.
1965: Reunion with John Wayne in "The Sons of Katie Elder"
Dean Martin reunited with John Wayne in 1965 for the Western "The Sons of Katie Elder," portraying brothers.
1965: Launch of "The Dean Martin Show"
Dean Martin's weekly NBC comedy-variety series, "The Dean Martin Show," premiered in 1965, marking a significant milestone in his television career. The show, which ran for 264 episodes until 1974, became a staple of American television.
1965: Exploration of Country Music
Demonstrating his diverse musical taste, Dean Martin delved into country music in 1965, releasing albums like "Dean "Tex" Martin Rides Again" and "Houston, Welcome to My World." These albums featured songs by iconic country artists such as Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Buck Owens.
1965: Host of The Dean Martin Show
In 1965, Dean Martin began hosting 'The Dean Martin Show', a television variety program that showcased his singing and comedic talents. The show was known for Martin's relaxed and easy-going demeanor.
1965: Chart Success of "I Will"
In 1965, Dean Martin's song "I Will" reached No. 10 on the Pop chart, marking a significant achievement in his musical career.
1966: Country Music Association's "Man Of the Year"
In recognition of his contributions to country music, Dean Martin received the coveted "Man Of the Year" award from the Country Music Association in 1966.
1966: Golden Globe Win for Best Actor
Dean Martin's performance on "The Dean Martin Show" earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Television Series Musical or Comedy in 1966. His comedic timing and effortless charm resonated with audiences and critics alike.
1966: Death of Angela Crocetti
Dean Martin's mother, Angela Crocetti, passed away in 1966. Angela had been born on December 18, 1897, in Fernwood, Ohio, and was an Italian-American.
1967: Death of Gaetano Crocetti
Dean Martin's father, Gaetano Crocetti, passed away in 1967. Gaetano, who was originally from Montesilvano, Pescara, Italy, worked as a barber.
1969: Engagement to Gail Renshaw
Dean Martin was briefly engaged to Gail Renshaw, Miss World-U.S. 1969.
1972: Divorce and Business Dissolution
In 1972, Dean Martin filed for divorce from his second wife, Jeanne. In the same year, his business partnership with the Riviera hotel in Las Vegas ended after they refused his request to perform only once a night.
1972: Dean Martin Tucson Open Joins PGA Tour
In 1972, the Dean Martin Tucson Open, a testament to his passion for golf, became an official event on golf's prestigious PGA Tour. The tournament ran until 1975.
April 25, 1973: Third Marriage to Catherine Hawn
Dean Martin married Catherine Hawn, a receptionist at a Beverly Hills hair salon, on April 25, 1973, less than a month after his divorce from his second wife.
1973: Divorce from Dorothy Jean "Jeanne" Biegger
Dean Martin and Dorothy Jean "Jeanne" Biegger divorced in 1973 after 24 years of marriage.
1973: "The Dean Martin Show" Format Change and Celebrity Roasts
In its final season (1973–1974), "The Dean Martin Show" underwent a format change, focusing on celebrity roasts. This shift allowed for less demanding involvement from Martin.
1974: Martin Records "Once in a While" and Stars in "Mr. Ricco"
In 1974, Dean Martin recorded his final album with Reprise Records, titled "Once in a While," which was later released in 1978. He also starred in his final film role in the crime drama "Mr. Ricco," playing a criminal defense lawyer.
1974: Continuation of Celebrity Roasts as Specials
After "The Dean Martin Show" ended, NBC continued to air "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast" as a series of popular television specials until 1984.
1974: Dean Martin Celebrity Roast
From 1974 to 1984, Dean Martin was the roastmaster on the popular 'Dean Martin Celebrity Roast'. The show drew celebrities, comedians, and politicians, further solidifying Martin's status in the entertainment industry.
1974: End of "The Dean Martin Show"
After a successful run, "The Dean Martin Show" concluded in 1974, leaving a legacy of entertainment and laughter.
1975: Conclusion of the Dean Martin Tucson Open
The Dean Martin Tucson Open concluded in 1975, marking the end of an era for the golf tournament.
June 1976: Sale of Bel Air Home
Dean Martin sold his Bel Air home at 363 Copa De Oro Road to singer Tom Jones for $500,000 in June 1976.
September 1976: Reconciliation with Jerry Lewis
Dean Martin made a surprise appearance on Jerry Lewis's Labor Day telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in September 1976, publicly reconciling after 20 years. The event was orchestrated by Frank Sinatra and became one of the most profitable for the telethon.
November 10, 1976: Divorce from Catherine Hawn
Dean Martin's third marriage to Catherine Hawn ended in divorce on November 10, 1976, after just over three years of marriage.
1978: Release of "Once in a While"
Dean Martin's final album recorded with Reprise Records, "Once in a While," was released in 1978.
1983: Release of "The Nashville Sessions" and Country Success
Dean Martin released "The Nashville Sessions" in 1983, featuring a hit country song, "(I Think That I Just Wrote) My First Country Song," recorded with Conway Twitty, marking success in the country music charts.
1983: Final Album Release: "The Nashville Sessions"
Dean Martin's recording career concluded in 1983 with the release of his final album, "The Nashville Sessions."
1984: End of Dean Martin Celebrity Roast
In 1984, Dean Martin's tenure as roastmaster on the 'Dean Martin Celebrity Roast' came to an end. The show had been a significant part of his career and added to his legacy as a beloved entertainer.
1984: End of "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast" Specials
The run of "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast" specials on NBC concluded in 1984.
1985: Release of "L.A. Is My Home/Drinking Champagne"
Dean Martin released the follow-up single "L.A. Is My Home/Drinking Champagne" in 1985 after the success of "The Nashville Sessions."
March 21, 1987: Death of Dean Paul Martin
Dean Martin's son, actor Dean Paul Martin, tragically died on March 21, 1987, when his F-4 Phantom II fighter jet crashed during a training mission with the California Air National Guard.
1987: Death of Carole Costello
Carole Costello, Dean Martin's daughter-in-law through his son Craig, died from a stroke in 1987 at the age of 48.
1988: Tour with Davis and Sinatra
In an attempt to help Dean Martin cope with his son's death, he embarked on a tour with Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra in 1988; however, the tour was cut short due to Martin's struggles.
July 11, 1989: Death of Elizabeth Anne "Betty" McDonald
Dean Martin's first wife, Elizabeth Anne "Betty" McDonald, passed away on July 11, 1989.
1989: Final Performance with Jerry Lewis
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed together for the last time at Martin's 72nd birthday celebration in 1989.
1992: Danny Gans Portrays Martin in "Sinatra" Miniseries
Danny Gans played the role of Dean Martin in the 1992 CBS miniseries "Sinatra".
September 1993: Lung Cancer Diagnosis
In September 1993, Dean Martin received a lung cancer diagnosis at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Despite recommendations for surgery, he declined further treatment.
December 25, 1995: Death of Dean Martin
Dean Martin passed away on December 25, 1995. Known for his singing, acting, and comedic talents, he left behind a significant legacy in the entertainment industry.
1995: Death of Dean Martin
Dean Martin passed away from acute respiratory failure due to emphysema on December 25, 1995, at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 78 years old. The Las Vegas Strip dimmed its lights to honor the legendary entertainer.
1997: Dean Martin Boulevard Dedication
Ohio Route 7 in Steubenville was renamed Dean Martin Boulevard in 1997, featuring signs with an Al Hirschfeld caricature of Martin and a historical marker with his biography.
1998: Martin vs. Lewis on "Celebrity Deathmatch"
A claymation battle featuring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis aired on MTV's "Celebrity Deathmatch" in 1998, with Martin emerging victorious.
1998: Joe Mantegna Plays Martin in "The Rat Pack"
Joe Mantegna took on the role of Dean Martin in the 1998 HBO film "The Rat Pack", garnering both Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations for his performance.
2000: "The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas" Show Debuts
The tribute show "The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas," featuring impersonators of Dean Martin and other members of the Rat Pack, premiered in 2000, captivating audiences in Europe and North America.
2002: Jeremy Northam as Martin in "Martin and Lewis"
British actor Jeremy Northam portrayed Dean Martin in the 2002 television movie "Martin and Lewis".
2004: "Dino: The Essential Dean Martin" Success
Dean Martin's family received a gold record in 2004 for the album "Dino: The Essential Dean Martin." The album was his fastest-selling, reaching the iTunes Top 10, and achieved platinum certification in 2006.
2005: Dean Martin Drive in Nevada
A portion of Industrial Road in Clark County, Nevada, was renamed Dean Martin Drive in 2005, honoring the entertainer's legacy.
2005: Jerry Lewis Discusses Martin's Struggles
In a 2005 interview, Jerry Lewis revealed that after the death of his son, Dean Martin struggled with depression and alcoholism, leading to difficulties in their planned tour with Sammy Davis Jr. in 1988.
December 23, 2006: Chart Success of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" Duet
Dean Martin and Martina McBride's duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" reached No. 7 on the R&R AC chart and No. 36 on the R&R Country chart during the week ending December 23, 2006, marking Martin's highest chart position since 1965.
2006: Platinum Certification for "Dino: The Essential Dean Martin"
Dean Martin's album "Dino: The Essential Dean Martin" was certified "Platinum" in 2006, showcasing its continued popularity and his enduring legacy.
2007: Release of "Forever Cool" Duets Album
The album "Forever Cool," featuring duets between Dean Martin's voice and contemporary artists, was released in 2007. The album includes collaborations with Kevin Spacey, Shelby Lynne, Joss Stone, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Robbie Williams, and Martina McBride, among others.
2008: Dean Martin Drive in California
Following the dedication in Nevada, a street in Rancho Mirage, California, was also named Dean Martin Drive in 2008.
2008: Martin's Songs Featured in Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
In 2008, a selection of Dean Martin's hit songs were prominently showcased in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
February 2009: Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Dean Martin was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2009. His surviving children accepted the award on his behalf.
February 21, 2009: "Amore!" Album Tops Pop Catalog Albums Chart
On February 21, 2009, a compilation album of Dean Martin's music titled "Amore!" reached the Number One spot on Billboard magazine's Top Pop Catalog Albums chart.
2010: Star on the Italian Walk of Fame
Dean Martin was honored posthumously with a star on the Italian Walk of Fame in Toronto, Canada, in 2010, recognizing his Italian heritage and contributions to the entertainment industry.
August 2016: Passing of Ricci Martin
Tragedy struck in August 2016 with the death of Dean Martin's youngest son, Ricci Martin, who had also pursued a career in entertainment.
August 24, 2016: Death of Dorothy Jean "Jeanne" Biegger
Dean Martin's second wife, Dorothy Jean "Jeanne" Biegger, passed away on August 24, 2016.
2019: Martin Appears in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"
Quentin Tarantino's 2019 film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" features Dean Martin, portrayed as Matt Helm, in a period piece setting.