Biography
Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio, was an American singer, actor, and comedian. He was the son of Italian immigrants and his first language was Italian, not learning English until the age of five. Dropping out of school at 15, he pursued a career in boxing under the name "Kid Crochet" while also working with local bands as a singer, adopting the stage name "Dino Martini".
In the early 1940s, Martin began singing for bandleader Sammy Watkins, who suggested he change his name to "Dean Martin". He worked with various bands and performed in nightclubs, eventually forming a friendship with Jerry Lewis. The duo of Martin and Lewis became a popular comedy act, leading to a deal with Paramount Pictures in 1949 for a radio show. They starred in numerous Hollywood films before parting ways in 1956.
Martin found success as a Hollywood actor, appearing in movies and television shows while maintaining his singing career. He was a member of The Rat Pack, alongside Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., performing together and starring in films like Ocean's 11. Martin also hosted television shows such as The Dean Martin Show and The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast.
Throughout his life, Martin was married three times and had several children. He was known for his laid-back demeanor and smooth singing voice, becoming a beloved entertainer to audiences worldwide. Sadly, Martin was a heavy smoker and was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1993. He passed away on December 25, 1995, at the age of 78, from acute respiratory failure resulting from emphysema. Dean Martin's legacy lives on in his timeless music and iconic performances.
