Dean Martin, famously known as “The King of Cool,” was a highly beloved and influential figure in American entertainment during the mid-20th century. He showcased his exceptional talents as a singer, actor, and comedian, captivating audiences with his versatile performances.
Beyond his artistic abilities, Martin’s personal life was equally intriguing. Throughout his lifetime, he entered into three marriages and fathered eight children.
Although some of his children, Claudia, Dean Jr., and Ricci, have passed away, their absence does not diminish Dean Martin’s enduring legacy. He continues to be remembered through the lives of his surviving children: Craig, Gail, Deana, Gina, and Sasha.
Furthermore, his lineage extends even further as his children have gone on to become parents, thus making Dean Martin a cherished grandfather. Now, Dean Martin’s grandchildren are carrying on his legacy.
Grandchild | Martin’ Parent |
Jesse Martin | Claudia Martin |
Mickey Guerin | Deana Martin |
Alexander Gunther Martin | Dean Paul Martin |
Pepper Martin | Ricci Martin |
Montana Martin | Ricci Martin |
Rio Martin | Ricci Martin |
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Quick Facts
Full Name | Dean Martin |
Date Of Birth | June 7, 1917 |
Place Of Birth | Steubenville, Ohio, U.S. |
Date Of Death | December 25, 1995 |
Age On Death | 78 |
Zodiac | Gemini |
Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Parents | Gaetano Alfonso Crocetti and Angela Crocetti |
Siblings | Not Known |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Betty McDonald,Jeanne Biegger, Catherine Hawn |
Children | 8 |
Grand Children | Mickey Guerin, Alexander Gunther Martin, Jesse Martin, Montana Martin, Rio Martin, and Pepper Martin |
Ethnicity | White |
Nationality | American |
Gender | Male |
Networth | $30 Million |
Dean Martin Early Life
Born on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio, Dean Martin’s birth name was Dino Paul Crocetti. His parents, Gaetano Alfonso Crocetti and Angela Crocetti (née Barra), were of Italian descent.
Martin’s father worked as a barber and hailed from Montesilvano, Pescara, while his mother was born in Fernwood, Ohio. Growing up, Martin spoke Italian as his first language and faced bullying due to his limited English proficiency.
As a teenager, he pursued drumming and dabbled in various jobs, including bootlegging, steel mill work, and boxing. Eventually, he ventured into show business, adopting the stage name Dean Martin after performing with the Ernie McKay Orchestra and Cleveland bandleader Sammy Watkins.
Although he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, Martin’s military career was cut short due to a hernia.
Dean Martin Professional Life
Dean Martin was an Italian-American entertainer who mesmerized audiences as a singer, actor, and comedian. Renowned as “The King of Cool,” he achieved fame alongside Jerry Lewis as the celebrated duo, captivating crowds in clubs, on air, and screen.
After their tumultuous split in 1956, Martin thrived solo, showcasing his versatile vocals with contemporary hits and timeless classics from the American Songbook.
A Las Vegas icon, he formed enduring friendships with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., leading the legendary Rat Pack. Martin’s talent shone through his TV variety show, as Roastmaster, and in numerous film and stage performances. His unforgettable melodies include “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head?,” “Memories Are Made of This,” “That’s Amore,” and “Volare.”
Dean Martin’s Married 3 Times And Had 8 Children
Dean Martin entered into three marriages throughout his life, each contributing to his expanding family and leaving a lasting legacy. The details of his marital journey offer an intriguing glimpse into his personal life.
Dean Martin’s First Marriage And Children
In 1941, Dean Martin married Elizabeth Anne “Betty” McDonald, who hailed from Ridley Park, Pennsylvania (July 14, 1922 – July 11, 1989). Together, they welcomed four children into the world:
- Craig Martin
- Claudia Martin
- Gail Martin
- Deana Martin
However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1949, with Dean Martin gaining custody of their children. Following their separation, McDonald lived a relatively quiet life in San Francisco, California, away from the spotlight.
Dean Martin’s Second Marriage And Children
Dean Martin’s second marriage was to Dorothy Jean “Jeanne” Biegger (March 27, 1927 – August 24, 2016), a former Coral Gables, Florida, Orange Bowl queen. Their marital bond lasted a remarkable 24 years, from 1949 to 1973. This union brought forth three children, each leaving their mark on Martin’s legacy:
- Dean Paul Martin (November 17, 1951 – March 21, 1987)
- Ricci Martin (September 20, 1953 – August 3, 2016)
- Gina Martin (born in 1956) Their family played an integral role in Dean Martin’s life and career, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of his personal journey.
Dean Martin’s Third Marriage And Children
Dean Martin’s final marriage was to Catherine Hawn (born 1947), a relationship that endured for three years before Martin took the step to file for divorce.
Although they had no biological children together, Martin adopted Hawn’s daughter, Sasha. This decision expanded their family and created a bond that would endure beyond the confines of their marriage.
Dean Martin’s Grandchildren
Dean Martin’s legacy as a beloved entertainer extends beyond his eight children, as they have married and had their own children, making him a cherished grandfather. Let’s delve into the details surrounding his grandchildren, who carry forward the Martin family’s rich heritage.
Mickey Guerin
One of the grandchildren of Dean Martin is Mickey Guerin, who is the child of Dean Martin’s daughter, Deana Martin—an accomplished American singer and actress.
Mickey has chosen to maintain a highly private lifestyle, keeping many aspects of his personal life undisclosed. He prefers to remain out of the public eye, resulting in limited information available about him.
Alexander Gunther Martin
Dean Martin’s son, Dean Paul Martin Jr., was a notable American pop singer and a film and television actor. He welcomed a son named Alexander Gunther Martin, who became Dean Martin’s grandson through his union with actress Olivia Hussey.
Alexander Gunther Martin has pursued a career in acting, gaining recognition for his roles in various films such as “Can’t Hardly Wait” (1998), “Josie and the Pussycats” (2001), and “21” (2000). Alexander was born on February 12, 1973, in Los Angeles, California, and is 51 years old as of 2024.
He married Megan W. Martin on October 22, 2011, and they reside in central Mexico near Megan’s family. Together, they have a child, further expanding Dean Martin’s lineage.
Pepper Martin, Montana Martin, and Rio Martin
Dean Martin’s son, Ricci Martin, an accomplished American musician and singer, had three children: Pepper Martin, Montana Martin, and Rio Martin. Dean Martin’s grandchildren, Pepper, Montana, and Rio, have chosen to live their lives away from the public eye, maintaining a private existence.
However, in 2022, Pepper Martin gained recognition by securing the third position on the inaugural season of the reality TV series “Claim to Fame.” Tragically, Ricci Martin passed away on August 3, 2016, at 62, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
Jesse Martin
Actress Claudia Martin, the daughter of Dean Martin, had a child named Jesse Martin with the late American actor Kiel Martin. Jesse has deliberately kept a low profile, leading a private life with limited online information.
Claudia Martin sadly passed away on February 16, 2001, at the age of 56 in Reno, Nevada, USA, leaving behind a legacy in the world of entertainment.
How Dean Martin Died?
Dean Martin, known for his heavy smoking habit, received a lung cancer diagnosis at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in September 1993. Despite the option of undergoing surgery to extend his life, he made the decision to forego the procedure.
Sadly, he succumbed to acute respiratory failure caused by emphysema. On December 25, 1995, at the age of 78, Dean Martin passed away at his residence in Beverly Hills.
Dean Martin’s Net Worth
Dean Martin achieved remarkable success throughout his illustrious career, amassing a substantial fortune.
By the time of his passing, Dean Martin’s estimated net worth stood at approximately $30 million, a testament to his accomplishments and widespread popularity.