How Did Dean Martin Die?
Dean Martin died of Acute respiratory failure (emphysema) on December 25, 1995, at age 78.
What was Dean Martin's cause of death?
Dean Martin died on December 25, 1995, at his home in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 78. The cause of death was acute respiratory failure due to emphysema. He had been a heavy smoker throughout his life. He had largely withdrawn from public life after the death of his son Dean Paul Martin in a military jet crash in 1987 and had been in declining health since. He passed away quietly on Christmas morning.
How old was Dean Martin when they died?
Dean Martin was 78 years old at the time of death.
When did Dean Martin die?
Dean Martin died on December 25, 1995.
Dean Martin Biography
Dino Paul Crocetti, known as Dean Martin, was born on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Italian immigrant parents. He worked various jobs before teaming up with comedian Jerry Lewis in 1946 to form one of the most successful comedy duos in entertainment history. After splitting from Lewis in 1956, he launched a solo career and became one of the biggest stars of the Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. His relaxed, seemingly effortless style made him the definition of cool. Hits like That's Amore, Everybody Loves Somebody, and Memories Are Made of This are classics. The tragic death of his son Dean Paul Martin in 1987 broke his spirit.
Personal Life
Who are Dean Martin's parents?
Guy Crocetti, Angela Barra
Did Dean Martin have siblings?
Yes — William Crocetti.
Was Dean Martin married?
| Name | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Anne McDonald | 1941 | 1949 |
| Jeanne Biegger | 1949 | 1973 |
| Cathy Hawn | 1973 | 1976 |
Did Dean Martin have children?
Dean Martin had 7 children: Craig Martin, Claudia Martin, Gail Martin, Deana Martin, Dean Paul Martin, Ricci Martin, Gina Martin.
What religion was Dean Martin?
Dean Martin was Catholic.
What was Dean Martin's ethnicity?
Dean Martin was of Italian heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- My Friend Irma (1949)
- The Young Lions (1958)
- Rio Bravo (1959)
- Ocean's 11 (1960)
- The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
- Airport (1970)
- The Cannonball Run (1981)
Albums
- That's Amore (1953)
- Memories Are Made of This (1955)
- Everybody Loves Somebody (1964)
- The Door Is Still Open to My Heart (1964)
- Gentle on My Mind (1968)
TV Shows
- The Dean Martin Show (1965–1974)
- The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast (1974–1984)
Awards
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2001, posthumous)
- Golden Globe Award for World Film Favorite
- Friars Club Entertainment Icon Award
Facts About Dean Martin
- He was a member of the famous Rat Pack along with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop
- His relaxed, effortless style earned him the nickname The King of Cool
- His son Dean Paul Martin died in a military jet crash in 1987, which devastated him and effectively ended his performing career
- He died on Christmas Day 1995 — same as fellow entertainer Dean Martin
- That's Amore from the 1953 film The Caddy became one of the most recognizable Italian-American songs ever
Dean Martin Quotes
"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."
"You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on."
Legacy
Dean Martin is considered one of the defining entertainers of the 20th century. His effortlessly cool persona, golden baritone voice, and comedy timing made him a unique talent. As a member of the Rat Pack he helped define Las Vegas entertainment and 1960s cool culture. His recordings remain classics of American popular music and his television specials are still enjoyed today.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-06-05