Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dean Martin’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in 1995, Dean Martin, the multifaceted American entertainer, possessed a net worth of $30 million. This substantial wealth was accumulated through a vibrant career spanning music, acting, and comedy. Martin’s legacy is not just in the financial success he achieved, but in the indelible mark he left on American entertainment.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio, Dean Martin’s early life provided little indication of the fame and fortune that awaited him. His father, a barber, and his mother, both of Italian descent, raised him in an Italian-speaking household. He only began learning English at the age of five when he enrolled at Grant Elementary School. Martin’s early forays into the working world saw him take on various odd jobs, including stints at a steel mill, a speakeasy, and as a bootlegger. He also worked as a blackjack dealer and even tried his hand as a welterweight boxer, fighting under the moniker “Kid Crochet” at the age of 15. These experiences, though far removed from the glamour of Hollywood, shaped his character and provided him with a unique perspective that would later inform his performances.
Transitioning from the rough-and-tumble world of boxing and illegal casinos, Martin began to explore his musical talents. He started singing with local bands, initially under the name “Dino Martini.” His break came when he joined the Ernie McKay Orchestra, followed by a stint with the Sammy Watkins Orchestra in 1940. It was Watkins who suggested he adopt the stage name “Dean Martin,” a decision that would prove pivotal in his career. Martin remained with Watkins’ orchestra until May 1943, after which he ventured out on his own, performing in New York.
The Martin & Lewis Era
A defining chapter in Dean Martin’s career began in 1945 when he met comedian Jerry Lewis at the Glass Hat Club. Their on-stage debut followed a year later in Atlantic City. Initially, their act struggled to gain traction, prompting the club owner to threaten cancellation of their contract unless they improved. However, when they abandoned scripted material in favor of improvisation, their chemistry ignited. Martin’s smooth singing and Lewis’s slapstick antics captivated audiences. This newfound success led to engagements at prestigious venues like New York’s Copacabana Club.
In 1949, their careers reached new heights with their appearance in the comedy musical film “My Friend Irma.” Their performance caught the attention of NBC executives, leading to a lucrative offer for a comedy radio show. NBC invested approximately $400,000 in pre-production and offered Martin and Lewis a five-year contract with a $150,000 salary. Although their visually-oriented comedy didn’t fully translate to radio, they secured sponsorships from major brands like Chesterfield Cigarettes and Anacin. In 1950, they made their television debut on “The Colgate Comedy Hour.” From 1949 to 1956, they starred in 16 films together, solidifying their status as a comedic powerhouse. However, creative differences and diverging career aspirations eventually led to their split in 1956.
Solo Career and “The Dean Martin Show”
Following the breakup with Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin embarked on a solo career, eager to establish himself as a dramatic actor and singer. His initial solo film, “Ten Thousand Bedrooms” (1957), was not a commercial success. However, he quickly rebounded with roles in critically acclaimed films like “The Young Lions” (1958), alongside Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift, and “Some Came Running” (1958), with Frank Sinatra. These roles showcased his versatility and cemented his reputation as a serious actor.
Martin’s singing career continued to flourish. In 1965, he launched “The Dean Martin Show,” a variety television program that ran until 1974. For his work on the show, he was awarded a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy in 1966. “The Dean Martin Show” was known for its relaxed and informal style, which allowed Martin to showcase his singing, comedic timing, and effortless charm. The show’s success further contributed to his already considerable wealth and solidified his status as a top entertainer.
The Rat Pack and Las Vegas Performances
Dean Martin was a prominent member of the “Rat Pack,” an informal group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. Known for their camaraderie and stylish performances, the Rat Pack became a cultural phenomenon. They were particularly famous for their shows in Las Vegas, which drew large crowds and generated substantial revenue. Their appearances together in films such as “Ocean’s 11” (1960) and “Robin and the 7 Hoods” (1964) further cemented their popularity and contributed to their individual and collective financial success. While the Rat Pack informally dissolved in the 1970s, Sinatra, Davis, and Martin reunited for a 29-date comedy tour in 1987, underscoring their enduring appeal.
Personal Life and Final Years
Dean Martin’s personal life included three marriages. His first marriage was to Elizabeth Anne McDonald in 1941, which ended in divorce in 1949 after having four children. Later in 1949, he married Dorothy Jean Biegger, and they had three children before divorcing in 1973. His third and final marriage was to Catherine Hawn, which lasted three years.
In September 1993, Martin was diagnosed with lung cancer, a consequence of his lifelong smoking habit. He declined surgery, opting to spend his final years in relative privacy. He passed away on Christmas Day in 1995 at the age of 78 due to respiratory failure. In 1997, Ohio Route 7, which passes through his hometown of Steubenville, was renamed Dean Martin Boulevard in his honor, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Real Estate Holdings
Dean Martin invested in real estate, including a property in Beverly Hills that he purchased in the 1970s for $120,000. Over the years, he expanded the home to 12,000 square feet. The property was sold for $1.35 million three years after his death in 1995. It was later sold again in 2003 for $2 million. The subsequent owner demolished Martin’s home and constructed a modern mansion on the land. This new property was later listed for sale at $28 million. Martin also owned a mid-century modern home in Palm Springs. His estate sold this property in 1996 for $205,000. These real estate transactions reflect a portion of Martin’s investment strategy and contribute to the understanding of his overall wealth accumulation.
