In the early- to mid-1960s, Dean Martin emerged as one of the most popular entertainers on the planet, starring in major films, knocking the Beatles off the top of the charts with what would become his trademark tune, “Everybody Loves Somebody,” defining an entire new genre of cool with Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack, starring in his own long-running TV variety show — achieving all of this with the air of a man who had just woken from a nap and was still charmingly groggy.
In 1958, meanwhile, when the pictures in this gallery were made, Dino — while famous as one-half of the Martin & Lewis comedy duo — had not yet crossed over into genuine superstardom. But he was certainly enough of a draw that LIFE magazine devoted a photo-filled seven-page feature to the man they dubbed “Make-a-Million Martin.”
[To] his skillfully used musical and comedy talents, he adds an ebullience that pervades everything he does. . . . Uninhibited, spry of mind and muscle, he maintains a state of relaxation that “makes Perry Como look like a nervous wreck.”
Keeping carefree appears to be the common denominator of the many Martins — showman, businessman, prankster, family man, self-styled hell-raiser and Hollywood social lion. In each role he works hard at making hard work look easy.
On what would have been his 97th birthday (b. June 7, 1917, in Steubenville, Ohio) LIFE pays tribute to one of show business’ enduring — and most laid-back — legends.
Dean Martin swings a golf club to stay loose on set of the film, Some Came Running, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Sammy Davis Jr. visits Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra on the set of Some Came Running, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "In silly session, Dean hears Sammy Davis Jr. complain of trouble visiting movie lot. Davis says, 'I'm a star. I don't have to fool with this cheap outfit.'"Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin with Shirley MacLaine, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin listening to music at home, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin in the steam room, 1958.
Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Tuning up for work, after steam bath, Dean dines on beef and beer before Sands act. With him are songsmith Sammy Cahn (seated) and helper Mack Gray."Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Japing for Judy [Garland], Dean charges onto stage, followed by Sinatra. To make amends for heckling Garland from audience, they contributed their talents to act."Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin on stage, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin on stage, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Playing host, Dean gives dinner at his Hollywood Dino's Lodge restaurant. The menu before guest Edith Adams has been altered by husband, Ernie Kovacs."Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Warning guests, Dean advises Jimmy Van Huesen (foreground), Johnny Grant (left), Leo and Mrs. Durocher that the dinner will be 'on separate checks.'"Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Spare-time croupier, Dean takes a turn running Sands roulette wheel. He pushes chips to woman winner, saying, 'Either take it or get out of here.'"Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin signing autographs, Las Vegas, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin with his wife, Jeanne, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin at home with his wife, Jeanne, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Pop's protest comes as Dean inspects daughter Claudia's hair. 'Comb it with a broom?' he asks."Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Pop's inspection is an appraising stare as Dino demonstrates that Martin muscles are not parental monopoly. Then onlooker Ricci gets a lecture on the need to eat more 'so I can call you Cheyenne.'"Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Pop's perplexity is registered quietly as Gina strolls pensively by in shoes large enough for two."Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin and one of his seven children, 1958. (He later adopted one more child, after his short-lived marriage to Catherine Hawn.)Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Poker pals in a table stakes game at Martin's home include (clockwise from Dean at left) agent Jerry Gershwin, Tony Curtis, Milton Berle, Ernie Kovacs with 85-cent cigar, director Billy Wilder."Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Nightcap for his son Dino is a kiss and a dish of ice cream. 'Eat it, it comes on the dinner,' said Dean."Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. "Berle joke slays Curtis, Martin, Warran Cowan. 'Show Miltie a curtain, he takes a bow,' says Dean."Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesNot published in LIFE. Dean Martin with his wife, Jeanne, at home, 1958.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesLIFE magazine, Dec. 22, 1958.LIFE MagazineLIFE magazine, Dec. 22, 1958.LIFE MagazineLIFE magazine, Dec. 22, 1958.LIFE MagazineLIFE magazine, Dec. 22, 1958.LIFE Magazine
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