Las Vegas Icon Dean Martin Remembered 29 Years After His Christmas Day Death
Dean Martin was a legendary Las Vegas performer who passed away on Christmas Day, 1995. Initially famous as Jerry Lewis's straight man, Martin left their successful comedy duo in 1956 to forge his own path.
Dean Martin performing at Copa Room, 1960
Martin joined forces with Frank Sinatra and other entertainers, forming what would later be known as the Summit (never officially called the Rat Pack). This group transformed Las Vegas into Hollywood's playground, even filming "Ocean's 11" while performing nightly shows at the Sands.
Martin and Lewis comedy duo
Though famous for his "loveable drunk" persona, Martin typically drank apple juice on stage instead of scotch. He left the Summit in 1965 to host "The Dean Martin Show," seeking broader audience reach and independence from Sinatra's dominant personality.
Rat Pack performing at Sands, 1963
Martin's life took a tragic turn in 1987 when his son Dino died in a plane crash. Despite Sinatra's attempts to help him recover through a reunion tour in 1988, Martin withdrew after four shows due to depression and health issues.
Frank Sinatra performing at Sands Hotel
A lifelong smoker, Martin was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1993. He refused life-prolonging surgery and died of acute respiratory failure at his Beverly Hills home on Christmas Day, 1995, at age 78. That evening, seven major Las Vegas casinos dimmed their lights in his memory, marking the end of an era in Las Vegas entertainment history.
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