Dean Paul Martin: A Life Cut Way Too Short

Dean Paul Martin was born on November 15, 1951 in Santa Monica. He's the son of Dean Martin and his second wife Jeanne. He was a member, along with Desi Arnaz Jr., and Billy Hinsche, in the teen pop group Dino, Desi & Billy. They had a few hits back in the 60's, such as I'm A Fool and Not The Lovin' Kind. The band made a cameo in the Matt Helm spy flick Murderers' Row in 1966. Dean Paul's acting credits would include Players (nominated for a Golden Globe) and the short-lived series Misfits of Science. He also was a professional tennis player and a pilot in the California Air National Guard. Dean Paul was married and divorced twice. His first wife was actress Olivia Hussey. They had a son named Alexander together. His second wife was Olympic ice skater Dorothy Hamill. Dean Paul was killed in a plane crash on March 21, 1987. His death devastated his father deeply. Dean never truly recovered from the death of his son. Dean Paul seemed to have a lot of inner demons most of his life. He lived life fast and hard. It's as if he never truly could find out who he truly was. It didn't seem as if he knew his identity and where he fit in the world. It's a shame because we never know what he might have accomplished if he had stayed focused and lived longer. I raise a toast to the memory of Dean Paul Martin. God bless your soul.



P.S. This picture is from Players which was released in 1979.