Dean Martin, known for his effortless charm and silky voice, wasn’t just a star of stage and screen—he was also the patriarch of a large and complex family. Over the course of three marriages, Martin fathered or adopted eight children. Raised in the limelight of Hollywood, these children inherited not just their father’s famous last name, but also the joys and sorrows that come with it.
Craig Martin, Dean’s firstborn, avoided the spotlight for much of his youth but eventually worked behind the scenes as a television producer, even helping shape The Dean Martin Show. His life took a tragic turn in 1987 when his younger brother Dean Paul died in a plane crash—just eight days before Craig’s wife passed away from a stroke. Devastated, Craig chose a quiet life, surrounded by family and away from the glare of fame.
Claudia Martin, Dean’s eldest daughter, pursued acting in her youth, appearing in films and TV shows during the 1960s. Despite her talent, Claudia stepped away from Hollywood later in life and ran a printing business with her husband. She died of breast cancer in 2001 at the age of 56—the first of Dean’s children to pass away.
Gail Martin, born into glamour, counted Liza Minnelli as a childhood friend and Frank Sinatra as “Uncle Frank.” She had a brief singing career and even toured with her father before stepping back to raise a family. Today, Gail lives quietly in California, still treasuring her unique upbringing.
Deana Martin, the youngest child from Dean’s first marriage, fully embraced the entertainment world. A singer, author, and performer, Deana has dedicated much of her life to preserving her father’s legacy. Her memoir, Memories Are Made of This, became a bestseller, and she continues to perform his classics for fans around the world.
Dean Paul Martin Jr., known as Dino, was the family’s golden boy. A teen idol, actor, athlete, and eventually a fighter pilot, Dino’s life seemed limitless. Tragically, he died in a 1987 plane crash during a training mission with the Air National Guard. He was just 35. Dean Martin never fully recovered from the loss of his beloved son.
Ricci Martin, Dean’s second son with his second wife, inherited his father’s musical passion. He collaborated with members of the Beach Boys and later wrote a heartfelt memoir, That’s Amore, recounting life inside the Martin household. Ricci passed away unexpectedly in 2016, leaving behind a loving family and fans who adored his music.
Gina Martin, the youngest biological child, largely avoided the spotlight. Her marriage to Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys was a rare public chapter in her otherwise private life. After Wilson’s death from cancer in 1998, Gina quietly stepped back, only occasionally appearing at family events.
Sasha Martin, Dean’s adopted daughter from his third marriage, was never treated as anything less than family. She briefly ventured into acting in the late ’90s, appearing in Guiding Light and Private Parts, before choosing a more private life.
While their lives took vastly different paths, the Martin children shared one constant—the deep, complex love of a father whose legacy still echoes through American culture. Their stories are a moving reminder that even behind the most glamorous curtain, family remains the truest stage of all.