It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Deana Martin
The Daughter of Legendary Rat Pack-er Dean Martin Keeps It Cool Like Her "King of Cool" Dad
December 2012
It's the holiday season... so who better to strike up a conversation with than Deana Martin?
Currently touring in support of her Christmas album, White Christmas, Deana Martin inherited more than just her famous father's name, truly making a name for herself in the music industry in recent years. With her charm and unbridled spirit, Deana offers absorbent audiences a glimpse of the man they grew up watching and listening to, the holiday icon who remains immortalized and cherished by each generation that catches a cloud into Dino's "marshmallow world."
One of seven Martin children, Deana's insightful interview shares details from her unimaginable upbringing, where the echelon of Hollywood elite were not only regular house guests, but more often than not, considered honorary relatives; her relationship with her father and his memory; and what we can expect down Santa Claus Lane.
Let's start with the obvious question: What was it like growing up with Dean Martin as your father?
What fun was that! Especially being Deana Martin, you know, when your dad’s name is Dean Martin. I’ll tell you, he was the way he looked on his TV show and the way he acted and just his easy style and so cool...that’s how he was in real life. He was just a kind, sweet guy. Of course going to school and all of my friends knowing who Dean Martin was, it was pretty special. But I do have to say that I also went to school with Lucille Ball’s children, Desi [Jr.] and Lucie, and with Ricardo Montalban’s daughter Anita, and the Sinatra kids, Tina, Frank Jr., and Nancy, so we were all kind of in the same boat. We knew we had incredible parents, and they were stars. So for me personally, as the daughter of Dean Martin, is was quite extraordinary.
Currently touring in support of her Christmas album, White Christmas, Deana Martin inherited more than just her famous father's name, truly making a name for herself in the music industry in recent years. With her charm and unbridled spirit, Deana offers absorbent audiences a glimpse of the man they grew up watching and listening to, the holiday icon who remains immortalized and cherished by each generation that catches a cloud into Dino's "marshmallow world."
One of seven Martin children, Deana's insightful interview shares details from her unimaginable upbringing, where the echelon of Hollywood elite were not only regular house guests, but more often than not, considered honorary relatives; her relationship with her father and his memory; and what we can expect down Santa Claus Lane.
Let's start with the obvious question: What was it like growing up with Dean Martin as your father?
What fun was that! Especially being Deana Martin, you know, when your dad’s name is Dean Martin. I’ll tell you, he was the way he looked on his TV show and the way he acted and just his easy style and so cool...that’s how he was in real life. He was just a kind, sweet guy. Of course going to school and all of my friends knowing who Dean Martin was, it was pretty special. But I do have to say that I also went to school with Lucille Ball’s children, Desi [Jr.] and Lucie, and with Ricardo Montalban’s daughter Anita, and the Sinatra kids, Tina, Frank Jr., and Nancy, so we were all kind of in the same boat. We knew we had incredible parents, and they were stars. So for me personally, as the daughter of Dean Martin, is was quite extraordinary.
Deana shares a laugh with father Dean Martin
Were you then raised to consider that lifestyle as relatively "normal"?
We knew our parents were special just because they did things that our other friends didn't do. We would go out together, and our parents were friendly, so it was natural. Also, I have to say, my dad and mom were very down-to-earth. It was like just your normal family. Kind of. (Laughs) My dad was home every night for dinner....and he was quite a lot of fun. There were seven children, and so it was a big, wild, crazy house. We loved being home. I had some other girlfriends who really didn't want to spend the time with their parents, but we loved being home with ours 'cause they were fun.
Did you feel it was a natural progression for you, out of all of your siblings, to join the entertainment industry?
Yes, I do. I know it’s in my genes, and I just love to do that. Although I must say, everyone in our family has a very good sense of humor. You had to, growing up in that house. We’re all a little bit of a ham, which is nice, but my dad and my mom taught us to keep our feet on the ground and that everybody’s the same and get out there and do what you love, and that’s what I do.
We knew our parents were special just because they did things that our other friends didn't do. We would go out together, and our parents were friendly, so it was natural. Also, I have to say, my dad and mom were very down-to-earth. It was like just your normal family. Kind of. (Laughs) My dad was home every night for dinner....and he was quite a lot of fun. There were seven children, and so it was a big, wild, crazy house. We loved being home. I had some other girlfriends who really didn't want to spend the time with their parents, but we loved being home with ours 'cause they were fun.
Did you feel it was a natural progression for you, out of all of your siblings, to join the entertainment industry?
Yes, I do. I know it’s in my genes, and I just love to do that. Although I must say, everyone in our family has a very good sense of humor. You had to, growing up in that house. We’re all a little bit of a ham, which is nice, but my dad and my mom taught us to keep our feet on the ground and that everybody’s the same and get out there and do what you love, and that’s what I do.
You’re quite proud that you are his namesake, but did you face any challenges in setting out on your own solo career?
Those are some incredibly large shoes to fill, and for me, thank God I’m a woman. So it’s not as difficult I don’t think, for me, since I'm not the son. I set my bar very high...and I know that I have worked very hard, studying voice and dance and acting and all of that, so I feel pretty secure in what I do. I do know that it did open quite a few doors for me, and I was able to walk through those doors. Then once I was in the door, it was my job to perform for whomever it was in the best manner that I could, and I did a pretty good job. Even when I walk out on stage to do big concerts, I could be with a symphony orchestra or I could be at Feinstein's in New York with a smaller quintet band, the audience is so receptive, and I think that they just loved Dean Martin so much, and I'm a lot like him. I have his sense of humor, I kind of look like him, only smaller (laughs), and so I bring back the memories for them when they think about Dean Martin. [He] was just a phenomenal singer, that gorgeous voice, and he was so funny and genuine that you just felt like he was a part of your family.
Was there any question for you about devoting most of your professional (and consequently personal) life towards your father’s legacy?
That’s a very good question. I had started out when I was a young girl - I had a country hit, "Girl of the Month Club," and then I had a rock 'n' roll band, so it wasn't until later that I decided to really embrace the Great American Songbook, which was all of my dad’s songs. Of course, his "pallies" uncle Frank Sinatra and uncle Sammy Davis, Jr. and all the people would come over to my house - it could be Rosemary Clooney, Judy Garland, or Tony Bennett - all of the most incredible, phenomenal people out there. When I decided to start singing this music, it was, as I say, a natural progression for me, and it’s just something that I think that I was meant to do. It's really hard work, and it’s challenging, and it takes a lot of time, and my dad made it look so easy. He was just so magical. Now, you know, I'm thinking maybe I wouldn't have gone into this business if I had known how difficult it was, 'cause he did make it look like it was just so simple. Now I know that it really takes a lot of your time and your dedication, and you really have to love what you’re doing, because it is such hard work.
Those are some incredibly large shoes to fill, and for me, thank God I’m a woman. So it’s not as difficult I don’t think, for me, since I'm not the son. I set my bar very high...and I know that I have worked very hard, studying voice and dance and acting and all of that, so I feel pretty secure in what I do. I do know that it did open quite a few doors for me, and I was able to walk through those doors. Then once I was in the door, it was my job to perform for whomever it was in the best manner that I could, and I did a pretty good job. Even when I walk out on stage to do big concerts, I could be with a symphony orchestra or I could be at Feinstein's in New York with a smaller quintet band, the audience is so receptive, and I think that they just loved Dean Martin so much, and I'm a lot like him. I have his sense of humor, I kind of look like him, only smaller (laughs), and so I bring back the memories for them when they think about Dean Martin. [He] was just a phenomenal singer, that gorgeous voice, and he was so funny and genuine that you just felt like he was a part of your family.
Was there any question for you about devoting most of your professional (and consequently personal) life towards your father’s legacy?
That’s a very good question. I had started out when I was a young girl - I had a country hit, "Girl of the Month Club," and then I had a rock 'n' roll band, so it wasn't until later that I decided to really embrace the Great American Songbook, which was all of my dad’s songs. Of course, his "pallies" uncle Frank Sinatra and uncle Sammy Davis, Jr. and all the people would come over to my house - it could be Rosemary Clooney, Judy Garland, or Tony Bennett - all of the most incredible, phenomenal people out there. When I decided to start singing this music, it was, as I say, a natural progression for me, and it’s just something that I think that I was meant to do. It's really hard work, and it’s challenging, and it takes a lot of time, and my dad made it look so easy. He was just so magical. Now, you know, I'm thinking maybe I wouldn't have gone into this business if I had known how difficult it was, 'cause he did make it look like it was just so simple. Now I know that it really takes a lot of your time and your dedication, and you really have to love what you’re doing, because it is such hard work.
Deana (right) with dad Dean and "uncle" Frank Sinatra
Of his pallies, was there anyone that you had a closer connection with?
Well of course Jerry Lewis. He’s my dear friend now, and I've remained friends with him forever. There was just some connection with me and Frank Sinatra...I adored him. He would talk to me, he gave me my first singing lesson. There was something so special about him, and his phrasing [was] unbelievable, and the dedication he put into his work!
Do you have a favorite version of your father -
Dean Martin the singer, actor, comedian?
That’s an interesting question. To watch him as a comedian was just phenomenal to me. But when I see him in movies like Rio Bravo when he was brilliant where he played the drunken deputy- he was amazing. Then The Young Lions. One of my favorite movies was Some Came Running with Shirley Maclaine and Frank Sinatra.
I think he was brilliant in those parts, and I don’t think that he got the acknowledgement that he should’ve had for being such a fine actor. It’s hard for me to say, I could just sit and listen to his albums all the time, so just pinpointing one thing...I just can’t. To see him in Las Vegas when he would walk out on stage and you would hear the audience go “Ah, there he is!” was so thrilling. He was amazing.
Well of course Jerry Lewis. He’s my dear friend now, and I've remained friends with him forever. There was just some connection with me and Frank Sinatra...I adored him. He would talk to me, he gave me my first singing lesson. There was something so special about him, and his phrasing [was] unbelievable, and the dedication he put into his work!
Do you have a favorite version of your father -
Dean Martin the singer, actor, comedian?
That’s an interesting question. To watch him as a comedian was just phenomenal to me. But when I see him in movies like Rio Bravo when he was brilliant where he played the drunken deputy- he was amazing. Then The Young Lions. One of my favorite movies was Some Came Running with Shirley Maclaine and Frank Sinatra.
I think he was brilliant in those parts, and I don’t think that he got the acknowledgement that he should’ve had for being such a fine actor. It’s hard for me to say, I could just sit and listen to his albums all the time, so just pinpointing one thing...I just can’t. To see him in Las Vegas when he would walk out on stage and you would hear the audience go “Ah, there he is!” was so thrilling. He was amazing.
What is your favorite Dean Martin Christmas song? Any special holiday memories as a family?
I love "It’s a Marshmallow World." It’s so cute, and I can just see his smiling face. But actually, when he sings "White Christmas" it’s not to be believed. I believe Irving Berlin said that he did it better than anyone, and it’s true, with that voice. I remember, of course, being at 601 Mountain Drive when we were all at home, and we would go get the biggest, tallest, fattest Christmas tree we could find. [Dad would] get a tall ladder, and he’d string all the lights on the tree. On Christmas Eve, we’d go to midnight mass at the Good Shepherd Church, and when we would come home, we were allowed to open one gift. And when we’d wake up in the morning, well, Santa had been there!
When you hear your father's music played, especially around the holidays, does it take you out of the moment at all?
You know, it’s funny, I’ll walk through a mall, and all of a sudden I hear dad singing, and that does happen quite often through the year. I’ll be at a restaurant and hear his music or it’s in a movie or it’s in a commercial. It puts a smile on my face, and I know that my dad’s looking down on me, and I know he’s up there with all of his pallies, and they're having a great Christmas, all those little angels up there. It’s like, you know everybody else is listening to this, but this is my dad, and so it’s very special for me.
Dean Martin hosted his famous "Celebrity Roasts," which remain a television tradition with new specials produced by Comedy Central. You have also played host, but if the punchlines were flipped and you were the subject, who would be your dream roasting panel?
Oh my gosh! First of all, there are so many friars right now at the Friar's Club in Hollywood, but my first number one pick would be Bob Newhart. I adore him...and can these people be up in heaven with my dad? Absolutely my uncle Frank Sinatra and of course Lucille Ball - so funny. Rosemary Clooney would be a wonderful person for me and Dom DeLuise, and of course, Rich Little. I would just be in heaven, and I think that they would be so brilliant. They're so funny and clean - they can make you laugh without being outrageous like it is today. Just brilliant minds and wonderful people. So they would be my dream roasting buddies.
And if you left anyone out, [master impressionist] Rich Little can take care of it for you.
That’s exactly right. I adore him...that was very funny. He can! He can do everybody.
What would you say is the biggest different between the Rat Pack era and now?
There was so much more respect before, and now when I see all the paparazzi, I feel so terrible for the Britney Spears’ and the Brad Pitt's and Justin Bieber and all these “it” people. It’s so tough for them. I know when I would go out to dinner with my dad, people would wait and maybe come up after and ask him for an autograph, or the paparazzi would be out there taking pictures outside, but they weren't spying on the people and running their cars off the road. No wonder some of these young actors and stars go a little nuts. I understand it. I know it’s true that once you’re in the public eye, people should be able to take your photo but not in the intrusive way that they do now. It’s just not right.
There's been talk of a motion picture adaptation of your best-selling memoir, Memories Are Made Of This. What's the status of that project?
Yes, the movie is still happening. I'm very excited about that. Bonnie Hunt [is] going to be writing the screenplay. I just spoke with Joe Mantegna, who will be directing the movie, and he’s very excited about it. And of course Jennifer Love Hewitt, she’s gonna play me in the movie! Isn’t that amazing? She has the whole package, and it was funny the way that came about. I was doing my show at Feinstein’s in New York last August, and I said, "We’re making my book into a movie and...I would love if Jennifer Love Hewitt could play me in the movie." And I hear from the back of the audience, "OK, I’ll do it!” I said, “Who is that?” She said, “It’s me, Jennifer Love Hewitt!” She said, “I’d love to play you in the movie.” And so then we met after, and we talked about it, and it was all meant to be. We look very much alike…she’s 800 years younger than I am (laughs), but she’s a great singer and very funny, and she’s a wonderful actress, and I think she’d be perfect.
Is there any casting news for the lead role?
Well you know what, that is so hard. I have a couple people in mind….but it’s so tough to find someone who had that style and class and that little twinkle in his eye that my dad had. When I watch him, it was almost like he had a look that he knew something that nobody else knew. It’s very, very difficult to fill those shoes, but I’m sure there’s an actor out there who will be able to do him justice. We’re still trying to figure it out. It’s a slow process, glacially slow, but when you want something to be done right, you have to take your time. I’m in no rush. I want to make sure that everything is in place, because that’s what my dad deserves.
What are you working on in terms of your music?
I love "It’s a Marshmallow World." It’s so cute, and I can just see his smiling face. But actually, when he sings "White Christmas" it’s not to be believed. I believe Irving Berlin said that he did it better than anyone, and it’s true, with that voice. I remember, of course, being at 601 Mountain Drive when we were all at home, and we would go get the biggest, tallest, fattest Christmas tree we could find. [Dad would] get a tall ladder, and he’d string all the lights on the tree. On Christmas Eve, we’d go to midnight mass at the Good Shepherd Church, and when we would come home, we were allowed to open one gift. And when we’d wake up in the morning, well, Santa had been there!
When you hear your father's music played, especially around the holidays, does it take you out of the moment at all?
You know, it’s funny, I’ll walk through a mall, and all of a sudden I hear dad singing, and that does happen quite often through the year. I’ll be at a restaurant and hear his music or it’s in a movie or it’s in a commercial. It puts a smile on my face, and I know that my dad’s looking down on me, and I know he’s up there with all of his pallies, and they're having a great Christmas, all those little angels up there. It’s like, you know everybody else is listening to this, but this is my dad, and so it’s very special for me.
Dean Martin hosted his famous "Celebrity Roasts," which remain a television tradition with new specials produced by Comedy Central. You have also played host, but if the punchlines were flipped and you were the subject, who would be your dream roasting panel?
Oh my gosh! First of all, there are so many friars right now at the Friar's Club in Hollywood, but my first number one pick would be Bob Newhart. I adore him...and can these people be up in heaven with my dad? Absolutely my uncle Frank Sinatra and of course Lucille Ball - so funny. Rosemary Clooney would be a wonderful person for me and Dom DeLuise, and of course, Rich Little. I would just be in heaven, and I think that they would be so brilliant. They're so funny and clean - they can make you laugh without being outrageous like it is today. Just brilliant minds and wonderful people. So they would be my dream roasting buddies.
And if you left anyone out, [master impressionist] Rich Little can take care of it for you.
That’s exactly right. I adore him...that was very funny. He can! He can do everybody.
What would you say is the biggest different between the Rat Pack era and now?
There was so much more respect before, and now when I see all the paparazzi, I feel so terrible for the Britney Spears’ and the Brad Pitt's and Justin Bieber and all these “it” people. It’s so tough for them. I know when I would go out to dinner with my dad, people would wait and maybe come up after and ask him for an autograph, or the paparazzi would be out there taking pictures outside, but they weren't spying on the people and running their cars off the road. No wonder some of these young actors and stars go a little nuts. I understand it. I know it’s true that once you’re in the public eye, people should be able to take your photo but not in the intrusive way that they do now. It’s just not right.
There's been talk of a motion picture adaptation of your best-selling memoir, Memories Are Made Of This. What's the status of that project?
Yes, the movie is still happening. I'm very excited about that. Bonnie Hunt [is] going to be writing the screenplay. I just spoke with Joe Mantegna, who will be directing the movie, and he’s very excited about it. And of course Jennifer Love Hewitt, she’s gonna play me in the movie! Isn’t that amazing? She has the whole package, and it was funny the way that came about. I was doing my show at Feinstein’s in New York last August, and I said, "We’re making my book into a movie and...I would love if Jennifer Love Hewitt could play me in the movie." And I hear from the back of the audience, "OK, I’ll do it!” I said, “Who is that?” She said, “It’s me, Jennifer Love Hewitt!” She said, “I’d love to play you in the movie.” And so then we met after, and we talked about it, and it was all meant to be. We look very much alike…she’s 800 years younger than I am (laughs), but she’s a great singer and very funny, and she’s a wonderful actress, and I think she’d be perfect.
Is there any casting news for the lead role?
Well you know what, that is so hard. I have a couple people in mind….but it’s so tough to find someone who had that style and class and that little twinkle in his eye that my dad had. When I watch him, it was almost like he had a look that he knew something that nobody else knew. It’s very, very difficult to fill those shoes, but I’m sure there’s an actor out there who will be able to do him justice. We’re still trying to figure it out. It’s a slow process, glacially slow, but when you want something to be done right, you have to take your time. I’m in no rush. I want to make sure that everything is in place, because that’s what my dad deserves.
What are you working on in terms of your music?
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I’m in the middle of recording right now...a lot of new songs. I'm doing a little more jazzier tunes, and so I'm thrilled with that. You always have to set goals for yourself, and I find it so enjoyable. Of course right now, I'm doing the Christmas show...it's the most wonderful time of the year. I always have to do "Volare" and "That’s Amore" and "Memories Are Made Of This," and I always close the show with "Everybody Loves Somebody" because that’s my connection with my dad. But I’m doing a lot of my Christmas album, White Christmas, a lot of the songs that my dad did. I have a gorgeous duet on the album with Andy Williams, and it was his last recording. It’s quite something. At the end when I say, "Merry Christmas, Andy" and he says, "Merry Christmas, Deana," I just wanna melt. It’s just amazing. It’s just so emotional for me right now 'cause I loved Andy so much. I love music, and I love performing for people, and it's something that's just in my soul. So there's lots of good things out there in the future that I hope everyone will stay tuned for. [I also] love to hear stories about Dean Martin [at my appearances]. I'm always fascinated to hear how he touched people's lives, and I'd love to connect with them.
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In a few words, can you summarize Dean Martin's legacy?
Oh, in a few words...it’s so difficult to say. He conquered all facets of show business and entertainment from the radio and nightclubs to movies and his incredible TV show. He was just so sweet. I look back at his body of work, and I'm absolutely astounded at what he accomplished in his life because he seemed to be home all the time. I think people should revisit Dean Martin if they haven’t. I think about... all of the well-known respected actors who would go on "The Dean Martin Show" like Jimmy Stewart, Tennessee Ernie Ford, or Jack Benny...because they respected him and loved to be around him. He has touched generations, and his music was absolutely the soundtrack of all of our lives.
For tour dates and more information, visit Deana's official website, and if you want a real holiday treat, get yourself "The Dean Martin Christmas Special" now available on DVD.
Oh, in a few words...it’s so difficult to say. He conquered all facets of show business and entertainment from the radio and nightclubs to movies and his incredible TV show. He was just so sweet. I look back at his body of work, and I'm absolutely astounded at what he accomplished in his life because he seemed to be home all the time. I think people should revisit Dean Martin if they haven’t. I think about... all of the well-known respected actors who would go on "The Dean Martin Show" like Jimmy Stewart, Tennessee Ernie Ford, or Jack Benny...because they respected him and loved to be around him. He has touched generations, and his music was absolutely the soundtrack of all of our lives.
For tour dates and more information, visit Deana's official website, and if you want a real holiday treat, get yourself "The Dean Martin Christmas Special" now available on DVD.
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