The Tragic Life Of Dean Martin Jr.: 7 Facts About The Rat Pack's 'Golden Boy' Who Died A Captain

The name Dean Martin Jr. evokes a legacy of Hollywood royalty, but the life of Dean Paul Martin was a complex, multi-faceted journey that ended tragically and far too soon. Born into the Rat Pack's inner circle, he was an accomplished singer, actor, professional tennis player, and, ultimately, a decorated Air National Guard pilot. The enduring fascination with his life, even decades after his passing on March 21, 1987, stems from the sheer breadth of his talent and the tragic circumstances of his death, which deeply affected his legendary father. Today, we look back at the incredible, yet short, 35-year life of the man Dean Martin affectionately called his "golden boy," whose story is a compelling mix of celebrity glamour and military heroism.

Complete Biography and Profile of Dean Paul Martin Jr.

Dean Paul Martin Jr. led a life that defied easy categorization, moving seamlessly between the worlds of entertainment, professional sports, and military service. His biography is a testament to the immense pressure and privilege of being the son of one of the world's most famous entertainers, Dean Martin.

• Birth Name: Dino Paul Crocetti Jr.
• Date of Birth: November 17, 1951
• Place of Birth: Santa Monica, California, USA
• Date of Death: March 21, 1987
• Cause of Death: F-4C Phantom II jet crash during a routine military training flight
• Age at Death: 35
• Father: Dean Martin (Legendary singer, actor, and member of the Rat Pack)
• Mother: Jeanne Biegger (Model and Dean Martin’s second wife)
• Full Siblings: Ricci Martin (Younger brother) and Gina Martin (Younger sister)
• Spouse(s):
  • Olivia Hussey (m. 1971; div. 1978)
  • Dorothy Hamill (m. 1982; div. 1984)
• Child: Alex Martin (Son, with Olivia Hussey)
• Notable Careers: Pop Singer, Film & Television Actor, Professional Tennis Player, Captain in the California Air National Guard

The Unexpected Pop Idol: Dino, Desi & Billy

Before he was an actor or a pilot, Dean Paul Martin Jr. was a teen pop sensation. In 1964, at the age of 13, he formed the musical trio Dino, Desi & Billy.

The group was a true product of Hollywood lineage: "Dino" was Dean Paul Martin Jr., "Desi" was Desi Arnaz Jr. (son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz), and "Billy" was Billy Hinsche.

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Despite being the sons of two of the biggest names in show business, the trio achieved genuine commercial success. They signed with Frank Sinatra’s Reprise Records and landed several minor hits on the U.S. charts.

Their biggest hit, "I'm a Fool," reached No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965, while other notable singles included "Not the Lovin' Kind," "Please Don't Fight It," and "Tell Someone You Love Them."

The group’s success was a unique moment in pop culture, proving that the sons of the Rat Pack could carve out their own identity in the burgeoning teen idol scene of the mid-1960s.

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From Teen Idol to Pro Athlete: The Tennis Career

After the pop music phase, Dean Paul Martin Jr. pivoted dramatically to a career in professional sports, showcasing his diverse athletic talents. He was a gifted tennis player who briefly attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

At UCLA, he was part of the NCAA championship squad, which famously included future tennis legend Jimmy Connors.

His dedication to the sport was serious; he competed in a junior competition at Wimbledon and achieved a respectable professional ranking. According to records, his peak professional ranking was 272 in June 1976.

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This athletic prowess directly led to his most notable film role, co-starring with Ali MacGraw in the 1979 film *Players*, where he played a professional tennis player.

A Life of Marriages, Acting, and Military Service

Dean Paul Martin Jr.'s personal life and career choices continued to be a blend of high-profile celebrity and disciplined service.

Marriages to Hollywood and Olympic Royalty

He was married twice, both times to incredibly famous women. His first marriage was to English actress Olivia Hussey, renowned for her role as Juliet in the 1968 film *Romeo and Juliet*. They had one son, Alex Martin, before divorcing in 1978.

His second marriage, which garnered significant media attention, was to Olympic figure skating gold medalist Dorothy Hamill. The couple married in Beverly Hills in January 1982, but their union was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1984.

Television and Film Roles

Beyond *Players*, Martin Jr. found success on television. His most prominent acting role was in the 1985–1986 science fiction/adventure series *Misfits of Science*, where he played Dr. Billy Hayes, a medical doctor who leads a team of super-powered misfits.

The show, though short-lived, gave him a new wave of recognition and solidified his presence in the entertainment industry outside of his father's shadow.

The Captain and the F-4C Phantom II

In a final, defining career move, Martin Jr. joined the California Air National Guard. He earned his pilot wings and achieved the rank of Captain. This was not merely a celebrity hobby; he was a fully qualified pilot in one of the most powerful fighter jets of the era, the McDonnell F-4C Phantom II.

His commitment to service was profound, but it tragically led to his demise. On March 21, 1987, during a routine military training flight, his F-4C Phantom II jet, with co-pilot Capt. Ramon Ortiz, crashed into a mountain face in the San Gorgonio Mountain area of California.

The loss devastated his family, particularly his father, Dean Martin, who reportedly never fully recovered from the death of his "golden boy."

Legacy of a Life Lived Fully

Dean Paul Martin Jr.'s life was a rapid succession of achievements that spanned four distinct careers. He was a pop star with hit songs, a professional athlete who competed at the highest levels, a working actor on both film and television, and a military Captain who died in the line of duty. His story is a poignant reminder of the talent and dedication he possessed, independent of his famous name.

The tragedy of his death—a fighter jet crash—is a stark contrast to the glamour of his Hollywood upbringing, cementing his image as a man who sought to prove himself in every arena, ultimately giving his life while serving his country. His legacy is one of boundless potential and a life lived with a relentless, adventurous spirit.