Jeanne Martin: Inside the Life of Dean Martin Most Influential Wife and Former Orange Bowl Queen
Dorothy Jean “Jeanne” Martin, the woman who stood beside legendary entertainer Dean Martin during the height of his career, lived a life as fascinating as it was impactful. From her early days as a Florida beauty queen to becoming the matriarch of Hollywood’s most famous blended families, Jeanne Martin’s story is one of grace, resilience, and unwavering dedication to family.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born Dorothy Jean Biegger on March 27, 1927, in Coral Gables, Florida, Jeanne Martin’s journey to fame began long before she met the famous crooner. Her natural beauty and charm led her to a successful modeling career in Miami, where she posed for magazines, catalogs, and calendars. At the age of 20, she reached a significant milestone when she was crowned Orange Bowl Queen, making appearances in the New Year’s Eve parade and at the January 1, 1948 Georgia Tech vs. Kansas football game.
A Fateful Meeting
The trajectory of Jeanne’s life changed dramatically when she attended a New Year’s Eve performance by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis at the Beachcomber Club in Miami in 1948. Interestingly, she later maintained that she had never heard of either entertainer before that night. The meeting proved serendipitous, leading to a whirlwind romance that would define both their lives.
The Hollywood Love Story
Just one week after Dean Martin’s divorce from his first wife, Betty McDonald, was finalized, he and the 22-year-old Jeanne tied the knot on September 1, 1949, in Beverly Hills. Jerry Lewis, Dean’s comedy partner, served as best man at the ceremony, marking the beginning of what would become one of Hollywood’s most watched marriages.
Life with Dean Martin
During their 24-year marriage, Jeanne played a crucial role in both Dean’s personal and professional life. Their union coincided with the peak of Dean Martin’s career in the 1950s and 1960s, as he transformed from one half of the Martin and Lewis comedy duo into a solo superstar, television host, and member of the legendary Rat Pack.
Family Life and Legacy
Jeanne became the matriarch of an extraordinary blended family, giving birth to three children while also raising Dean’s four children from his previous marriage. Here’s a comprehensive look at the Martin family structure:
Children with Dean Martin:
- Dean Paul Martin Jr. (1951-1987)
- Ricci Martin (1953-2016)
- Gina Martin (born 1956)
Stepchildren from Dean’s first marriage:
- Craig Martin (born 1942)
- Claudia Martin (1944-2001)
- Gail Martin (born 1945)
- Deana Martin (born 1948)
Philanthropy and Personal Achievements
While Jeanne never pursued an entertainment career of her own, she made significant contributions to society through her charitable work. In 1953, she co-founded SHARE (Share Happily and Reap Endlessly), a charitable organization that would become her lasting legacy beyond her role as Dean Martin’s wife.
Later Years and Personal Life
The End of an Era
After 20 years of what appeared to be one of Hollywood’s happiest marriages, Jeanne and Dean separated in 1969. The announcement shocked fans almost as much as Dean’s professional split with Jerry Lewis had in 1956. The divorce was finalized in 1973, marking the end of their 24-year union.
Reconciliation and Final Years
Life took an unexpected turn when tragedy brought Jeanne and Dean back together. Following the death of their son, Dean Paul Martin Jr., in a military jet crash in 1987, the former couple found solace in their shared grief and rebuilt their friendship. They remained close until Dean’s death from respiratory failure on Christmas Day, 1995.
Timeline of Significant Events in Jeanne Martin’s Life
- 1927: Born in Coral Gables, Florida
- 1947: Crowned Orange Bowl Queen
- 1948: Met Dean Martin at his New Year’s Eve show
- 1949: Married Dean Martin (September 1)
- 1951-1956: Gave birth to three children
- 1953: Co-founded SHARE charitable organization
- 1969: Separated from Dean Martin
- 1973: Divorce finalized
- 1987: Reconciled with Dean following their son’s death
- 2016: Passed away in Beverly Hills at age 89
Legacy and Impact
Jeanne Martin’s influence extended far beyond her role as Dean Martin’s wife. Jerry Lewis, in his 2005 memoir “Dean & Me,” described her as “the best thing (next to me) that ever happened to Dean.” Her dedication to family, philanthropic work, and ability to maintain dignity and grace throughout her life’s challenges set her apart in Hollywood’s often turbulent landscape.
Despite opportunities to pursue her own entertainment career, Jeanne chose to focus on family and charitable work, making lasting contributions to both. Her co-founding of SHARE demonstrated her commitment to giving back to the community, while her role as matriarch of the Martin family showed her exceptional ability to blend two families into one cohesive unit.
When Jeanne Martin passed away on August 24, 2016, at her Beverly Hills home following a battle with cancer, she left behind a legacy of love, resilience, and dedication to family. She is survived by her children Craig Martin, Gail Martin Downey, Deana Martin Griffeth, Gina Martin Romano, and 11 grandchildren, each carrying forward the remarkable legacy of the Martin family name.
Her story serves as a testament to the power of grace under pressure and the importance of family bonds that transcend even divorce and personal struggles. In an era of fleeting Hollywood relationships, Jeanne Martin’s life story stands as an example of how to navigate fame, family, and personal challenges with dignity and strength.
This article was originally published on UrbansBlog, your trusted source for entertainment history and Hollywood legacy stories. For more fascinating insights into the lives of entertainment legends and their families, explore our extensive collection of articles and features.
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