Frank And Dino Of The Rat Pack: Their Later Careers

When people think of the "Rat Pack," they usually think of these five stars: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. However, the truth is that this group of party animals and professional collaborators was rather fluid: ever-changing in its membership.

In fact, many of its most active members over the years were famous women such as Angie Dickinson and Shirley MacLaine. But it is the group of five men that truly captured the public's imagination.

During the late 1950's and early 1960's, their Vegas shows and highly public escapades came to symbolize the glamour and excess of the "New Hollywood." Their flame began to dim in the mid 60's, when the Vietnam War depressed the mood of America and the activities of celebrities began to be seen as insignificant frivolities.

Here's a short overview of the later careers of Sinatra and Martin, "post-Pack."

Frank Sinatra

The late 1960's saw Frank Sinatra firmly ensconced as an American icon, though the pinnacle of his career was decades behind him. He continued to perform live on stage and appeared in several TV movies. He always remained close with his friend Dean Martin and made regular appearances on The Dean Martin Show in support of his buddy.

Sinatra's 1969 recording of "My Way" became his signature song and it is the one for which he is perhaps best remembered. After several decades of semi and complete retirement, he passed away in 1997.

Dean Martin

Perhaps no member of the Rat Pack was more famously attached to the growth of Las Vegas than Dean Martin. Indeed, he was a Strip staple for three decades where he was beloved for both his musical and comedic talents. And while doing all this he was also a popular fixture in Hollywood films, especially Westerns.

He found his post-Pack niche when his variety program "The Dean Martin Show," a raucous combination of music and comedy, featuring appearances by some of the biggest stars of the day.

He played up his reputation as a constantly-drunk, womanizing boozer on the show, but the joke may really have been on his audience. Most of the "drunken jokes" and the shtick was well-orchestrated and meant for fun. The show was a huge success for nine years, as were his celebrity roasts which continued until 1984.

He retired from public life shortly thereafter, although he continued to be a Vegas fixture, and Dino passed away in 1995.