Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barbara Gail Martin |
| Date of Birth | April 11, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Beverly Hills, California, USA |
| Occupations | Singer, Actress, Author |
| Education | University of Southern California |
| Ethnicity | Predominantly Italian |
| Parents | Dean Martin; Elizabeth Anne “Betty” McDonald |
| Spouse | Paul Polena (m. 1968) |
| Children | Cappy Polena; Liza Polena |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million |
Early Life & Family Heritage
Barbara Gail Martin, the oldest daughter of Dean Martin (b. June 7, 1917) and Elizabeth Anne “Betty” McDonald, was born in Beverly Hills, California, on April 11, 1945. Barbara grew up in mid-20th-century show business with her siblings Craig (b. 1942), Claudia (b. March 16, 1944), and Deana (b. August 19, 1948). From performing “That’s Amore” to headlining Las Vegas, her father’s career shaped her life. While Betty McDonald oversaw the home until her 1989 death at 65, her mother provided stability.
Barbara’s paternal grandparents, Angela Crocetti (the 1910 Italian immigrant) and Gaetano Crocetti (the Italian barber), instilled a strong Italian ancestry. Crocetti family traditions include Easter spaghetti meals, Sunday liturgy, and English-Italian storytelling. Barbara had piano recitals at 7 and voice coach sessions at 12. After graduating from Beverly Hills High School in 1963, she studied Fine Arts and Theater Studies at the University of Southern California, graduating in 1967 aged 22.
Career in Entertainment and Writing
Barbara Gail Martin used family ties to launch her career after graduation. She made her national television debut at 23 playing a duet with her father on The Dean Martin Show (1968 summer season). In the next decade, Barbara guest-starred on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (three times between 1970 and 1975) and The Hollywood Palace (two times in 1972 and 1974). From 1969 to 1975, she headlined approximately 150 Las Vegas cabaret performances.
Her acting credits include a guest role on Vega$ (Episode “Without Warning,” 1978) and a supporting part in the independent film Curio (2010). She also co-hosted Dean Martin’s summer replacement series on NBC in 1973, demonstrating her ease in both musical and talk-show formats.
Barbara wrote her book The Mystery of Martinu at 70 in 2015. Childhood under a worldwide star, early work obstacles (1967–1975), family life (1968–1985), and views on her father’s legacy (1985–2015) are included in the 300-page book. The book sold over 10,000 copies in its first year and was featured at the April 2016 Los Angeles Book Fair.
Personal Life & Financial Overview
At 23, Barbara Gail Martin married entrepreneur Paul Polena in a private wedding at the Martin family home in Bel Air in 1968. The Polenas have two children, Cappy (born September 12, 1970) and Liza (born March 4, 1973). Liza was a textile artist and Cappy a graphic designer. Barbara kept her public presence modest despite her entertainment experience to protect her family.
Financially, Barbara’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million. Key contributors include:
- Performance Earnings (1968–1975): Approx. $200,000
- Residuals from TV Appearances: Annual averages of $5,000–$10,000
- Memoir Royalties (2015–Present): Approximately $50,000 total
- Inheritance from Dean Martin Estate (post-1995): Undisclosed lump sum
Barbara now prioritizes long-term wealth management above performance profits and invests in Southern California real estate and equities. In 1998, she bought a 4,200-square-foot Pacific Palisades mansion for $1.2 million, which is now worth over $5 million.
Public Image & Media Presence
In her career, Barbara Gail Martin was known for elegance and professionalism. Variety (June 1972) and Billboard (August 1974) liked her “velvet tone” and “understated stage presence” in the 1970s. Barbara gave fewer than ten print interviews between 1969 and 2010, despite early fame.
Her Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook profiles remain unverified as of 2023, reflecting her privacy. Fan-run Dean Martin memorial sites sometimes mention Barbara with historical photos and performance footage. Retrospectives like the 2017 Las Vegas Weekly story on Rat Pack kids emphasize her 47 years of caution compared to more prominent family members.
In April 2020, during the pandemic, Barbara participated in a virtual panel on Hollywood legacies at the Warner Center Forum, marking her first public appearance in over a decade. Panelists commended her insights on balancing heritage and individuality.
FAQ
Who is Barbara Gail Martin?
Barbara Gail Martin is the eldest daughter of entertainer Dean Martin and singer Elizabeth Anne McDonald, known for her singing, acting, and 2015 memoir.
What notable performances did she give?
She appeared on The Dean Martin Show (1968), The Tonight Show (1970–1975), and headlined over 150 Las Vegas cabaret shows between 1969 and 1975.
What was her educational background?
She graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1963 and earned a Fine Arts and Theater Studies degree from the University of Southern California in 1967.
What has she written?
Her 300-page memoir, The Mystery of Martinu (2015), traces her life from childhood in Beverly Hills to reflections on her father’s legacy.
What is her estimated net worth?
As of 2023, her net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million, derived from performances, royalties, inheritance, and real estate investments.
