Jeanne Biegger, also known as Jeanne Martin, was not only the second wife of legendary entertainer Dean Martin but also a woman with her own story. Born in Coral Gables, Florida, in 1927, she first worked as a model and even became the 1947 Orange Bowl Queen. Her beauty and grace quickly drew attention, but her name became famous after she met Dean Martin in the late 1940s. Their marriage and life together became a big part of Hollywood history. Jeanne Biegger died in 2016 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy deeply tied to Dean Martin’s life and career.
Quick Bio Table of Jeanne Biegger
| Quick Bio | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dorothy Jean “Jeanne” Biegger |
| Popular Name | Jeanne Martin |
| Birth Date | March 27, 1927 |
| Birth Place | Coral Gables, Florida, USA |
| Occupation | Model |
| Famous Title | 1947 Orange Bowl Queen |
| Spouse | Dean Martin (m. 1949–1973) |
| Children | Dean Paul Martin, Ricci Martin, Gina Martin |
| Grandchildren | Alexander, Pepper, Montana, Rio |
| Notable TV Appearance | I Love Lucy (1955) |
| Residence | Beverly Hills, California |
| Death Date | August 24, 2016 |
| Age at Death | 89 years |
Early Life and Modeling Career
Dorothy Jean “Jeanne” Biegger was born on March 27, 1927, in Coral Gables, Florida. She grew up in a middle-class family and showed elegance from a young age. Her modeling career started in Miami, where she gained recognition for her charm and looks. Winning the Orange Bowl Queen title in 1947 gave her national exposure. This title helped her break into modeling and introduced her to high society circles.
Meeting Dean Martin
Jeanne met Dean Martin while he was performing with Jerry Lewis at Miami’s Beachcomber Club. Their meeting has often been described as “love at first sight.” Dean, already rising as a singer and comedian, was charmed by Jeanne’s beauty and calm personality. Unlike the Hollywood glitz around him, Jeanne provided balance. Soon after, the couple began dating, and their romance attracted the media.
Wedding of Jeanne Biegger and Dean Martin
On September 1, 1949, Jeanne Biegger married Dean Martin in a private ceremony held at Herman Hover’s Beverly Hills home. The wedding was glamorous but intimate, attended by close friends and industry figures. After the marriage, Jeanne became widely known as Jeanne Martin. Her life changed dramatically, as she now lived in the spotlight as the wife of one of Hollywood’s most famous entertainers.
Family Life and Children
Jeanne and Dean built a family together, raising three children: Dean Paul Martin (1951), Ricci Martin (1953), and Gina Martin (1956). Their home in Bel Air became a place of warmth and glamour, often filled with celebrities. Dean also had children from his first marriage, and Jeanne helped raise them, creating a large blended household. The family was often photographed and written about, becoming a picture of Hollywood success.
Career Highlights and TV Appearance
Although Jeanne lived mostly away from the cameras, she made notable appearances. In 1955, she appeared in an I Love Lucy episode called “The Fashion Show” as “Mrs. Dean Martin.” This cameo reflected her place in the Hollywood social scene. She was admired for her fashion sense and elegant style, often pictured alongside Dean at events and movie premieres.
Life as Dean Martin’s Wife
During their 24 years of marriage, Jeanne supported Dean through his booming career in music, movies, and television. Dean starred in classics like Rio Bravo, The Young Lions, and became a part of the Rat Pack with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Jeanne was seen as the quiet strength behind Dean, keeping their home life steady while he was on stage or filming.
Divorce and Reasons Behind It
By the late 1960s, cracks began to show. Dean Martin’s career kept him busy, and personal differences grew. The couple separated in 1969, and their divorce was finalized in 1973. Reports suggested Dean had fallen for younger women, including beauty queens, which led to the end of their marriage. Even though it was painful, Jeanne kept her dignity and avoided public fights. Their separation marked the end of one of Hollywood’s most glamorous marriages.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Jeanne continued to live quietly. She focused on her children and stayed away from the spotlight. But tragedy struck when her son Dean Paul Martin died in a plane crash in 1987. This loss brought her and Dean closer as friends. Even after their marriage ended, they shared respect and affection. Jeanne also kept in touch with Hollywood friends and supported her children’s careers.
Grandchildren and Family Legacy
Jeanne became a grandmother and loved that role. Her grandchildren included Alexander Martin (from Dean Paul), and Pepper, Montana, and Rio (from Ricci). She enjoyed spending time with them, continuing her role as the caring figure of the family. Through Gina, who married Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys, Jeanne’s family circle also touched another part of American music history.
Later Years and Health
Jeanne lived in Beverly Hills, California, during her later years. She kept a low profile but was respected by many in the entertainment world. Sadly, she was diagnosed with cancer, which eventually caused her death. Despite her illness, she remained strong and surrounded by family.
Death of Jeanne Biegger
On August 24, 2016, Jeanne Biegger died at age 89. Her passing came just weeks after her son Ricci Martin also died, making it a heartbreaking time for the family. Jeanne was buried at Westwood Village Memorial Park, the same cemetery where Dean Martin rests. Her death closed a chapter on one of Hollywood’s golden-era love stories.
Legacy and Public Memory
Although she was not as famous as her husband, Jeanne Biegger left a mark in Hollywood history. As Dean Martin’s ex-wife, she witnessed and supported one of the most successful entertainment careers. Fans remember her for her elegance, devotion to family, and grace during both happy and hard times. She remains a figure linked to classic Hollywood.
Net Worth and Estate
Exact details of Jeanne Biegger’s net worth were never public, but reports said she received a fair settlement during her divorce. In fact, she was given half of Dean Martin’s record royalties earned before their separation. This ensured financial stability for her and her children. While she was not flashy with money, she lived comfortably in Beverly Hills until her death.
Why Did Dean Martin Divorce Jeanne Biegger?
Fans often wonder why such a long marriage ended. The truth lies in Dean’s busy career, lifestyle, and personal choices. Dean was often away filming or performing, which created distance. Reports also mentioned he became interested in younger women, which made the marriage unsustainable. Jeanne, however, handled the divorce with class and never spoke badly of Dean in public.
Jeanne Biegger and Today’s Memory
Today, when fans search for Jeanne Biegger Martin photos or her story, they discover a woman who was more than a celebrity wife. She was a model, a mother, a grandmother, and a strong figure who balanced Hollywood glamour with family responsibilities. Her story is part of Dean Martin’s legacy but also stands alone as a tale of grace, strength, and quiet influence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Jeanne Biegger?
Jeanne Biegger was a former model, the 1947 Orange Bowl Queen, and the second wife of Dean Martin.
2. When did Jeanne Biegger die?
She died on August 24, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 89.
3. How many children did Jeanne Biegger have with Dean Martin?
She had three children: Dean Paul Martin, Ricci Martin, and Gina Martin.
4. Did Jeanne Biegger appear in any TV shows?
Yes, she appeared in an episode of I Love Lucy in 1955 titled “The Fashion Show”.
5. Where is Jeanne Biegger buried?
She is buried at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, near Dean Martin.
Conclusion
The story of Jeanne Biegger is tied forever to the golden age of Hollywood. From her days as a model in Florida to her marriage with Dean Martin, and finally to her quiet life after their divorce, she lived through triumphs and tragedies. Her children and grandchildren continue her legacy, and her memory lives in the hearts of fans who admire not only Dean but also the woman who stood by him for nearly 25 years. Jeanne Biegger died in 2016, but her life remains an important chapter in entertainment history.
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