The Rat Pack was a legendary group of entertainers that made their first appearance in the late 1950s and early 1960s. They were the literal embodiment of the glamour and sophistication of the Las Vegas entertainment at the time.
In this short guide, we’ll have a quick look at the five core members.
Frank Sinatra (1915-1998)
Frank was the unofficial leader of the Rat Pack and was even known as “The Chairman of the Board.” He was already a legendary singer and actor when the group formed, which is the primary reason why he was the boss from day one.
Beyond music, he won an Academy Award for his role in “From Here to Eternity” (1953) and starred in films like “The Man with the Golden Arm” (1955) and “The Manchurian Candidate” (1962).
Photos of Frank Sinatra in his youth
Image source: Pinterest
Dean Martin (1917-1995)
Dean “Dino” Martin began in comedy, partnering with Jerry Lewis from 1946 to 1956. Their split led Martin to develop his solo career, recording hits like “That’s Amore” and “Everybody Loves Somebody.”
Martin and Sinatra discovered they shared perfect comedic timing on stage – Martin would intentionally forget lyrics or appear drunk (though he rarely drank during shows), while Sinatra played the exasperated straight man.
Fun fact: despite his public image as a heavy drinker, Martin often performed with apple juice in his glass rather than alcohol.
Sammy Davis Jr. (1925-1990)
Sammy started performing at the age of three in his father’s vaudeville act. He lost his left eye in a 1954 car accident. That didn’t stop him; he not only returned to performing within months but also broke racial barriers in entertainment, even while facing significant discrimination.
Sammy couldn’t stay in many hotels where he performed until the 1960s. However, he still left us some timeless hits like “The Candy Man” and “What Kind of Fool Am I?” He also starred in “Porgy and Bess” (1959) and “Sweet Charity” (1969).
Sammy Davis Jr. brought unmatched versatility to the group’s performances. He could match Sinatra’s singing, then suddenly break into a tap dance routine, or play multiple instruments alongside Martin.
Peter Lawford (1923-1984)
Peter Lawford appeared in MGM films like “Easter Parade” (1948) and “Little Women” (1949). However, it’s not his talent that attracted Sinatra.
Peter Lawford’s stills from the movie Easter Parade
Image source: Pinterest
It was his marriage to Patricia Kennedy, which connected him to the Kennedy family, that made him valuable to Sinatra who wanted to be close to the political elite.
Yet, when President Kennedy chose to stay with Bing Crosby instead of Sinatra during a West Coast visit, it created tension that eventually led to Lawford’s exile from the group.
Joey Bishop (1918-2007)
Joey earned his reputation in comedy through stand-up performances in the 1940s and 1950s. He hosted “The Joey Bishop Show” on ABC from 1967 to 1969, competing directly with Johnny Carson.
Needless to say, he was the group’s comedian and often served as their emcee.
Fun fact: Bishop was the last surviving member of the Rat Pack and often served as a reliable source for historians documenting the group’s history.
Final Words
The Rat Pack’s influence extended far beyond their performances. They represented a particular moment in American cultural history, embodying a sophisticated yet rebellious spirit that defined cool for a generation.
It’s safe to say that they will never be forgotten.
Featured image source: Google
