I don't have any problem with someone who isn't a fan of Dean Martin's career but I do have a problem with people calling him lazy. This man was not lazy. From the early fifties well into the seventies, this man remarkably juggled a prolific music career, television series and a full time film career. Add that on to numerous public appearances, live shows and charity related causes and you have a man that for over thirty years worked his ass off...and made it look incredibly easy, which of course it wasn't.
In an entertainment world where artists can barely manage to do one of the above, the fact that Dean Martin was able to do all of them, and well, is quite remarkable. Many people who know nothing of the man will no doubt continue to take great delight in throwing around terms like 'lazy', but this is the furthest thing from the truth. The ease that Dean Martin projected was not only one of his biggest assets but also one of the most difficult roles he ever took on. This was a complex, hard working man who's image for many often overshadows his accomplishments.
Love him or leave him, just don't underestimate how hard he worked.
Regular postings will continue next week with a few more sporadic bursts throughout this one.
