Hosted by Dean Martin, the acclaimed variety and comedy show was one of the highest-rated in television history, garnering 12 Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe award (Dean Martin “Best Actor in a Comedy Television Series” 1967), frequented by hundreds of guests from across the world of entertainment including legendary actors and actresses from stage and screen, pop and jazz singers, dancers and comedians. An entertainer who could do it all, Dean and his celebrity guests fascinated viewers with music and outrageous comedy skits. Whether it was Dean’s familiar entrance sliding down a pole or the famous living room door (he never knew who would walk through), Dean captured everyone with his easy-going personality and incomparable charm and talent. Dean Martin was a television pioneer with his unique variety and comedy show. There were no rehearsals, no re-takes, and Martin simply just wasn’t a host behind a desk — he took part in virtually all the segments. Whether talking and singing with guests or performing a comedy sketch, Martin put every guest at ease and was able to coax even the most serious actors to indulge in their comedic and musical sides. Guests had a great time, word got out, and after the initial success of the show everyone wanted in on the act.