Joey Bishop, the Final Member of the Rat Pack, Passes Away, Ending a Hollywood Chapter

As America says goodbye to Joey Bishop, who died Wednesday night in his California home, we also say goodbye to the legacy he was a part of, The Rat Pack. Bishop, 89, was the last Rat Pack member to 'leave the stage.'

The Rat Pack was a powerhouse of humor, suave style, male sexuality, and immeasurable talent. Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop was the legendary Rat Pack alumni. They had careers that spanned the corners of Hollywood and beyond. With fierceness only a modern day diva could imagine, they ruled Las Vegas as powerhouse entertainers. The name Rat Pack is derived from what is said to be a jilted response, by a lady reporter left out of their parties. "...those Rats..." Regardless of the beginnings, the title Rat Packwould stay throughout their careers. Though the performances sometimes included leading women, it was the notorious five man act that would forever be apart of Hollywood history.

Through the 1950s into the beginning of the 1960s the Rat Pack starred onstage, in film, and among the social scene together. The original Ocean's Eleven would star the five Pack performers. With cigars in their left hand and a stiff drink in their right, the group would hit every Hollywood occasion as if it was a black tie affair. The Rat Pack was legendary for their smooth moves with the women (and fast talk with the gentlemen the women were suppose to be with). They also were known for shooting from the hip in response to critics and partying late into the night. This only fueled endless years of rumor and speculation. Gossip mills turned by the very indication of involvement in crime and scandal. The most infamous rumor is the mafia connection, linked more closely to Sinatra and Dean. Hollywood magazines, even after their deaths, would link members of the Rat Pack to every mob boss in the nation. Nevertheless, at the end of the day the records still sold, the movies seats we still packed, and the shows still sold out. They were Hollywoods sure-fire winners. They were also some of the earlytabloids biggest sellers.

During his career as a recording artist, Dean Martin produced legendary favorites like That's Amore and Everybody Loves Somebody. Dean Martin first found fame with his straight man act, opposite Jerry Lewis. He was considered one of Hollywood's sexist men and film studios played on that power when casting him in movies. After he parted ways with Lewis, Dean went on to play in movies as a solo act. However, Martin did not have the same power as a one-man act. Dean then began a talk show series called The Dean Martin Showin 1965, the show was a hit, and despite Martins popularity in Hollywood, he slowly began his exit stage left. He was still seen in cameos on his show, now a weekly celebrity roast, and made surprise appearances for Davis and Sinatra. Martin always was a man who wasn't afraid to show you all of who his was. However, in 1987 after the death of his son, Martin began to decline and withdrew himself from the spotlight. Then, on Christmas morning 1995, Dean Martin passed away. Fans of Martin grieved with the knowledge; his legendary status would be sealed forever.

Sammy Davis Junior, born in Harlem, has been an inspiration to generations of artist. He was a dancer, singer, actor, comedian, and one-man show. His unique style of voice and small awkward stature gave way to a new era of music and sometimes to comedic characterizations. In 1954, due to a near death car accident, Davis lost his left eye. However, that didn't stop Sammy. In 1964, Davis was nominated for his role in the Broadway show Golden Boy and performed on Broadway for years to come. Davis was known for a quick wit and honest humor. He was also known for his comedic stare and one-liners, "Alcohol gives you infinite patience for stupidity."Davis never had to leave the spotlight. With Hollywood artist referring to him, characterizing him, and dedicating their success to him, Davis did not even need to be on the stage, to steal the show. Davis died on May 16, 1990, from throat cancer.

When you hear someone say "I did it my way", just know Frank Sinatra said it first. My Way is one of Sinatra's most legendary songs. Stranger in the Night and New York, New York will always be "owned" by Sinatra's unique sound. Any song Sinatra touched instantly became golden. Sinatra was also a stage performer and actor. In 1962, he gave a critically acclaimed performance in The Manchurian Candidate, as Major Bennett Marco. His first Las Vegas debut was in 1951 and Vegas knew then, there was something about Frankie. Frank Sinatra never stepped away from his legendary status. He came out of retirement several times, and still stole the charts with albums like Old Blues Eyes is Back. He came back to Vegas yet again in January of 1975 and became the headliner for the infamous Caesars Palace. Sinatra was as much a part of New York City, as he was Vegas. New York showed him their love for his eightieth birthday, while the New York Empire State Building was glowing blue, for old blue eyes. Sinatra is often referred as an inspiration to many new artists. His smooth, old smoky club style, still plays on radio stations today. Many still say that Frank Sinatra wasn't a part of Vegas; they say Frank Sinatra was Vegas. On may 14, 1998 the world said good-bye to old blue eyes.

Peter Lawford was a sly and sleek Hollywood ladies man. He appeared with Frank Sinatra in the musical It Happened in Brooklyn, in 1947. That same year, his performance in musical called Good News would put Lawford on the Hollywood radar. Eventually, despite his friendship with Sinatra and part in the Rat Pack shows, other members began to stray from Lawford. Rumors of affairs, political alliances, and back stabbing behavior lead Lawford out of the Rat Pack and into a career that slowly began to diminish to small guest spots. Lawfords' continued alcohol abuse and sexual escapades had diminished his reliability and star attraction. Lawford slowly faded from the media lights and was a distant part of the Rat Pack. Lawford died on Christmas Eve 1984, no members of the Rat Pack attended his funeral.

Joey Bishop was the guest host for The Johnny Carson Show, more than any other person was. Bishop was a natural comedian and was accepted quickly into television and film. He was less the ladies man and more the silly, sweet friend. His situation comedy show ran on television from 1961-1965 Those spots, along with his returning appearances on the Steve Allen show, lead bishop to create his own talk show. The Joey Bishop Show only ran from 1967-1969 and his co-host was Regis Philbin from the Live With Regis and Kellymorning show. Bishop became a popular choice for appearances on many game shows because of his quick wit and ad-libs. Some game shows include What's my line,Hollywood Squares, and Password. Bishop died Wednesday October 17 2007. He was the last living Rat Pack member.

By the 1960's, as the music scene began to change, the Rat Pack sensation began to fade. However, the same fate did not hold true to the stars individual powers. Each Member of the Rat Pack went on to find their individual levels of fame. Rat Pack Tributes still sale out in cities like Vegas, and memorabilia still sells heavily online and offline.

Despite the years that separated them, they will always be together in history.