My dad was kind of a pool shark and had a Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin thing going on. I've always been fascinated by the fifties because of him. There was a hip, cool, anything-goes atmosphere back then, but looking good was still a priority.

The quote "My dad was kind of a pool shark and had a Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin thing going on. I've always been fascinated by the fifties because of him. There was a hip, cool, anything-goes atmosphere back then, but looking good was still a priority." by Dylan McDermott reflects his admiration for the fifties and the style and attitude associated with that era, largely influenced by his father. McDermott describes his father as someone who embodied the cool, confident persona of figures like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, who were iconic in the 1950s, representing a time of charisma, swagger, and elegance.

McDermott’s reference to the pool shark is a nod to the tough yet suave reputation that his father may have had, evoking a classic image of men from the 1950s who combined both style and skill. This idea connects with the wider cultural atmosphere of the time, where people embraced a laid-back yet polished attitude. McDermott’s fascination with the fifties reflects the appeal of a time when being cool was intertwined with being effortlessly stylish, yet there was also a focus on maintaining a sharp appearance.

The phrase "hip, cool, anything-goes atmosphere" speaks to the freedom and rebellious spirit of the era, where personal expression and confidence were valued. However, McDermott also points out that despite this sense of freedom, looking good was still a priority, suggesting that style and appearance were never compromised, even in a time of cultural shift. The fifties was a unique time when people could be both laid-back and polished simultaneously.

Ultimately, McDermott’s reflection on the fifties underscores the appeal of a decade marked by a blend of swagger, freedom, and style. His father's influence, paired with the larger cultural trends of the time, shaped McDermott’s perception of an era where being cool didn’t just mean a carefree attitude, but also being conscious of one’s appearance and presence. This admiration for the era remains an enduring part of McDermott's personal sense of style and identity.