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The Two Families Of Bing Crosby: Where Are His Seven Children Now And The Tragic Legacy Of The ‘Crosby Boys’

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Few Hollywood legacies are as complex and deeply divided as that of Bing Crosby's seven children. For decades, the public image of the legendary crooner—the voice of "White Christmas" and the epitome of paternal warmth—stood in stark contrast to the private turmoil that engulfed his family. As of December 2025, the Crosby family story is a tale of two distinct households: the four sons from his first marriage, who all met tragic ends, and the three children from his second marriage, who have carved out successful, stable lives in entertainment, finance, and professional golf.

This deep dive explores the full story of the Crosby family, providing an updated look at the three surviving children and the heartbreaking details of the four "Crosby Boys" whose struggles with alcoholism, depression, and their father's strict discipline became a dark footnote in Hollywood history. The contrast between the two families offers a compelling, fresh perspective on the man behind the microphone and the enduring impact of his legacy.

The Complete Biography and Status of Bing Crosby's Seven Children

Bing Crosby, born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr., was married twice. His first marriage to actress and singer Dixie Lee produced four sons, all of whom are now deceased. His second marriage to actress Kathryn Grant produced two sons and one daughter, all of whom are alive and active in their respective fields today.

Children with First Wife, Dixie Lee (1930–1952)

  • Gary Crosby (August 15, 1933 – August 17, 1995): Singer, actor, and author. Died of lung cancer at age 62. His controversial 1983 memoir, Going My Own Way, detailed his father's alleged physical and emotional abuse.
  • Dennis Crosby (July 13, 1934 – May 4, 1991): Singer and actor, twin brother of Phillip. Died by suicide via gunshot at age 56, after years of battling alcoholism and depression.
  • Phillip Crosby (July 13, 1934 – January 13, 1994): Singer and actor, twin brother of Dennis. Died of a heart attack at age 59. Phillip was vocal in his defense of his father against his brother Gary’s claims.
  • Lindsay Crosby (January 5, 1938 – December 11, 1989): Actor and singer. Died by suicide via gunshot at age 51 in his Las Virgenes apartment, reportedly after the end of his inheritance income.

Children with Second Wife, Kathryn Grant (1957–1977)

  • Harry Lillis Crosby III (Born August 8, 1958): Investment banker and former actor.
  • Mary Frances Crosby (Born September 14, 1959): Actress, famous for her role on Dallas.
  • Nathaniel Patrick Crosby (Born October 29, 1961): Professional golfer and golf administrator.

The Tragic Legacy of The 'Crosby Boys' and The Memoir Controversy

The lives of Bing Crosby’s four eldest sons—often referred to collectively as "The Crosby Boys"—were marked by professional underachievement, financial instability, and, most notably, severe struggles with alcoholism and depression, leading to three premature deaths. This tragic pattern is often linked back to their turbulent childhood and the controversial parenting style of their famous father.

The public's view of Bing Crosby as the quintessential, benevolent family man was shattered in 1983, six years after his death, when his eldest son, Gary Crosby, published his autobiography, Going My Own Way.

The Allegations of Abuse

In the memoir, Gary described Bing as a distant, cold-hearted, and strict father who resorted to physical violence. Gary claimed that his father disciplined them with a heavy leather strap, often beating the boys until they bled. This shocking revelation instantly created a major media firestorm, forever complicating the perception of the beloved crooner. The book painted a picture of a household struggling with the mother, Dixie Lee’s, severe alcoholism, and a father who enforced brutal discipline to maintain control.

The Divided Response

The other three sons from the first marriage offered a divided response. Phillip Crosby initially defended his father, stating that Gary’s claims were "a monstrous lie" and that the discipline was simply what was expected of the era. However, the subsequent suicides of Dennis and Lindsay, both of whom struggled with alcoholism and financial problems, seemed to lend a dark credence to the underlying claims of a dysfunctional family environment.

Adding another layer of complexity, the Bing Crosby website and some later reports suggest that Gary Crosby may have recanted some of the most controversial elements of the book later in his life, claiming he exaggerated parts of it to blame his own irresponsible behavior on his father. Regardless of the truth's exact measure, the tragic trajectory of The Crosby Boys—Gary dying of lung cancer, Phillip of a heart attack, and Dennis and Lindsay by suicide—remains a profound and somber chapter in the family’s history.

The Second Family: Success and The Enduring Crosby Name Today (2025)

In stark contrast to the fate of the "Crosby Boys," the three children from Bing’s second marriage to actress Kathryn Grant (who passed away in 2024 at age 90) have enjoyed stable, high-achieving careers and have actively worked to preserve the positive aspects of their father's legacy.

Mary Crosby: The Actress Who Shot J.R.

Mary Frances Crosby, the only daughter, is arguably the most recognizable of the surviving children, thanks to her long career as a television and film actress. She gained international notoriety in 1980 for her iconic role as Kristin Shepard on the television series Dallas, famously revealed as the person who shot J.R. Ewing in the show’s legendary cliffhanger. Mary has maintained a steady career in Hollywood, appearing in numerous films and television shows, including a role on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Harry Crosby III: From Screen to Wall Street

Harry Lillis Crosby III initially followed his parents into the entertainment industry. He trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and had roles in films such as Friday the 13th (1980). However, Harry eventually transitioned away from acting to pursue a highly successful career in finance. He is now a prominent investment banker, demonstrating a stability and professional focus that eluded his older half-brothers.

Harry is also a key figure in keeping the family's artistic legacy alive. His children, Bing’s grandchildren, including his son Nicholas and daughter, have performed Bing’s signature song, "White Christmas," in tribute to the master crooner, showcasing a new generation embracing the family’s musical heritage.

Nathaniel Crosby: Golf’s Modern Ambassador

Nathaniel Patrick Crosby has perhaps the most direct connection to his father's love of golf. Bing Crosby was the host of the famous professional golf tournament, originally known as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Amateur, or "The Crosby Clambake."

Nathaniel became an accomplished amateur golfer himself, winning the prestigious 1981 U.S. Amateur Championship, a feat that made him the youngest winner at the time. He later played on the European Tour and served as the host of the family’s tournament for a period. His deep involvement in the sport continues today, having served as the captain of the 2019 U.S. Walker Cup team, an honor that solidifies his status as a respected figure in the world of golf. The tournament itself continues as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but its roots in the Crosby family remain a celebrated part of its history.

The Enduring Complexity of The Crosby Family Tree

The story of Bing Crosby's seven children is a powerful reminder that fame and fortune do not guarantee happiness or stability. The chasm between the tragic lives of Gary, Dennis, Phillip, and Lindsay, and the successful, grounded paths of Harry, Mary, and Nathaniel, highlights the profound impact of family dynamics and the distinct challenges faced by children of legendary figures.

While the four eldest sons succumbed to the pressures and personal demons that plagued their lives, the three younger children, raised in a different era and perhaps a different family environment, have successfully navigated the complexities of their famous lineage. Their continued success in business, acting, and golf ensures that the Crosby name remains relevant in the 21st century, not just as a historical footnote, but as a living, evolving legacy of talent and resilience.

bing crosby children
bing crosby children

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