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The Tragic And Triumphant Lives Of Bing Crosby's 7 Children: Where Are They Now In 2025?

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Few Hollywood legacies are as complex and shadowed as that of Bing Crosby, the iconic crooner whose voice defined the Christmas season. While his public persona was one of a warm, pipe-smoking family man, the private lives of his seven children—four from his first marriage to Dixie Lee and three from his second to Kathryn Grant—reveal a turbulent and often tragic story that continues to fascinate and be discussed as of December 2025.

This in-depth look explores the full roster of the Crosby family, detailing the heartbreaking fate of his first four sons, known as "The Crosby Boys," and providing the latest updates on the careers and lives of his three surviving children, who continue to manage the complicated legacy of their famous father.

The Seven Children of Bing Crosby: A Complete Biography Profile

Bing Crosby, born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr., married twice and fathered seven children over three decades. The stark differences in the public and private accounts of these two families form the core of the Crosby saga.

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

  • Gary Crosby (1933–1995): Eldest son. Actor, singer, and author of the controversial memoir Going My Own Way. Died of lung cancer at age 62.
  • Dennis Crosby (1934–1991): Twin brother of Phillip. Actor and occasional singer. Died by suicide at age 56.
  • Phillip Crosby (1934–2004): Twin brother of Dennis. Actor and singer who performed with his brothers as "The Crosby Boys." Died of a heart attack at age 69.
  • Lindsay Crosby (1938–1989): Youngest son of the first marriage. Actor and singer. Died by suicide at age 51.

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

  • Harry Lillis Crosby III (Born 1958): Actor turned investment banker. Survived his father.
  • Mary Frances Crosby (Born 1959): Actress, best known for her role in the TV series *Dallas*. Survived her father.
  • Nathaniel Patrick Crosby (Born 1961): Professional golfer and former US Amateur champion. Survived his father.

The Darker Side of the White Christmas Crooner: The Controversy

The image of Bing Crosby as the quintessential American father was irrevocably shattered following the publication of his eldest son's memoir. The book, Going My Own Way, released in 1983, detailed a childhood marred by emotional and physical abuse, painting a chilling portrait that contrasted sharply with Crosby’s public persona.

The Allegations of Abuse and Strict Discipline

Gary Crosby’s account described his father as a harsh disciplinarian who used a heavy leather belt with a metal buckle for punishment. The memoir alleged a pattern of psychological and physical cruelty, including public humiliation and emotional distance. Gary claimed that his father, who was known for his role in films like Going My Way, imposed a rigid, almost military-like structure on his sons’ lives, a stark deviation from the wholesome image the public adored.

The revelations sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. While some family friends and his second wife, Kathryn Grant, defended Bing Crosby, the accounts of the first four sons’ turbulent lives and tragic deaths lent credence to Gary’s claims. The shadow of this difficult upbringing is a central, unavoidable part of the Bing Crosby legacy.

The Tragic Fate of 'The Crosby Boys'

The four sons from the first marriage—Gary, Dennis, Phillip, and Lindsay—tried to follow in their father's footsteps, forming a singing quartet known as "The Crosby Boys" in the late 1950s. Their careers, however, were plagued by personal struggles, including alcoholism and financial difficulties.

The most heartbreaking aspect of their story is the manner of their deaths: both Dennis Crosby and Lindsay Crosby died by suicide, decades after their father's passing. Gary Crosby succumbed to lung cancer, and Phillip Crosby died of a heart attack. The collective tragedy of the first family is often cited as a devastating example of the pressures and psychological toll of growing up under the shadow of a global celebrity and a difficult father.

The Surviving Legacy: Where Bing Crosby’s Second Family Is Now (2025)

In contrast to the tragic narrative of the older brothers, the three children from Bing Crosby's second marriage to actress Kathryn Grant have led comparatively stable and successful lives, though they, too, have had to navigate the complexities of their famous surname.

Mary Crosby: The Actress and Family Historian

Mary Frances Crosby, the only daughter, is perhaps the most publicly recognizable of the surviving children. She is best known for her iconic role as Kristin Shepard in the hit television series *Dallas*, where her character famously shot J.R. Ewing.

As of December 2025, Mary Crosby remains active in the industry and has also taken on a role in preserving her father's memory. She is married to Mark Brodka (since 1998), and they have two sons, Benjamin and Christopher. Mary has been involved in recent public events, such as a 2024 renaming ceremony in Spokane, her father's hometown, demonstrating her commitment to honoring the positive aspects of the Bing Crosby legacy.

Harry Crosby III: The Investment Banker

Harry Lillis Crosby III initially followed his parents into show business, appearing in films like *Friday the 13th* (1980) and *The Hollywood Knights* (1980). However, he ultimately chose a path outside of the public spotlight.

Today, Harry Crosby is a highly successful investment banker. He has worked for major financial institutions and holds a position of prominence in the finance world, a career pivot that gave him distance from the intense scrutiny of the entertainment industry. He has publicly acknowledged the love for his father, stating, "He was my dad and, you know, I loved him as such," while also noting the distance created by his father's demanding career.

Nathaniel Crosby: The Champion Golfer

Nathaniel Patrick Crosby forged a path of his own in the world of professional golf. He won the prestigious U.S. Amateur title in 1981, a significant achievement that established his own identity outside of his father's fame. He also played on the victorious 1982 Eisenhower Trophy team.

Nathaniel has maintained a strong connection to the sport and the legacy of his father, who was an avid golfer himself and hosted the famed Bing Crosby National Pro-Am (now the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am). As recently as 2025, Nathaniel Crosby's name has been featured in connection with major amateur events, such as the U.S. Senior Amateur, confirming his continued involvement in the golf community. He is a respected figure and a key representative of the Crosby family in the world of sports.

The Enduring Topical Authority of the Crosby Name

The story of Bing Crosby's children is a cautionary tale about the gap between a public image and private reality. The complexities of the family dynamic—especially the trauma detailed in Going My Own Way and the subsequent tragedies—ensure that the Crosby name remains a subject of intense topical authority, particularly around the holiday season when Bing Crosby’s music is ubiquitous.

The surviving children, Harry, Mary, and Nathaniel, have spent their adult lives managing this dual legacy: preserving the memory of the beloved entertainer who gave the world "White Christmas," while also acknowledging the darker truths of their family history. Their continued careers in finance, acting, and golf, and their efforts to memorialize their father, keep the Crosby family narrative current and relevant for new generations.

bing crosby children
bing crosby children

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