Bing Crosby and Kathryn’s Marriage Life
Bing Crosby, one of the most famous entertainers of the 20th century, met Kathryn Grandstaff, later known as Kathryn Grant, in 1953 during the filming of White Christmas. At the time, Kathryn was an aspiring actress who had just graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. She was 23 years old when they married in 1957, while Bing was 54. This marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter in Kathryn’s life, where she would become widely known as “Bing Crosby’s wife.”
Bing Crosby, often remembered for his smooth voice and iconic songs like White Christmas, was a household name in both music and film. He had previously been married to Dixie Lee, with whom he shared four sons, but she tragically passed away in 1952. Bing and Kathryn had three children together: Harry, Nathaniel, and Mary.
Life as Bing Crosby’s Wife
After marrying Bing Crosby, Kathryn largely retired from her acting career, though she occasionally appeared in films and on television. She became a regular alongside her husband and children in his famous Christmas television specials and Minute Maid commercials. Kathryn also supported Bing through various aspects of his career, even authoring several memoirs about their life together.
In the years following Bing Crosby’s death from a heart attack in 1977, Kathryn devoted much of her time to preserving her late husband’s legacy. Bing Crosby passed away at the age of 74 while playing golf in Spain, leaving behind a legacy that Kathryn worked hard to uphold, despite challenges like a controversial memoir by Bing’s eldest son, Gary Crosby.
How Old Was Bing Crosby?
Bing Crosby was 74 years old when he passed away, nearly 20 years after marrying Kathryn. His sudden death marked the end of an era in Hollywood and left Kathryn to continue raising their children, while also dealing with the public scrutiny that comes with being the widow of such a beloved figure.
Kathryn’s Post-Bing Career and Legacy
Though Kathryn was known as Bing Crosby’s wife, she maintained her own impressive accomplishments. Before their marriage, Kathryn starred in several notable films, including The Phenix City Story (1955), Tight Spot (1955), and The Brothers Rico (1957). She worked alongside some of Hollywood’s top talents, including Tony Curtis and Victor Mature.
After Bing’s death, Kathryn found solace and purpose in stage acting, appearing in productions like Same Time, Next Year and Charley’s Aunt. She also co-starred in the 1996 Broadway revival of State Fair.
Despite the tragedy of losing Bing, Kathryn went on to marry Maurice Sullivan in 2000. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in heartbreak when Sullivan passed away in a car accident in 2010, which also left Kathryn with severe injuries.
Kathryn Crosby’s Children and Net Worth
Kathryn Crosby is survived by her three children: Harry, an investment banker and former actor; Mary, an actress famous for her role on Dallas; and Nathaniel, a highly successful amateur golfer. The Crosby family has maintained a significant presence in both entertainment and business. As of her passing, Kathryn Crosby’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million, largely stemming from her own career as well as her husband Bing Crosby’s enduring legacy.
A Hollywood Star’s Final Chapter
Kathryn Crosby lived a remarkable life, from her early days in Hollywood to her role as the wife of one of the most iconic figures in entertainment history. Her contributions to film and television, along with her devotion to preserving Bing Crosby’s legacy, ensured that her name will remain intertwined with Hollywood’s golden age.
Kathryn Crosby’s death at 90 marks the end of an era, but her memory lives on through her children and the countless fans who admired both her and Bing.
