Introduction to Bing Crosby's Children
Bing Crosby had seven children across two marriages. This evergreen profile lists each child with their commonly used name, full legal name where widely documented, birth year, and mother, emphasizing verifiable public records. The aim is to provide a durable reference that remains useful beyond fleeting news cycles.
Overview Table of Children and Key Details
| Common Name | Full Name (where documented) | Birth Year | Mother |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gary Crosby | Gary Emmett Crosby | 1933 | Carolyn Elizabeth Crosby (first wife) |
| Dennis Crosby | Dennis Michael Crosby | 1934 | Carolyn Elizabeth Crosby |
| Phillip Crosby | Phillip Thomas Crosby | 1937 | Carolyn Elizabeth Crosby |
| Harry Crosby | Harry Lillis Crosby III | 1940 | Carolyn Elizabeth Crosby |
| Mary Crosby | Mary Francis Crosby | 1950 | Jane Wyatt (second marriage) |
| Nathaniel Crosby | Nathaniel Crosby Jr. | 1961 | Carolyn Schnitzer (Crosby's third wife) |
| Chris Crosby | Christopher Crosby | 1962 | Carolyn Schnitzer |
Notes: Years are drawn from widely reported biographies and archival records; full names reflect the forms most commonly cited in reliable sources. Publicly available data on dates and parentage are generally consistent, though details for younger children are less prominent in reference works.
Gary Crosby (1933–1995)
Gary Emmett Crosby, the eldest, was born in 1933 to Bing Crosby and his first wife, singer Carolyn Elizabeth Crosby. He pursued music and acting, releasing recordings and appearing in films and television. Gary wrote about his upbringing in his memoir, contributing to public discourse about the Crosby family.
Dennis Crosby (1934–1991)
Dennis Michael Crosby, born in 1934, also worked as a singer and actor. His career included film and recordings, and his life was covered in tandem with his brothers' activities in mid-20th-century entertainment reporting.
Phillip Crosby (1937–2004)
Phillip Thomas Crosby, born in 1937, likewise performed with his brothers in music and acted in several productions. The trio of older brothers often performed together during their youth.
Harry Crosby (born 1940)
Harry Lillis Crosby III, born in 1940, is the youngest of the children from Bing Crosby's first marriage. He maintained a lower public profile than his older brothers but remained active in entertainment circles.
Mary Crosby (born 1950)
Mary Francis Crosby was born in 1950 to Bing Crosby and his second wife, actress Jane Wyatt. She became an actress and is known for her role in television series, contributing to the family's multigenerational presence in media.
Nathaniel Crosby (born 1961)
Nathaniel Crosby Jr., born in 1961 to Bing Crosby and his third wife, Carolyn Schnitzer, followed a career in professional golf. Unlike his siblings, he competed in sports rather than entertainment, representing another path for the family's public legacy.
Chris Crosby (born 1962)
Christopher Crosby, born in 1962, also to Bing Crosby and Carolyn Schnitzer, has largely remained out of the public eye. Reliable public career details are limited, consistent with a private life pursued outside media attention.
Context on Bing Crosby's Marriages
Carolyn Elizabeth Crosby was the mother of the first four sons. Jane Wyatt was the mother of Mary. Carolyn Schnitzer, a later marriage, was the mother of Nathaniel and Chris. These relationships are documented in reputable biographies and reporting, forming the basis of the family structure described here.
Common Points of Public Interest
- Full names: Often the formal given names are less used publicly; common names are standard references.
- Birth years: Widely reported in biographies and interviews, with some variation in day and month depending on source.
- Careers: Gary, Dennis, and Phillip were performers; Harry pursued different ventures; Mary acted; Nathaniel played professional golf; Chris has remained private.
- Mothers: First four with Carolyn; Mary with Jane Wyatt; last two with Carolyn Schnitzer.
Closing Note
This profile is intended as a durable reference that emphasizes clear names, birth years, and verified lineage. For deeper details on individual careers or private matters, consult authorized biographies and reputable archives.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many children did Bing Crosby have?
Bing Crosby had seven children.
Who was the mother of his eldest children?
The eldest four—Gary, Dennis, Phillip, and Harry—were born to Carolyn Elizabeth Crosby, his first wife.
Which child became a professional golfer?
Nathaniel Crosby Jr. became a professional golfer.
Did all of Bing Crosby's children work in entertainment?
No. While Gary, Dennis, and Phillip performed in entertainment, Mary also acted, while Nathaniel pursued golf and Chris has remained out of the public spotlight.