Kathryn Crosby has an estimated net worth of $20 million before her death in 2024. She was the wife of legendary entertainer Bing Crosby and mother of Harry Crosby, Mary Crosby and Nathaniel Crosby.
In this post I will share about the sources of Kathryn Crosby’s net worth, how she made money, how was her career and its contribution to her net worth, personal life and more. Read the full article to learn more.
| Information | Details |
| Name | Kathryn Grant Crosby (born Olive Kathryn Grandstaff) |
| Net Worth | $20 million (Estimated) |
| Age | 90 (at time of death) |
| Birthday | November 25, 1933 |
| Husband | Bing Crosby (1957-1977) |
| Father’s Name | Louis Gray Grandstaff |
| Education | University of Texas at Austin; UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television |
| Children | 3 children. (Harry, Mary Frances, and Nathaniel) |
- Who Was Kathryn Crosby?
- What Was Kathryn Crosby’s Net Worth Before Her Death?
- How Kathryn Crosby Made the Money?
- Kathryn Crosby’s Early Life, Entry to Acting, and Career
- Personal Life: Marriage, Family, Spouse, Children
- Kathryn Crossby Age: How old Was She Before Death?
- Final Thoughts on Kathryn Grant Crosby Net Worth
Who Was Kathryn Crosby?
Kathryn Crosby (born Olive Kathryn Grandstaff) was a famous American actress, philanthropist, and the widow of iconic entertainer Bing Crosby. She built a modest Hollywood career in the 1950s before stepping back to focus on family and charity work.
Kathryn Crosby appeared in several films during the 1950s, including “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad” and “Anatomy of a Murder.” She gained significant recognition not only for her acting career but also as the third wife and widow of Oscar-winning actor and singer Bing Crosby.
Following her husband’s death in 1977, Kathryn dedicated much of her life to preserving his legacy while continuing her pursuits in theater, writing, and philanthropy.
What Was Kathryn Crosby’s Net Worth Before Her Death?
At the time of her death in September 2024, Kathryn Crosby’s net worth was estimated at approximately $20 million. This substantial fortune came from various sources, including her career earnings, inheritances from her husband’s estate, real estate investments, and ongoing royalties from Bing Crosby’s extensive catalog of music and films.
Bing Crosby left behind a significant estate valued at over $50 million (equivalent to roughly $230 million in today’s dollars) when he died in 1977. While much of this went to his children and various trusts, Kathryn received a considerable portion that she managed thoughtfully throughout her life.
How Kathryn Crosby Made the Money?
Kathryn Crosby earned early income as a 1950s actress, starring in films like The 7th Voyage of Sinbad and TV shows. Post-marriage, she managed family assets and later engaged in philanthropy.
Kathryn built her financial portfolio through several avenues:
- Acting Career: She appeared in over 20 films during the 1950s and early 1960s, including roles in “Operation Mad Ball,” “The Brothers Rico,” and “Gunman’s Walk.”
- Theater Work: After Bing’s death, she returned to performing, appearing in musicals and stage productions including “Same Time, Next Year” and “State Fair.”
- Real Estate: The Crosbys owned significant properties, including their main residence in Hillsborough, California, and vacation homes.
- Bing Crosby Enterprises: She helped manage the business interests associated with Bing’s career, including music royalties, film rights, and merchandising.
- Writing: Kathryn authored books, including her 1983 memoir “My Life with Bing,” which provided additional income.
- Golf Tournaments: She organized the annual Crosby National Golf Tournament (later the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am), which Bing had established.
In case you are interested, learn more about Bing Crosby’s net worth here.
How is Bing Crosby Related to Kathryn Crosby?
Bing Crosby was Kathryn Crosby’s husband. They married in 1957 when she was 23, and their relationship became a significant part of her public identity. Despite their 31-year age difference, the couple remained together until Bing died in 1977.
Kathryn became Bing’s second wife and stayed with him until he died in 1977. The couple balanced Bing’s superstar career with raising their three children.
Bing Crosby was a highly celebrated singer and actor, and their marriage placed Kathryn in the spotlight alongside one of the biggest stars of the time and was a big matter of public interest.
Kathryn Crosby’s Early Life, Entry to Acting, and Career
Kathryn Grant (Birth Name) was born in Houston, Texas, on November 25, 1933. She studied fine arts at the University of Texas at Austin.
Paramount Pictures signed her at age 20. She starred in Westerns and adventure films under the stage name “Kathryn Grant” before retiring after her marriage.
Her career gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s. She featured in films such as “The Guns of Fort Petticoat” (1957) and “Anatomy of a Psycho” (1961), among other roles in film and television.
Her career began in the early 1950s when she signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. She adopted the stage name Kathryn Grant and landed roles in films such as “The Phenix City Story” (1955) and “Cell 2455 Death Row” (1955). Her breakthrough came with a supporting role in “The Bridges at Toko-Ri” (1954), starring William Holden.
Kathryn Grant’s other notable film appearances included:
- “Mister Cory” (1957) with Tony Curtis
- “Operation Mad Ball” (1957) with Jack Lemmon
- “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad” (1958)
- “Anatomy of a Murder” (1959) with James Stewart
After marrying Bing Crosby in 1957, Kathryn Grant scaled back her film work but continued to appear occasionally in television and stage productions. Later in life, she performed in cabaret shows that often paid tribute to Bing’s musical legacy.
Personal Life: Marriage, Family, Spouse, Children
Kathryn Crosby’s personal life became a topic of public interest, particularly due to her marriage to Bing Crosby. Her roles as a wife and mother were significant aspects of her life, alongside her professional career.
Who Was Kathryn Crosby’s Husband? Kathryn Crosby’s first husband was Bing Crosby (1957–1977). After his passing, she married businessman Maurice Sullivan in 2000. They divorced in 2003.
Kathryn Crosby and Bing Crosby’s Relationship
Bing Crosby and Kathryn Crosby (born Olive Kathryn Grandstaff) met in 1953 on the set of the film White Christmas. At the time, Kathryn was an aspiring actress and had a small role in the movie. Their acquaintance developed into a romance, and they eventually married on October 24, 1957, after Bing’s first wife, Dixie Lee, had passed away in 1952.
Their marriage lasted until Bing’s death in 1977, and they had three children together. The couple shared 20 years, balancing Bing’s stardom with private family life. They resided in California and had three children.
The couple married quietly in Nevada. They prioritized privacy but occasionally appeared together at charity events. Bing adopted Kathryn’s son from a previous relationship, Harry Crosby.
Who Are Kathryn Crosby’s Children?
Kathryn and Bing had three children together:
- Harry Lillis Crosby III “Harry”): Born in 1958, he followed in his father’s footsteps with interests in entertainment and business. Learn more about Harry Crosby’s Net worth here.
- Mary Frances Crosby (“Mary”): Born in 1959, she became an actress best known for her role as Kristin Shepard in the television series “Dallas” (she played the character who shot J.R. Ewing in the famous “Who Shot J.R.?” storyline). Learn more about Mary Crosby Net Worth here.
- Nathaniel Patrick Crosby (“Nathaniel”): Born in 1961, he became a professional golfer, winning the U.S. Amateur golf championship in 1981. Learn more about Nathaniel Crosby Net Worth here.
Kathryn was also stepmother to Bing’s sons from his first marriage: Gary, Phillip, Dennis, and Lindsay Crosby.
Where is Kathryn Crosby Today?
Kathryn Crosby passed away on September 21, 2024, at her home in Hillsborough, California.
In her later years, Kathryn faced health challenges. In 2010, she survived a serious car accident in the Sierra Nevada that killed her second husband, Maurice William Sullivan, whom she had married in 2000.
Despite health setbacks, she remained active in preserving Bing’s legacy, making appearances at retrospectives and celebrations of his work. She maintained ties to Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington (Bing’s alma mater), where the couple had established scholarships and donated memorabilia.
How did Kathryn Crosby Die?
According to New York Times, Kathryn Crosby died at age 90 on September 21, 2024. Her family member said, she passed away from natural causes at her home in Hillsborough, California.
Her daughter, Mary Crosby, announced her death, noting that Kathryn died peacefully surrounded by family members. No specific illness was cited as the cause of her passing.
Kathryn Crossby Age: How old Was She Before Death?
Kathryn Crosby was born in 1933 and passed away in September 21, 2024. Before death Kathryn Crosby was 90 years old. Her lifespan spanned nine decades, witnessing significant changes in the world and the entertainment industry in which she played a part.
Final Thoughts on Kathryn Grant Crosby Net Worth
Kathryn Crosby’s net worth was estimated at $20 million by the time of her death. This sum reflected her career achievements and the hard work she put in throughout her career. It also showed her careful management of the Crosby family legacy and her financial worth stands as substantial.
