The entertainment world mourns the loss of a multifaceted talent as Kathryn Crosby, actress, and widow of legendary singer Bing Crosby, takes her final bow.
According to Billboard, Kathryn Crosby passed away at the age of 90 on Friday, September 20, 2024, at her home in Hillsborough, Northern California. The family spokesperson confirmed that she died of natural causes.
Born as Olive Kathryn Grandstaff on November 25, 1933, in West Columbia, Texas, she embarked on her Hollywood journey in 1953 after graduating from the University of Texas with a fine arts degree. Under the stage name Kathryn Grant, she quickly made her mark in the film industry, starring alongside renowned actors in various notable productions.
Kathryn's acting career was punctuated by collaborations with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. She shared the screen with Tony Curtis in "Mister Cory" (1957) and Victor Mature in "The Big Circus" (1959), showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Her filmography boasts an impressive list of projects, including five movies directed by the acclaimed film noir director Phil Karlson. Among these were "Tight Spot" and "The Phenix City Story," both released in 1955, which helped establish her reputation in the industry.
Perhaps one of her most notable appearances was in Otto Preminger's "Anatomy of a Murder," where she acted alongside the legendary James Stewart. This role, along with her performances in "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" and "Operation Mad Ball" with Jack Lemmon, cemented her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Kathryn's personal life took a romantic turn when she met Bing Crosby while conducting interviews for her hometown newspaper column about Hollywood. Despite their significant age difference - she was 23 and he was 54 - the couple tied the knot in 1957.
Following her marriage to Crosby, Kathryn scaled back her acting career but continued to make appearances alongside her husband and their three children in his Christmas television specials. The family was also featured in Minute Maid orange juice commercials, blending their personal and professional lives.
In a surprising career shift, Kathryn became a registered nurse in 1963, demonstrating her diverse interests and commitment to helping others. Her multifaceted life continued to evolve as she hosted a morning talk show on KPIX-TV in Northern California during the 1970s.
Bing Crosby's unexpected death in 1977 at the age of 74 marked a new chapter in Kathryn's life. She returned to the stage, appearing in productions of "Same Time, Next Year" and "Charley's Aunt." In 1996, she co-starred with John Davidson and Andrea McArdle in the Broadway revival of "State Fair," proving that her passion for performance remained undiminished.
For 16 years, ending in 2001, Kathryn hosted the Crosby National golf tournament in Bermuda Run, North Carolina, honoring her late husband's love for the sport. This period of her life showcased her dedication to preserving Bing's legacy while pursuing her own interests.
Kathryn's personal life saw further changes when she married Maurice Sullivan. Their union lasted for 10 years until Sullivan's tragic death in a 2010 car accident, which also left Kathryn seriously injured.
Kathryn Crosby's passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood history. She leaves behind a legacy as an accomplished actress, devoted wife and mother, and a woman of many talents. Her life story, spanning from the golden age of Hollywood to her later years as a philanthropist and golf tournament host, serves as a testament to her resilience and versatility. Kathryn is survived by her children Harry, Mary (known for her role in the TV show "Dallas"), and Nathaniel, carrying forward the Crosby family legacy.
