Now Reading: Definitive Insights into Bing Crosby Height and Legacy
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Definitive Insights into Bing Crosby Height and Legacy
Height Specifications
Bing Crosby’s stature has long been debated, with documented measurements clarifying the discrepancy between his claims and reality.
| Measurement Type | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) | Frequently stated by Crosby himself |
| Measured Height | 5 ft 7½ in (171.5 cm) | Confirmed by co-workers and records |
| Height Difference | 1 ½ in (3.8 cm) | Reflects customary stage lifts |
Height Claims vs. Observations
Throughout his career—from the 1930s radio era to his final films in the 1970s—Crosby maintained a taller image, often aided by footwear.
| Aspect | Crosby’s Claim | Contemporary Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Footwear | Standard dress shoes | Likely wearing 1–2 in lifts |
| Peer Comparisons | Taller co-stars | Many co-stars estimated him shorter |
| Public Persona | 5′9″ image | Behind-the-scenes around 5′7½″ |
Net Worth & Estate
At his passing on October 14, 1977, Crosby’s personal fortune and estate arrangements illustrated his financial acumen.
| Category | Value at Death | Equivalent Today |
|---|---|---|
| Net Worth (1977) | $10 million | ~$50 million |
| Estate Valuation | $60 million | Held in trust until heirs turned 65 |
| Trust Access Delay | Heirs’ age 65 | Ensured long‑term family security |
Real Estate Legacy
Crosby’s French‑château style Hillsborough estate symbolizes his Hollywood success and remains a prominent Bay Area landmark.
| Event | Date | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | 1960s | Grand estate in Northern California |
| Listing | February 2025 | Priced at $40 million |
| Final Sale | June 2025 | Sold for $25 million |
| Property Features | – | 11 beds, 10 baths, Hearst antiques |
Family & Career Overview
Over two marriages, Crosby fathered seven children whose lives and careers reflect the breadth of his personal legacy.
| Spouse | Marriage Years | Children (Total 7) |
|---|---|---|
| Dixie Lee | 1930–1952 | Gary, Dennis, Phillip, Lindsay |
| Kathryn Grant | 1957–1977 | Harry III, Mary, Nathaniel |
| Child | Born–Died | Career Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Crosby | 1933–1995 | Singer/actor |
| Dennis & Phillip | 1934–1991; 2004 | Singers; veterans |
| Lindsay Crosby | 1938–1989 | Singer/actor |
| Harry L. Crosby III | 1958– | Investment banker |
| Mary Crosby | ~1959– | Actress |
| Nathaniel Crosby | ~1961– | Professional golfer |
Recent Developments
Bing Crosby’s legacy continues generating value through strategic rights management and landmark real estate transactions.
| Development | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Catalog Deal | October 2021 | Partial sale to Primary Wave Music |
| Estate Sale | June 2025 | Major Bay Area luxury real estate |
FAQ
What was Bing Crosby’s true height?
Measured at 5 ft 7½ in (171.5 cm), though he often claimed to be 5 ft 9 in.
Why did Crosby claim a taller height?
He sought a more commanding public image and likely used shoe lifts.
What was his net worth at death?
He had an estimated $10 million in 1977 (roughly $50 million today).
How many children did he have?
He fathered seven children across two marriages between 1930 and 1977.
When did his Hillsborough estate sell and for how much?
It sold in June 2025 for $25 million after listing at $40 million in February.
