Dennis Crosby was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Sergeants 3”, “Out of This World”, and his appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show”. He was born into a famous family, being the son of legendary singer Bing Crosby.
Personal and Family Life
Dennis Crosby was born on July 13, 1934, in Los Angeles County, California. He was one of the four sons of Bing Crosby and Dixie Lee, growing up under the shadow of his father’s fame. He had several siblings, including twin brother Phillip Crosby and a half-sibling, Nathaniel Crosby. Dennis was married twice, first to Pat Sheehan from 1958 to 1964 and later to Arleen Newman from 1965 until their divorce in 1991. He had three children with each wife, including actress Denise Crosby.
Struggles and Career
Despite being born into a wealthy and famous family, Dennis Crosby faced personal struggles throughout his life. He was reluctantly involved in the music business, performing with his brothers under “The Crosby Brothers,” but found little joy in it. His career included working behind the scenes at Bing Crosby Productions, but he battled depression and alcoholism. His personal issues culminated in tragedy when he took his own life in 1991.
Death and Legacy
Dennis Crosby died on May 7, 1991, in Novato, California, by suicide. This occurred less than two years after the suicide of his younger brother, Lindsay Crosby. His life was marked by both the pressures of his family’s legacy and personal battles, leaving a complex legacy within the entertainment industry. His daughter, Denise Crosby, continues the family tradition as an actress.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Out of This World | 1945-07-13 | Dennis Crosby |
| Bing Crosby: Rediscovered | 2014-12-02 | Self (archive footage) |
| Sergeants 3 | 1962-02-10 | Pvt. Page |
| Ben Casey | 1961-10-02 | |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Mystery Guest |