Lindsay Crosby was an American actor and singer, best known as the youngest of four sons from Bing Crosby’s first marriage to Dixie Lee. He had a promising career as a performer, but he also struggled with alcoholism, depression, and financial troubles. He died by suicide in 1989 at the age of 51. What led to his tragic demise? Here is a brief overview of his life and death.
Early Life and Career
Lindsay Crosby was born in Los Angeles, California on January 5, 1938. He was named after his father’s close friend and horse racing partner, Lindsay Howard. He was educated at Loyola High School, Los Angeles and after graduating in 1956 he enrolled at Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts but left after only one semester. He then joined the Army and after his discharge in February 1959, he formed a vocal group with his brothers
Lindsay had sung with his brothers on their father’s radio shows and they participated in a record with Bing in 1950 called “A Crosby Christmas” which charted at number 22 in the Billboard lists in December 1950. The following year, the thirteen year old Lindsay made two solo records for Decca accompanied by John Scott Trotter and his Orchestra – “That’s What I Want for Christmas” and “Dear Mister Santa Claus”
He also appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as High Time (1960), Sergeants 3 (1962), The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1963), and The Beverly Hillbillies (1964). He performed with his brothers Gary, Dennis, and Phillip Crosby as the Crosby Boys during the late 1950s and early 60s in nightclubs and on television. They were featured on the cover of Life on September 15, 1958
Personal Problems and Family Feud
Lindsay’s personal life was not as successful as his professional one. He married three times and had five children, but none of his marriages lasted. His first wife, Barbara D. Fredrickson, attempted suicide when she was eight months pregnant in 1962. His second wife, Janet Sue Schwartze, divorced him after a year of marriage. His third wife, Susan Marlin, stayed with him until his death, but they had their share of difficulties
Lindsay also had a strained relationship with his father, Bing Crosby, who was reportedly abusive and cold towards him and his brothers. According to Gary Crosby’s memoir “Going My Own Way”, published in 1983, Bing and Dixie Lee were like dictators who made their children feel like they were in prison. They allegedly beat them for minor infractions and imposed strict rules on every aspect of their lives. Gary also claimed that he and his brothers became alcoholics as a result of the miserable treatment they received from their parents. Dixie Lee died from cancer in 1952
Bing Crosby denied the allegations of abuse and said that he loved his sons and tried to discipline them for their own good. He also accused Gary of writing the book for money and publicity. He cut off contact with Gary and Lindsay, who supported Gary’s claims. He also disinherited them from his will, leaving them only $20,000 each out of his $150 million estate. Bing died from a heart attack in 1977 while playing golf in Spain
Death by Suicide
Lindsay Crosby suffered from depression and alcoholism for most of his life. He also faced financial problems after losing his inheritance from his father and investing poorly in real estate and oil ventures. He had to sell his house and move into a trailer park in Las Vegas with his wife and children. He also had health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and a heart condition
On December 11, 1989, Lindsay Crosby shot himself in the head with a rifle in his apartment in Calabasas, California. He was 51 years old. A family spokeswoman said that he killed himself after learning that the trust fund he relied on to support his family was gone. He left behind a note that read: “Please forgive me for what I have done – no one could have been more blessed than I have been.”
Lindsay Crosby’s death was the third suicide in the family. His brother Dennis had killed himself in 1991 at the age of 56 after being arrested for drunk driving. His brother Phillip had died from a heart attack in 2004 at the age of 69 after battling alcoholism and cancer. His brother Gary died from lung cancer in 1995 at the age of 62. He had reconciled with his father before his death and said that he regretted writing the book that tarnished his image
Lindsay Crosby’s life and death were tragic and heartbreaking. He had a lot of talent and potential, but he also had a lot of pain and problems. He never found the happiness and peace he deserved. He was a victim of his family’s fame and fortune, as well as his own demons. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and a friend. He was Lindsay Crosby.
