By Gavin Boyle
Remembered as “The Squarest Guy in Hollywood,” Bing Crosby was a strong Christian, a patriot and a friend to all, exemplifying an age when those qualities were lauded by Hollywood, which has not been the case for decades.
“Bing will go the limit for any good cause or for anyone who has befriended him…” a 1938 article explained. “Bing Crosby is justly known as the squarest guy in Hollywood.”
This nickname was conferred to the star as he committed his entire career to lifting others up. He kept a “take care of list,” keeping track of those he wanted to help who had fallen on hard times. He was also heavily involved in philanthropy efforts, donating his money to dozens of causes, including The Red Cross, the March of Dimes, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, Toys for Tots and the Shriners Hospital.
Meanwhile, Crosby also served as a shining moral example, allowing his Christian faith to lead his steps. He made great efforts to combat racism in America, getting Louis Armstrong the first ever equal billing for a black performer in Hollywood, while also regularly featuring African American performers on his radio show.
Crosby was also a great American patriot, traveling extensively to lift troops up during World War II. While doing so, his gratitude for these soldiers weighed on him immensely as he understood that the fate of the world rested on their shoulders.
Related: Why Bing Crosby Struggled to Sing ‘White Christmas’ to Soldiers
“I asked Uncle Bing one time, ‘What was the single most difficult thing you ever had to do in your career?’” Crosby’s nephew recalled last December. “He didn’t have to think about it at all. He said, ‘Well, 1944, we were over with the USO troupe.’ And he said, ‘We gave an open-air concert for 15,000 GIs and British Tommies in an open-air field in France.”
“[Crosby said] ‘I had to sing “White Christmas.” And I had to get through the song with 15,000 guys in tears and not break up myself,’” his nephew continued. “And a lot of those boys died the next week in the Battle of the Bulge.”
These stories of Crosby recall a time in Hollywood when stars were aware of the fortunate position they were in and used the platform fame and wealth gave them for good. While not every movie star was like this in Crosby’s time, it was not an entirely foreign concept.
In today’s Hollywood, however, a star like Crosby would be almost unthinkable. The celebrities in Hollywood today often use their position for their own benefit, chasing the follies of this world rather than uplifting others. In doing so, the industry has lost its soul. People like Crosby should be remembered, not only because of the amazing work they achieved, but also to serve as examples of how we all should live.
Read Next: Bing Crosby’s Kids Talk New Album: ‘We Wanted To Share A Part Of Dad’
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