Where Are the Stars of White Christmas Now?

From left: Vera-Ellen, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Bing Crosby in ‘White Christmas’.
Credit:

Paramount/Getty

As the holiday season approaches, many turn to the beloved classic film *White Christmas*, released in 1954, to evoke the festive spirit regardless of the current weather. The film stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen as performers whose lives intertwine at the Pine Tree Inn in Vermont. Their comedic miscommunications and chaotic show business adventures unfold as they organize a Christmas show to honor Major General Tom Waverly, played by Dean Jagger, culminating in a joyful conclusion with two couples finding love.

*White Christmas* was not just a seasonal favorite; it was the highest-grossing film of 1954, earning $12 million. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to an iconic score, featuring songs entirely by Irving Berlin, along with lavish production numbers and Vera-Ellen’s exceptional dancing. Each year, the film continues to connect with new audiences, securing its place in holiday traditions.

Here’s a look at the cast of *White Christmas* and their journeys following the film’s premiere.

01
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Bing Crosby as Bob Wallace

Bing Crosby in ‘White Christmas’ (left); Bing Crosby in his 1977 Christmas special (right).

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Bing Crosby portrays Captain Bob Wallace, a former Broadway star who tours with Danny Kaye’s character, Phil Davis, after World War II. Together, they organize the Christmas show to honor General Waverly, who owns the inn.

Though *White Christmas* debuted a decade after Crosby won an Oscar for *Going My Way*, the song “White Christmas” became his signature piece, originally written for the 1942 film *Holiday Inn*. According to The Guinness Book of World Records, it remains the best-selling single of all time.

Following *White Christmas*, Crosby starred in films such as *Anything Goes*, *High Society*, and *Dr. Cook’s Garden*. He began hosting TV specials in 1954, continuing to do so for many years, and made a brief foray into a sitcom format with *The Bing Crosby Show* in 1964. In 1977, his last Christmas special, *Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas*, featured a notable duet with David Bowie. Filmed before his sudden death from a heart attack just weeks prior, it aired posthumously.

Crosby had a family of seven children through two marriages. He passed away at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate, especially during the holiday season.

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Danny Kaye as Phil Davis

Danny Kaye in ‘White Christmas’ (left); Danny Kaye in 1986.

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In *White Christmas*, Danny Kaye portrays Private Phil Davis, the optimistic partner in the duo with Bob Wallace. Following the film, Kaye starred in *The Court Jester*, earning an honorary Oscar in 1955. He also received a Golden Globe nomination for *Me and the Colonel* in 1958 and continued a successful career in film and television.

Kaye married Sylvia Fine in 1940, who composed much of his material. His legacy extended beyond acting; he became a UNICEF ambassador in 1954, dedicating extensive time to charity work, which won him international recognition.

Despite health challenges in his later years, Kaye’s influence endures. He passed away in 1987 at the age of 76, remembered as both a performer and philanthropist.

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Rosemary Clooney as Betty Haynes

Rosemary Clooney in ‘White Christmas’ (left); Rosemary Clooney later in life (right).

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Rosemary Clooney plays Betty Haynes, the practical sister in the story. A successful singer, *White Christmas* marked her last major film role. Afterward, she launched her own variety series and made numerous television appearances, including hosting several shows alongside Bing Crosby.

Clooney faced personal challenges, including emotional struggles following the assassination of her friend Robert Kennedy, which affected her music career. However, she made a comeback in the 1970s, touring and releasing records, culminating in a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.

Clooney passed away in 2002 at the age of 74, leaving a legacy as a respected singer and actress.

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Vera-Ellen as Judy Haynes

Vera-Ellen in ‘White Christmas’ (left); Vera-Ellen circa 1965.

Silver Screen Collection/Getty; Graphic House/Archive Photos/Getty

Vera-Ellen, born Vera-Ellen Rohe, captivated audiences as Judy, the most talented dancer in the film. Prior to her role in *White Christmas*, she showcased her exceptional dancing in several films including those alongside Gene Kelly. After this film, however, her appearances dwindled, with only one more film, *Let’s Be Happy*, released in 1957.

Following her retirement from performance, Vera-Ellen lived away from the public eye, facing personal losses, including the passing of her young daughter from SIDS. She passed away in 1981 from ovarian cancer at the age of 60.

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Dean Jagger as Major General Tom Waverly

Dean Jagger in ‘White Christmas’ (left); Dean Jagger in ‘Incident in San Francisco’ (right).

Paramount Pictures; Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Dean Jagger portrayed Major General Tom Waverly, a war hero struggling to maintain his Vermont inn after the war. An Oscar winner for *Twelve O’Clock High*, Jagger had a prolific acting career focusing on character roles.

In the years following *White Christmas*, Jagger appeared in a range of films during the 1950s, including *King Creole* and *The Nun’s Story*. He also took on television roles, receiving recognition for his performance in *Mr. Novak*, which garnered him two Emmy nominations.

Jagger passed away at 87 in 1991, remembered for his contributions to both film and television.

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Mary Wickes as Emma Allen

Mary Wickes in ‘White Christmas’ (left); Mary Wickes in 1992 (right).

Paramount Pictures; Tim McCleary/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Mary Wickes played Emma Allen, the inn’s attentive housekeeper. Known for her roles as nurses and nuns, Wickes enjoyed a lengthy career in both film and television.

After *White Christmas*, she appeared in popular films like *The Music Man* and was a long-time friend of Lucille Ball, regularly guest-starring on Ball’s shows. Wickes continued to take on roles well into the ’90s, including appearances in *Sister Act* and *Little Women*.

Wickes died in 1995 at the age of 85, leaving behind a rich legacy of performances.

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Anne Whitfield as Susan Waverly

Anne Whitfield in ‘White Christmas’.

Paramount Pictures

Anne Whitfield portrayed Susan Waverly, the granddaughter of General Waverly. At just 15 during filming, most of her career unfolded on television, with roles on various shows throughout the ’60s and ’70s.

Whitfield left Hollywood for a quieter life, earning a degree and opening a bed and breakfast in Washington. She was married twice and had three children. Whitfield passed away in 2024 at the age of 85.

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John Brascia as John, Judy Haynes’ Dance Partner

John Brascia with Vera-Ellen in ‘White Christmas’.

Paramount Pictures

John Brascia served as Vera-Ellen’s primary dance partner in *White Christmas* and had a notable dancing role in *Meet Me in Las Vegas*. He married his dance partner Tybee Arfa in 1958, and together, they became popular as an opening act.

Brascia also appeared in films such as *Walking Tall* and *The Baltimore Bullet*. He faced ups and downs in his personal life, going through multiple marriages and welcoming children. Brascia passed away in 2013 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy in dance and film.