Bobby Darin Biography: Songs, Films, Parents, Siblings, Age, Net Worth, Height, Ethnicity, Wife, Child, Cause of Death

Walden Robert Cassotto, professionally known as Bobby Darin, was a renowned American singer, songwriter, and actor celebrated for his genre-spanning talent in pop, rock and roll, jazz, folk, country, and swing.

He rose to fame with hits like “Splish Splash,” “Dream Lover,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Beyond the Sea.”

In 1959, he won two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year for “Mack the Knife.”

Darin also found success in film, earning a Golden Globe for Come September (1961) and an Academy Award nomination for Captain Newman, M.D. (1963).

Profile

• Full Name: Walden Robert Cassotto
• Stage Name: Bobby Darin
• Born: May 14 1936
• Died: December 20, 1973
• Age: 37 years old
• Birthplace: East Harlem, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American singer, songwriter, and actor
• Height: 1.75 m
• Parent: Vanina Juliette “Nina” Cassotto
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Andrea Joy Yeager (m. 1973–1973), Sandra Dee (m. 1960–1967)
• Children: Dodd Mitchell Darin
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $700,000

Early Life And Education

Walden Robert Cassotto was born on May 14, 1936, in East Harlem, New York City. He was the son of Vanina Juliette “Nina” Cassotto, though his father’s identity remains unknown. Darin had no known siblings.

He attended the Bronx High School of Science before briefly enrolling at Hunter College, ultimately leaving to pursue his music career. Darin’s heritage was of mixed ethnicity, with Italian roots from his grandfather and English, Danish, and Norwegian ancestry from his grandmother. Although his religious beliefs were not publicly disclosed.

Career

Bobby Darin began his career writing songs for Connie Francis before making his breakthrough in 1958 with the hit single “Splish Splash,” co-written in just 12 minutes. The song sold over a million copies and launched a string of iconic hits, including “Dream Lover,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Beyond the Sea.”

In 1959, Darin earned two Grammy Awards—Best New Artist and Record of the Year for “Mack the Knife”—highlighting his rising stardom and genre-crossing appeal.

By the early 1960s, Darin had successfully transitioned into acting. His performance in Come September (1961), alongside his wife Sandra Dee, earned him a Golden Globe Award.

He continued to impress on screen, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Captain Newman, M.D. (1963), confirming his versatility as a musician and actor.

In the late 1960s, Darin briefly stepped away from the spotlight, later returning with a focus on folk and protest music through his label, Direction Records.

Though this phase saw limited commercial success, he remained artistically driven. In the early 1970s, he re-emerged with The Bobby Darin Show and continued to perform despite serious heart issues. His final album, released by Motown in 1972, marked the end of a dynamic career he pursued passionately until his passing.

Social Media

Bobby Darin does not have any social media accounts.

Personal Life

Bobby Darin married actress Sandra Dee on December 1, 1960, following a brief but intense romance that began during the filming of Come September. Widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous couples, they had one son, Dodd Mitchell Darin, born on December 16, 1961.

Despite their early happiness, the marriage faced growing strains from both personal and professional pressures, leading to their separation in 1965 and eventual divorce in 1967. Darin later married Andrea Yeager in 1973, though the marriage was brief and produced no children.

Tragically, Bobby Darin passed away on December 20, 1973, at the age of 37 in Los Angeles. He died from complications following open-heart surgery at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, bringing an end to his remarkable and multifaceted career.

Discography

• Bobby Darin (1958)
• That’s All (1959)
• This Is Darin (1960)
• Two of a Kind (1961)
• Things and Other Things (1962)
• You’re the Reason I’m Living (1963)
• Earthy! (1963)
• Golden Folk Hits (1963)
• If I Were a Carpenter (1966)
• Bobby Darin Sings Doctor Dolittle (1967)
• Commitment (1969)

Filmography

• Shadows (1959)
• Pepe (1960)
• Come September (1961)
• Too Late Blues (1961)
• State Fair (1962)
• Hell Is for Heroes (1962)
• Pressure Point (1962)
• If a Man Answers (1962)
• Captain Newman, M.D. (1963)
• That Funny Feeling (1965)
• Gunfight in Abilene (1967)
• Cop-Out (1967/68)
• The Happy Ending (1969)
• Happy Mother’s Day, Love George (1973)

Net Worth

Bobby Darin’s net worth at the time of his death in 1973 was estimated at $700,000. His income stemmed from music royalties from iconic songs like “Splish Splash,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Beyond the Sea,” as well as acting fees from films like Come September and Captain Newman, M.D.

Additionally, he earned substantial revenue from live performances, commanding up to $25,000 per week at prestigious venues such as the Copacabana.