David Cassidy

Who Was David Cassidy?

David Cassidy, born on April 12, 1950, in New York City, became an iconic figure in the 1970s through his role as a teen heartthrob on the musical television series The Partridge Family. The show not only made him a household name but also launched several hit songs, most notably “I Think I Love You,” which featured Cassidy on lead vocals. Beyond his television fame, Cassidy achieved success as a solo artist, releasing multiple albums and maintaining a large, devoted fan base during the early years of his career.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

David Bruce Cassidy was born into a family deeply rooted in show business. His father, actor and singer Jack Cassidy, and his mother, actress Evelyn Ward, were well-known entertainers. After his parents’ divorce, his father married actress and singer Shirley Jones, who would later play Cassidy’s on-screen mother in The Partridge Family. This family dynamic, combined with growing up in the entertainment industry, paved the way for Cassidy’s future success.

The Partridge Family and Rise to Fame

The Partridge Family debuted in 1970, casting Jones and Cassidy as a mother-son duo in a fictional musical family. The series was a massive hit, and Cassidy quickly became a teen idol, adored by millions of fans. His portrayal of the young heartthrob brought him widespread recognition, and his music career blossomed alongside his acting. The show’s popularity also led to multiple radio hits, with Cassidy leading the band’s vocals on tracks like “I Think I Love You.”

In addition to the show’s success, Cassidy’s solo career flourished during the 1970s, marked by sold-out concerts and hit albums. However, as the decade progressed, his teen fan base waned. In 1978, he starred in his own TV drama, David Cassidy – Man Undercover, but the show lasted only one season. Following this, Cassidy shifted his focus to theater, performing in regional productions and finding success in Las Vegas, where he co-wrote and co-produced several shows, including The Rat Pack Is Back! and At the Copa.

Later Career and Challenges

In his 2007 autobiography, Could It Be Forever? My Story, Cassidy shared his life experiences, both personal and professional. He continued to tour and perform, and in 2009, he returned to television in the comedy series Ruby and the Rockits, created by his brother Shaun. Despite his ongoing public success, Cassidy’s personal struggles, particularly with alcohol and substance abuse, came to light. His battle with addiction led to multiple DUI arrests, a stint in rehab, and financial difficulties, including filing for bankruptcy in 2015.

In 2017, Cassidy announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia, a condition that had affected his mother and grandfather. However, shortly before his death, he revealed that his earlier diagnosis was incorrect, and his health issues were due to liver disease brought on by years of alcohol abuse.

Personal Life

David Cassidy had two children. His daughter, Katie Cassidy, whom he had with model Sherry Williams, followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming an actress and singer. He also had a son, Beau, from his marriage to Sue Shifrin, his third wife, whom he married in 1991. The couple divorced in 2016.

Death and Legacy

On November 18, 2017, Cassidy was hospitalized in critical condition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, suffering from liver failure. He passed away three days later, on November 21, at the age of 67. In a statement, his family said he died surrounded by loved ones, “with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long.”

After his death, it was revealed that Cassidy left the bulk of his estate to his son, Beau, while his relationship with his daughter Katie remained strained. Cassidy’s final days were documented in the Biography special David Cassidy: The Last Session, where he admitted that his health issues stemmed from alcohol abuse, not dementia. Reflecting on his struggles, Cassidy revealed, “I did this to myself to cover up the sadness and the emptiness.”

David Cassidy’s legacy remains as a talented performer whose rise to fame in the 1970s left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, despite his personal battles later in life.