David Cassidy, a notable musician and actor in the 1970s, passed away last night (Tuesday November 21st) in a hospital in Florida. Over the past year, Cassidy has been dealing with dementia and arthritis. This week he was hospitalized for organ failure. The 67 years old icon is survived by step-mother Shirley Jones, half-brothers Shaun, Patrick and Ryan; daughter Katie Cassidy and son, Beau Cassidy.
Cassidy was the Justin Bieber of the 70s. He had good looks, a charming vocal style and to top it off a knack for acting. Its no surprise he was so talented, since he came from a family of performers. His father, Jack Cassidy was a Tony winning performer, and his stepmom Shirley Jones was a notable actress and singer as well.
Cassidy first moved to Los Angeles in 1969 for a short stint on Broadway. He stuck around and was signed with Universal in 1970 for a role on the ABC sitcom The Partridge Family. Cassidy played the eldest brother in a musical family which was led by Shirley Partridge, who was played by his stepmom. The show also starred Susan Dev, Danny Bonaduce, Suzanna Crough and Dave Madden, however Cassidy and Jones were only two actors to actually sing on the show (the rest lip-synced). The show was successful from 1970 to 1974.
Although the show was only on for four years, the show’s theme song, “C’mon Get Happy,” and featured song, “I Think I Love You,” helped to skyrocket Cassidy’s singing career. Cassidy began solo work and regularly sold out arenas to young, frenzied, female fans. Following the 60s trend of Beatlemania, Cassidy spurred “Cassidymania” in the 70s.
After a violent and hysterical stampede at one of his shows in 1974, he decided to stop touring. He continued to write and record music, and perform in various musical theater performances such as “Little Johnny Jones,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Time” and “Blood Brothers.” He went on to create and star in the NBC series “David Cassidy – Man Undercover,” for one season, along with his guest work on several TV shows such as “Police Story,” “Fantasy Island,” “The Love Boat” and “Tales of the Unexpected.” He made cameos in the early 2000 films “Popstar,” and “Ruby and the Rockits.” Cassidy continued his streak of Vegas performances into his later life.
According to Variety though, the star struggled with alcoholism and bankruptcy due to his early peak in life. Although he may have peaked early, the legacy of his work has survived decades and still impacts people today.
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