The 1970s was a decade of nostalgia, charm, and incredible talent, and The Partridge Family embodied it all. With David Cassidy’s captivating voice and Susan Dey’s relatable charm, the show became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its sharp writing, solid acting, and wholesome nature. However, even the most devoted fans may be unaware of some intriguing secrets hidden behind the scenes.
The Partridge Family was loosely based on a real-life musical group, the Cowsills. Initially, producers considered casting the actual Cowsill family, but their lack of acting experience and older ages led them to create a fictional version instead. Interestingly, Shirley Jones was originally the only cast member expected to sing, but when producers heard David Cassidy’s demo recordings, they recognized his star potential and gave him a leading role in the show’s music.
David Cassidy’s rise to stardom came with its own set of challenges. As Keith Partridge, he quickly became a teen idol, but the pressures of fame became overwhelming. The phenomenon surrounding him was so intense that it was dubbed “Cassidymania.” In a 2017 interview, Cassidy reflected on the experience, stating that he never went out in public after the first three months due to the intense scrutiny.
The audition process for The Partridge Family was highly competitive, and David Cassidy almost didn’t get to sing on the show. The network initially prioritized actors over singers, and Cassidy had to audition multiple times before finally securing the role. Even after the pilot was sold, he had to prove himself to record producer Wes Farrell before being allowed to contribute vocals to the show’s soundtrack.
Danny Bonaduce, who played the witty and mischievous middle child, had a secret skill – an eidetic memory. Despite struggling with dyslexia, he could memorize not only his own lines but also those of his castmates. While this talent was impressive, it didn’t always win him favor, as he would often correct other actors when they forgot their lines.
Bonaduce’s journey to fame was unique, and he became a teen heartthrob overnight. His mother once recalled that they had 21-year-old girls hanging around their house all night. By the time The Partridge Family ended in 1974, the 14-year-old had accumulated a fortune of $350,000.
David Cassidy’s contract was a nightmare, and he didn’t initially reap the financial benefits of his success. His contract did not include royalties, and he had no control over how his name and likeness were used for merchandise. It wasn’t until his manager discovered a loophole that they were able to renegotiate his deal, securing him a better financial arrangement.
Susan Dey, who played Laurie Partridge, struggled with an eating disorder during her time on the show. Despite her success, she faced hidden pressures of stardom. Interestingly, Olivia Newton-John was initially considered for the role, but Dey ultimately landed the part.
The cast of The Partridge Family had its share of strained relationships, including a well-known rift between Susan Dey and David Cassidy. Dey had a crush on Cassidy throughout the show’s run, but after the series ended, she distanced herself from the cast.
Shirley Jones, the show’s beloved matriarch, shared candid insights about her experiences on set. She admitted to not getting along with everyone, including co-stars Dick Clark and Ray Bolger. However, she greatly admired young talents like Jodie Foster.
David Cassidy’s tragic final years were marked by struggles with alcohol and personal demons. Though he publicly claimed to have dementia, he later admitted that his health issues were actually due to alcohol poisoning. He passed away in 2017 from liver failure at the age of 67.
The Partridge Family left an indelible mark on pop culture, bringing joy to millions. Despite the secrets and struggles that lay behind the scenes, the show remains a beloved and iconic part of television history.
