shirley jones on david cassidy death
Jones pointed out that she loves having a big family and visiting her grandchildren since she is an only child. Shirley Jones and Jack Cassidy circa March 1973 at Shubert Theater in New York City | Photo: Getty Images. Prayers to his family, Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 22, 2017, Very sad to say goodbye to an old friend. . The other actors lip-synched and pretended to play their instruments. Well, apparently a whole lot of lovin' is what Shirley Jones, who played matriarch Shirley Partridge, was bringing during those wild years. According to The Guardian, David spent the next five years "gaining perspective." Later in life, David reflected . All this was coming off a performance where Cassidy seemed intoxicated at the concert outside L.A. Clearly shaken to the core, an upset David addressed the press to express his difficulty making sense of the incident. & 2023 CBS Studios Inc. and CBS Interactive Inc., Paramount companies. On Foxtel a few years ago was a show about David and the Partridge Family. Closer Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. While she was raised by her stepfather, after Davids death she said, My biological father and I had a really good relationship at one point. He was the only son of Broadway actor Jack Cassidy and actress Evelyn Ward. David Cassidys autobiography is sparking a Partridge Family feud. Cassidy's rep tells ET that the former teen idol will be cremated, and a private memorialis being scheduled for close family and friends in Los Angeles. She says the secret to happiness is laughter. I am about toor I am going todie; either expression is used. French grammarian Dominique Bouhours (1628-1702). Cassidys representative, Jo-Ann Geffen, told USA TODAY that had been diagnosed with dementia. Cassidys younger sibling admitted it was terribly hard watching the I Think I Love You singer struggle with alcoholism. I think having the last name, in my opinion, put a lot more pressure on me throughout the process of auditioning because youre held under a microscope.. (Photo by Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images) Jean Baptiste Lacroix/Getty Images. As Katie rose to fame, the father-daughter duo appeared to have an amicable relationship, as evident by this joint interview from People in 2009. An actor, singer, writer, designer - the consummate showman and irrefutable creative entity - his life never followed a simple path nor did it ever lead quite. "On behalf of the entire Cassidy family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, our uncle, and our dear brother, David Cassidy. Cassidy died on Tuesday after being rushed to the hospital last Wednesday for organ failure. Shirley Jones and Jack Cassidy in the 60s | Photo: Getty Images. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? Officials did not determine the cause of the fire immediately. I want to love. Garrett is now 58 and sober and sharing his story in the memoir Idol Truth, which details his journey to Hollywood and how it all went wrong. In a . After the show ended in March 1974, Shirley spent the remainder of the '70s in the field of television movies. David Cassidy and Sue Shifrin were married from 1991 to 2014. Consent Settings, Copyright 2023 Contactmusic.com Ltd, all rights reserved. The director, Richard Brooks, had originally fought against her being in the movie, but after seeing her first scene, told her she would win an Oscar for her performance. It was work, which she left behind each day when she returned to her roles as wife and mother. I did it to myself to cover the sadness and the emptiness. The actress, who played the 1970s teen hunk's mum in The Partridge Family, has opened up about her in-car sex romps with Cassidy's dad - her husband Jack Cassidy - and other salacious stories in the tome, Shirley Jones: A Memoir, and she reveals her Tv son was just as blessed as his real-life father. On the day of his death, Jones publicly stated that the child actor who played my son on The Partridge Family had been my stepson long before that episode started. Her father owned the local brewery. For the fans of the actress who have been asking what happened to Susan Dey? I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming, he told People at the time. He didnt want his only biological daughter, Katie, to get anything after his death. He was one of my close friends and gave me wonderful advice. She was a Natural-Born Singer. I wasnt her father. You won't believe what she has to say about the show's heartthrob superstar, David Cassidy, who was her real . Although todays generation may not have grown up on The Partridge Family, they might have known Cassidy through his daughter, Katie Cassidy, an up-and-coming actress whos appeared on popular TV shows Gossip Girl and Arrow. The 19 Most Memorable Last Words Of All Time. However, they believed the house was engulfed in flames after a cigarette was left on the couch, probably from a party the night before. David Cassidy, star of 70s TV hit The Partridge Family, dies aged 67. Love you David. I will also find solace knowing that David is now with his dad. I still love very much to play and perform live. David Cassidys ex-girlfriend is looking to be paid back. The musician has also battled alcoholism in the past and has been arrested for DUI several times. She did anything he wanted and it wasn't good for her, wasn't good for the kids, wasn't good for the people around her,'' she says. Dont Miss: Senility Vs Dementia Vs Alzheimers. Hes the stepson of actress and fellow Partridge Family star Shirley Jones. Cassidy attended Rexford High School in Beverly Hills, California. Jones is more focused on her life, as she counts her multiple blessings. During the taping of an A& E docuseries, David Cassidy: The Last Session, the Partridge Family star admitted to A& E producers months before his death that he was hiding his battle with alcoholism and claimed he did not have dementia. Although The Blast states that he left $150,000 in assets, Beau inherited much more. David Cassidy, the singer who said shortly before his death at 67 in November that his onstage collapse in February 2017 was caused by Alzheimers disease, actually died of organ failure related to alcoholism, according to a new documentary. The . In addition to spending quality time with her family, Jones is still basking in the joy that comes with seeing her movies on television. The family was loosely based on the real-life musical family the Cowsills, a popular band in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Jones stated: Long before he played my son on The Partridge Family, he was my stepson in real life. . Cassidy was previously married to Kay Lenz from 1977-1983 and Meryl Tanz from 1984-1986. the fact is I lied about my drinking, Cassidy said before he passed away. Although she married Ingels, Jones still had a soft spot for her ex-husband, but she realized it a little too late. Best known for playing Keith Partridge, the heartthrob lead singer and guitar player for the fictional family band The Partridge Family, Cassidy went on to a colorful entertainment career that included successful runs on Broadway, television, and as a touring musician. Jones has a simple answer for doubters: Ingels makes her laugh every day and keeps life from being boring. There was a time when David Cassidy was a teen heartthrob on all the pop magazines thanks to his role in "The Partridge Family.". We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 'I learned about life with Jack, about parties with Jack, drinking with Jack, design with Jack. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Just like her "The Partridge Family" character, Hollywood star Shirley Jones is a widow. Despite the Hollywood icon's successes as a talented entertainer, she used to have a tumultuous personal life. You say what you want them to hear. If he had lived long enough, April 12 would have been a milestone birthday for the actor, David Cassidy. This photo is from when he surprised me at my apartment for my talk show in 2012. Actor. I will also find solace knowing that David is now with his dad. During their time as a couple, Jones and Cassidy were one of the most talked-about celebrity lovebirds. Shaun Cassidy's brother, Patrick Cassidy, is still alive and kicking at the age of 61. If he had lived long enough, April 12 would have been a milestone birthday for the actor, David Cassidy. David Cassidy was headlining concerts but only receiving a $600-a-week paycheck from the studio . Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. As for her fathers passing, Katie told People magazine, My dad was a wonderful, wonderful person. The comments below have not been moderated, By This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. Sue Shifrin was Cassidys third wife . Who Will Replace Mark on 'Live With Kelly' If He Returns to Acting? Meanwhile, Jones is all about having a good time and enjoying life to the fullest. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? Shirley Jones opens up about her time with her stepson, David Cassidy, who died in 2017 at age 67. pic.twitter.com/dQB8ps16M1, Katie Couric (@katiecouric) November 22, 2017, In America today. They have four children: Caleb (born 2005), Roan (born 2006), Lila (born 2008), and Mairin (born 2011). In the early morning of December 12, 1976, Cassidy lit a cigarette and fell asleep on his Naugahyde couch. She often spoke out about her stepson's personal struggles. After being married for 19 years, Jones and Cassidy finally got divorced. David Cassidy and Shirley Jones arrive at the 49th annual Drama Desk Awards at the La Guardia Concert Hall in Lincoln Center May 16, 2004 in New York City. You May Like: Did Margaret Thatcher Have Alzheimers. On the pages there is recounting of her early life and dazzling career that included working with two musical theater masters, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, as well as many of Hollywood's top actors, including Marlon Brando, Jimmy Stewart and Richard Widmark. The patriarch remarried to actress Shirley Jones and they shared three sons: Shaun, Patrick and Ryan. He was a lovely man. Shaun Cassidy's brother, Ryan Cassidy, is still alive and kicking at the age of 57. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Cookie Policy He was falling off the stage, forgetting words and unsteady on his feet. Cassidy is the eldest son of Academy Award-winning actress Shirley Jones and Tony Award-winning actor Jack Cassidy. And just as quickly as he achieved fame, Garrett endured a devastating downfall and ultimately battled addiction for years. Partridge Family co-star Danny Bonaduce told People he was not surprised Cassidy was still drinking before his death. Actress Shirley Jones arrives at the 3rd annual Jerry Herman Awards at the Pantages Theatre on June 1, 2014 | Photo: Getty Images. She had to explain that the show was fiction, that there was no Partridge Family. Cassidy had a family history of memory issues as his mom and grandfather struggled with the disease. Meredith Baxter. Asides being a family in real life, the pair had played mother and son on "The Partridge Family. Donny Osmondnow theres a blast from the past. In the subsequent years following their marriage, the pair welcomed three children: Shaun, Ryan, and Patrick. Shirley Jones's children Shaun, Patrick, and Ryan were born during her first marriage with Jack Cassidy. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. David Cassidy was part of a show business family that included his father, Tony-winning actor Jack Cassidy, stepmother Shirley Jones, half-brother Shaun Cassidy and daughter, actress Katie Cassidy. Shaun wrote on Twitter about the brothers sibling rivalry and their close relationship in Davids final days. Cassidy was a nominee in the "best actor . In February 1986, Jones unveiled her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Vine Street just around the corner from Hollywood Boulevard. Long before he played my son on The Partridge Family, David Cassidy was my stepson in real life, Jones said. Shirley Jones opens the door to her house and appears every inch the ladylike Marian the librarian or sweet farm girl Laurey or cheerfully steady . American Actress Shirley Jones is still fondly remembered by millions of fans as Shirley Partridge, the matriarch of the Partridge family in the famous television show "The Partridge Family.". He was 67. *contains spoilers. Her sexuality remains unabated, says the naturally youthful-looking Jones (healthy eating, daily exercise and no plastic surgery, she said). She was married twice, and her first marriage was to Jack Cassidy. Court documents obtained by Celebrity Justice detailed the alleged acrimony. Shirley Jones and Jack Cassidy attending the Academy Awards, 1962 | Photo: Getty Images. Despite his passing in 2017, the late actor has remained in the memory of his stepmother, Shirley Jones, who recently spoke to Closer Weekly. Actress Shirley Jones attends the 2015 TCM Classic Film Festival Opening Night Gala at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on March 26, 2015 | Photo: Getty Images. According to the actress, she would not have married Ingels if Cassidy was still alive. A major teen idol of the late 70s, actor/singer Shaun Cassidy rocketed to fame both on the pop charts and on television, much as his half-brother David Cassidy had done earlier in the decade. The Partridge Family centered around a family who toured in an old school bus and performed around the country. Marty Ingels, the comedian who is her second husband of 35 years and counting, jokes that he is offended by her personal history. During filming, David was in his early twenties. The fire in which he died extensively damaged the . Last year Shirley Jones also recalled the first Partridge Family audition with her step-son. His parents Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward were actors. - as well as the title of 'Hollywood's new Cinderella,' as Jones recounts in her book. What happened Keith Partridge? Ill be able to communicate much more through my website and my Facebook page. Read more . Indeed, this is made even more strange by statements that Katie Cassidy made after Davids death. Ward was married to actor Jack Cassidy when David was born to the couple in 1950; they divorced in 1956. However, Jones never reconciled with Cassidy, and the actress lost every chance to get back with her ex-husband, as he passed away not long after their divorce. Mr. Cassidy, 49 years old, was formerly married to Shirley Jones and was the father, from a previous marriage, of David Cassidy, the pop singer. One sip, one drink, because there is no such a thing, not to an alcoholic. In 1979, Jones tried her hand at television for the second time, starring in the NBC show Shirley, which, like The Partridge Family, featured a family headed by a widowed mother, but the show failed to win ratings and was cancelled toward the middle of the season. The Partridge Family centered on a musical family, lead by actress Shirley Jones, playing infectious, hook-laden pop. Why did David Cassidy leave his daughter out of his will? The former star of TVs The Partridge Family said Monday he is battling the memory-destroying brain disorder,USA Today reported at that time. Ad. The actor died in 1976 in one of the most tragic ways. 21:38 GMT 22 Jul 2013 The former teen idol passed away in 2017 at age 67 from organ failure after battling alcoholism for several years. In a touching statement to ET, Jones pays tribute to her "sweet" stepson. She had to phone the parents of the kids telling them where their children were. Our shows were both on Friday nights and deep down I dreamt of being a Partridge. In 2004, she returned to Broadway in a revival of 42nd Street, portraying diva Dorothy Brock opposite Patrick Cassidy, the first time a mother and son were known to star together on Broadway. Did any of The Partridge Family really sing? RIP my dear friend. - New York, NY, United States - Monday 10th June 2013, Shirley Jones Proves You Can Be Awesome At Any Age With 80th Birthday Skydive, "The Partridge Family" Star Dave Madden Dies At Age 82, Shirley Jones Opens Up About Well-hung Cassidy In Leaked Memoirs, Shirley Jones And Marty Ingels Joke Around At The Oscar Night America Las Vegas Event. Shortly after their meeting, the former couple began their relationship, and it was a match made in heaven. She wrote on her profile that she hopes to eliminate animal testing for human products. What were David Cassidy's last words? Overall, the moments they shared were happy. Im going to play live, everywhere around North America, through 2017. ", Actress Shirley Jones attends the 2015 TCM Classic Film Festival Opening Night Gala at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on March 26, 2015 | Photo: Getty Images. Sending sympathy to his family and friends. It featured big stars in the '70s such as Shirley Jones, David Cassidy, Susan Dey, and Danny Bonaduce. The pair were married for nearly two decades before they went their separate ways. Years after the Grammy award-winning singer died, Jones made a surprising revelation. Katies remarks after Davids death proved how much positivity David left behind for his family. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. Was Shirley Jones David Cassidys step mother? Cassidy watched his grandfather battle memory loss and saw his mother disappear into dementia until she died at age 89. With David Cassidy's death in the news, many seem to be researching the people closest to him. According to People, Cassidy left his entire estate to his son, Beau. Debuting in 1970, the show quickly made a name for itself as it not only became famous amongst viewers, but it also provided original radio hits. The young singer used to gush about Jones, saying that she helped him deal with success and fame. Jones could've been Carol Brady instead of Shirley Partridge. Mar 10, 2022 - Explore jean marsh's board "David cassidy" on Pinterest. David Bruce Cassidy (April 12, 1950 - November 21, 2017) was an American actor, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. After 'going for broke' and singing The Best Things in Life Are Free, a voice from the theater called out to Jones on stage, 'Where are you from? David Cassidy: The Last Session debuts Monday on A&E. You can read more about Sue Shifrin Here: Jones impressed Rodgers and Hammerstein with her musically trained voice, and was cast as the female lead in the Oklahoma! For more exclusive content, sign up for our Closer Weekly newsletter! The 83-year-old actress played Cassidy's mom on The Partridge Family, but in real life, she was married to his dad, Jack Cassidy. Jones was in awe of Cassidy. I did this to myself to cover up the sadness and the emptiness., You May Like: Does Prevagen Help Dementia. David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long," Cassidy's rep told ET in a statement from the family. His death was confirmed by publicist Jo-Ann Geffen, who shared a statement from his family. Recommended Reading: Colors For Alzheimers Awareness. ContactMusic reports that, in 2004, there were tensions in the family that boiled over in court. Shirley additionally revealed Davids alcoholism caused him to isolate himself from his family, including his three half-brothers, Shaun Cassidy, Patrick Cassidy, and Ryan Cassidy. - New York, NY, United States - Monday 10th June 2013. Even though Shirley and David were the only two cast members who performed on Partridge Family Records, the entire group was nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy in 1971. US teen idol David Cassidy, best known as Keith Partridge on the hit 1970s series The Partridge Family, has died at the age of 67 from organ failure. Apparently, David only found out that his parents had been divorced for over two years when some neighborhood children told him. Katie previously revealed to the Daily Mail that her father once told her that if she wanted to be an actress, she must do it on her own. He grew up in a musical family with his dad Patrick, and his uncles, former teen idols David and Shaun Cassidy. He didnt attend the funeral as to not draw the media, but spoke with her parents and sent flowers. That TV show, which made Cassidy a household name, also provided a showcase for other actors and actresses too. We wouldnt know anything about this, naturally, and it could very well be that Katie got nothing from her father. In the aforementioned A& E documentary promo, Cassidy admits the dementia lie was all a ruse. 10:25 GMT 25 Jul 2013. Bruce Willis Is Surrounded by Love and Family Amid Dementia Battle, Bruce Willis Family Is Heartbroken After His Dementia Diagnosis, Sailor Brinkley Cook Is Excited About Being Part of the Next Generation, Sean Kanan Suffered Scary Emergency on The Karate Kid III Set, Sailor Brinkley Cook Says Mom Christie Brinkley Is a Big Inspiration, Cary Grants Best Quality Was His Humility, Wife Barbara Jaynes Says, The Reason Why Acting Icon Estelle Parsons Agreed to Star on 'Roseanne'. The cause of his death was reported as organ failure complicated by early-onset dementia. Mom Thought Her Son Had Died 12 Years Later, Gets a 'Miracle' Call Saying Hes Alive, Lisa Marie Presley's 'Humble' Daughter Speaks Out after Mom's Loss and Her Secret Birth amid Trust Battle, 'Frasier's Kelsey Grammer Refuses to Apologize for His Faith after He Rejected God & Switched Beliefs, Inside David Cassidy's $3.9M Home He Shared with 3rd Wife When He Cut Daughter Out of His Will, Kathie Lee Gifford Lost Hope of Having Kids after 'Loveless' Marriage & Let 'Nature Takes Its Course', George Jones Went Silent before Death He Managed to Say His Last Words to Wife Who Once Saved Him. In addition, Cassidy was a skilled lover in the bedroom, but it did not stop their union from collapsing. While the group lost to The Carpenters, that didn't stop the show itself from landing a nomination for a Best TV show Golden Globe award two years in a row. Shirley got hitched to Cassidy's dad, actor Jack Cassidy, when David was 3 years old, but according to a 2006 UK Sunday Express interview, the atmosphere was nothing like their TV family. U.S. Tv icon Shirley Jones has given her onscreen son David Cassidy a big boost by revealing he's very well endowed in a leaked extract from her memoirs. In the comics, Laurel was an Earth-2 metahuman who moved to Earth-1, which is where she met the Green Arrow. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia? Its from 12:00 to 6:00 on the clock and the whole face is ice. DAVID Cassidy lamented so much wasted time to his heartbroken daughter as he lay on his death bed. But famed Oklahoma actress Shirley Jones has completely shed that image in a new tell-all book, recounting her kinky sex life with husband Marty Ingels and famous ex-Jack Cassidy. They told her that they didnt want their families, they wanted Shirley as their mother and David Cassidy as their brother. Jones pointed out that she loves having a big family and visiting her grandchildren since . According to the tell-all, both Cassidy men were very well endowed. David Cassidy was clear. Cassidy is best known for his role as Keith Partridge, the son of Shirley Partridge, in the 1970s musical sitcom, The Partridge Family. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. So sad to hear of his passing. The British news site quoted Katie Cassidy as saying, We didnt really talk about the business, but he did say, Dont take a job for the money. Actors Index: Talent intervened. About Us Advertise Business Write For Us T&Cs I want to enjoy life. The remains of David Cassidy were found on November 21, 2017. See more ideas about david cassidy, partridge family, shirley jones. One of those hits included "I Think I Love You," which saw David performing on lead vocals. Id be done., Unfortunately, it seems Cassidy never kicked the habit. Bruce Glikas/WireImage via Getty Images. Winklers attorney, Edward Steinbrecher, attributed the relatively small punitive damage award to Garretts testimony that his net worth was only $50,000 to $100,000. He became a teen idol when he was cast as Keith Partridge, the son of Shirley Partridge on the 1970s musical sitcom hit The Partridge Family. Long before he played my son onThe Partridge Family,David Cassidy was my stepson in real life, she said in a statement. "[Jack . pic.twitter.com/JpKs2VNvZw, Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) November 22, 2017, so sad to hear of the passing of david cassidy he was always so kind to me such a pleasure to have had him on my show sending love and prayers to his family R.I.P. Cassidy died on Tuesday after being rushed to the hospital last Wednesday for organ failure. Overall, the actress described her former husband as a bright, well-read, and smart man. "I will also find solace knowing that David is now with his dad. The actress also details a crazy night in the late 1960s when the late Anthony Newley allegedly suggested Jones and her husband Jack wrap up a dinner party by getting naked and watching X-rated films with him and his then-wife Joan Collins. Shirley Jones is mourning the death of David Cassidy. "Growing up in the Cassidy's . There is no sign of me having dementia at this stage of my life. The actor was Jones's first love and the love of her life. He also received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. There was some contact between father and daughter, though. ", Shirley Jones and David Cassidy during The TV Land Awards at Hollywood Palladium in CA, United States on March 02, 2003 | Photo: Getty Images. He was the father of teen idols David Cassidy and Shaun Cassidy. Starring as the matriarch, Shirley Jones had previously passed on another big maternal role: . If this new Laurel is, in fact, Black Siren, it would set up a really great nod to the comic book version of Laurel. David Bruce Cassidy was born on April 12, 1950, in Manhattan, New York. Following her separation from the director, Jones found love again in the arms of American Actor, Comedian, and Comedy Sketch Writer Marty Ingels. This means so much #DavidCassidy pic.twitter.com/Ph3R7uMLcO, David Cassidy Rocks (@CassidyUnited) November 22, 2017. All Rights Reserved. Details, Having Fun at the Beach! However, she won a 1960 Academy Award for her performance in Elmer Gantry portraying a woman corrupted by the title character played by Burt Lancaster. During the conversation with the media outlet, the 86-year-old said: "The idea that the little boy I came to know and love as my stepson would've turned 70 this year is astonishing to me. Gelbwaks was the first actor to play the role of Chris Partridge. 'I got letters up the kazoo: `Why would you ever take a part like this?' Oof. But I never could. She started formal training at the age of 12 and would dream of singing with her idol, Gordon MacRae. "Thank you for the enormous outpouring of affection you have offered our family at this difficult time.". David Cassidy also was survived by a son, singer-songwriter Beau. His memory and love will live on in my forever. As a little boy, his sweet sensitivity and wicked sense of humor were already on display, and I will treasure the years we spent working and growing together," she says. He became a teen idol when he was cast as Keith Partridge, the son of Shirley Partridge on the 1970s musical sitcom hit The Partridge Family. David has his charm, but also his dark side," said David's stepmother Shirley Jones. In addition to Katie, David is survived by son Beau Cassidy; brothers Shaun, Patrick and Ryan; stepmother Shirley Jones; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. They will always be there for him, a source close to the star told People. Cassidys paternal grandparents were actors Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward and she is the niece of teen idol and television producer Shaun Cassidy and actor Patrick Cassidy and Ryan Cassidy. He was best known for his role as Keith Partridge, the son of Shirley Partridge (played by his stepmother, Shirley Jones), in the 1970s musical-sitcom The Partridge Family.This role catapulted Cassidy to teen idol status as a superstar pop singer of the 1970s. She overturned her squeaky-clean image once before with her Oscar-winning portrayal of a vengeful prostitute in Elmer Gantry (1960) opposite Burt Lancaster, and the role that she considers her most important. I have liver disease, Cassidy told A& E producer Saralena Weinfield. As a little boy, his sweet sensitivity and wicked sense of humor were already on display, and I will treasure the years we spent working and growing together," she says. He became a teen idol when he was cast as Keith Partridge, the son of Shirley Partridge on the 1970s musical sitcom hit The Partridge Family.