The Partridge Family, a hit sitcom from the early 1970s, captured the hearts of audiences with its musical charm and family-friendly storylines. The show launched the careers of its young cast into superstardom, particularly for its teen heartthrob, David Cassidy. But what happened to the Cast From The Partridge Family after the series concluded? Let’s take a look at where the stars are now and revisit their journey from suburban sitcom sensations to their lives beyond.
David Cassidy
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David Cassidy, portraying Keith Partridge, was instantly catapulted to fame as the lead singer and teen idol of the show. His captivating performances of original songs from The Partridge Family fueled a successful solo music career alongside his television role. Cassidy released five albums during the show’s run, solidifying his status as a music sensation.
However, Cassidy’s life after the initial wave of fame was marked by personal struggles. He faced multiple DUI charges, in 2010, 2013, and 2014, and his personal life became increasingly turbulent, culminating in a divorce in 2014 and filing for bankruptcy in 2015. He also openly battled substance abuse and sought treatment in rehab in 2014. In a poignant revelation in 2017, Cassidy shared his diagnosis of dementia, a condition that had affected his mother and grandfather. Sadly, David Cassidy passed away at the age of 67 in November 2017 due to liver and kidney failure. Controversially, just before his death, in an interview aired posthumously, Cassidy admitted to falsely claiming to have dementia and confessed to ongoing struggles with alcohol.
Shirley Jones
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Shirley Jones, the seasoned actress and stepmother to David Cassidy, played the iconic matriarch Shirley Partridge, a widowed mother of five. Prior to The Partridge Family, Jones was already an established star with a successful musical background and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Elmer Gantry.
Reflecting on her role in the hit TV series, Jones acknowledged the double-edged sword of fame. Despite concerns from her agents about typecasting, she embraced the role and has expressed no regrets about her time on The Partridge Family. Even after divorcing Jack Cassidy in 1974 and later marrying Marty Ingels in 1977, Jones continued her acting career. In a revealing interview, she contrasted herself with her breezy TV persona, stating she is “nowhere near as breezy and uncomplicated as Mrs. Partridge,” offering a glimpse into the actress behind the beloved character.
Danny Bonaduce
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Danny Bonaduce, known for playing the witty middle child Danny Partridge, was a preteen when he joined The Partridge Family cast. Shirley Jones described his character as a “wild child who came from an unhappy home,” adding depth to his on-screen persona. Following the sitcom, Bonaduce secured guest roles in television and a starring role in the 1978 film Corvette Summer alongside Mark Hamill.
Beyond acting, Bonaduce built a long-lasting career as a radio talk show host. However, his personal life has often been in the spotlight, marked by struggles with drug abuse and alcoholism, themes he explored in his 2005 reality show, Breaking Bonaduce. He married Amy Railsback, his third wife, in 2010 and has two children from a previous marriage. In 2022, Bonaduce faced a health scare, taking a hiatus from his radio show due to a mysterious illness that impacted his ability to walk.
Susan Dey
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Susan Dey, who played Laurie Partridge, joined The Partridge Family at just 17 years old. Interestingly, Shirley Jones revealed in her memoir that Dey was the only cast member who consistently declined to participate in any show reunions after its conclusion, maintaining a degree of separation from her early fame.
After the series ended, Dey transitioned to dramatic roles, most notably starring in L.A. Law from 1986 to 1992. Her performance in the legal drama earned her a Golden Globe Award in 1988. Married to her second husband, Bernard Sofronski, since 1988 and a mother to one daughter from a previous marriage, Susan Dey has maintained a relatively private life since her last acting appearances in Third Watch in 2004.
Dave Madden
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Dave Madden is best remembered as Reuben Kincaid, the often-exasperated manager of The Partridge Family. Prior to this role, Madden gained recognition as a comedian on The Ed Sullivan Show. Following The Partridge Family, he continued to work steadily in television, securing numerous guest spots and a recurring role on the popular series Alice.
Dave Madden passed away in 2014 at the age of 82 due to complications from myelodysplastic syndrome. He left behind his wife, a daughter, and a son. His portrayal of Reuben Kincaid remains a beloved part of The Partridge Family‘s enduring appeal.
Suzanne Crough
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Suzanne Crough played the youngest Partridge sibling, Tracy, and largely stepped away from Hollywood after the show. Her last on-screen appearance was in a 1980 TV movie. She married William Condray in 1985 and focused on life outside of the entertainment industry.
Tragically, Suzanne Crough passed away suddenly in 2015 at the young age of 52 at her home in Nevada, due to a rare form of cardiomyopathy. Danny Bonaduce poignantly remarked upon her passing, “Everyone thought I’d be the first Partridge to go. Sadly it was little Tracy,” highlighting the close bonds formed during their time on the show.
Brian Forster
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Brian Forster took over the role of Chris Partridge, the drummer, in The Partridge Family in 1971, replacing Jeremy Gelbwaks. Forster recounted his excitement upon joining the show, recalling dancing to “I Think I Love You” prior to being cast.
Since The Partridge Family ended in 1974, Forster explored diverse interests, including race car driving in the early 2000s. He has also continued to act occasionally, maintaining a connection to the entertainment world while pursuing other passions. Forster represents the adaptability and varied paths taken by the cast members after their shared experience on the iconic sitcom.
The cast from The Partridge Family left an indelible mark on television history. While their paths diverged after the show, their collective contribution to pop culture and the enduring appeal of The Partridge Family continue to resonate with audiences today.
