The Partridge Family, a beloved musical sitcom, captured hearts in the early 1970s with its catchy tunes and wholesome family dynamics. The show launched the careers of its young cast members into the stratosphere, making them household names. But what happened to the stars after the iconic school bus drove off into the sunset? Let’s take a look at the Cast Members Of The Partridge Family and where they are now.
David Cassidy
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David Cassidy, portraying the teen heartthrob Keith Partridge, was catapulted to instant fame. His portrayal of the lead singer resonated deeply with young audiences, turning him into a global teen idol. Beyond the show, Cassidy’s musical talent was undeniable. Capitalizing on the success of The Partridge Family’s original songs, he embarked on a successful solo career, releasing five albums while still starring in the series.
However, the pressures of fame and personal struggles followed Cassidy in his later years. He faced multiple DUI charges and public battles with alcohol abuse, leading to a divorce in 2014. Despite his professional successes in television and music, Cassidy also filed for bankruptcy in 2015. In a poignant revelation in 2017, he disclosed his diagnosis of dementia, a condition that had also affected his mother and grandfather. Sadly, David Cassidy passed away at the age of 67 in November 2017 due to liver and kidney failure. Posthumously, an interview revealed a complex truth: Cassidy admitted to not having dementia and continuing to struggle with sobriety, despite public claims of recovery.
Shirley Jones
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Shirley Jones anchored The Partridge Family as the widowed matriarch, Shirley Partridge. Already an established and respected performer before the show, Jones had won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Elmer Gantry. Her casting alongside her real-life stepson, David Cassidy, added an interesting dynamic to the family sitcom.
Reflecting on her role as Shirley Partridge, Jones acknowledged the double-edged sword of starring in a hit TV series. While the show brought immense popularity, she recognized it typecast her, impacting her film career. Despite this, Jones expressed no regrets, valuing the experience. Following her divorce from Jack Cassidy and subsequent marriage to Marty Ingels in 1977, Shirley Jones continued her acting career. In interviews, she clarified that her real personality is quite different from the easygoing Mrs. Partridge, stating she is “nowhere near as breezy and uncomplicated” as her iconic TV persona.
Danny Bonaduce
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Danny Bonaduce played the mischievous middle child, Danny Partridge, known for his quick wit and comedic timing. Shirley Jones described his on-screen persona as reflecting “a wild child who came from an unhappy home,” adding depth to his portrayal. After The Partridge Family concluded, Bonaduce secured guest roles in various TV shows and a starring role in the film Corvette Summer with Mark Hamill.
Bonaduce’s career path diverged into radio, where he established himself as a long-running talk show host. However, his personal life often became a public narrative, marked by struggles with drug abuse and alcoholism, openly addressed in his 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 challenge, taking a hiatus from his radio show due to a mysterious illness that temporarily affected his ability to walk.
Susan Dey
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Susan Dey, who played the eldest daughter Laurie Partridge, was only 17 when she joined the cast. Interestingly, according to Shirley Jones’s memoir, Dey was the only cast member who consistently declined to participate in any Partridge Family reunions, maintaining a degree of separation from the show after its run.
Post-Partridge Family, Dey achieved significant success in the legal drama L.A. Law, starring in the series from 1986 to 1992. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe award in 1988, showcasing her range as an actress beyond the sitcom genre. Married to her second husband, Bernard Sofronski, since 1988 and with a daughter from a previous marriage, Susan Dey has largely remained out of the public eye since her guest appearances on Third Watch in 2004, choosing a more private life.
Dave Madden
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Dave Madden was best known as Reuben Kincaid, The Partridge Family’s often-exasperated manager. Before landing this iconic role, Madden had already established himself as a comedian, even performing on The Ed Sullivan Show. Following The Partridge Family, Madden continued to work steadily in television, appearing in numerous guest roles and securing a recurring part on the long-running sitcom Alice.
Dave Madden passed away in 2014 at the age of 82 due to complications from myelodysplastic syndrome. He left behind his wife, daughter, and son, remembered for his comedic talent and his portrayal of the put-upon but loyal manager, Reuben Kincaid.
Suzanne Crough
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Suzanne Crough played the youngest Partridge sibling, Tracy. Unlike some of her castmates, Crough largely stepped away from acting after The Partridge Family. Her final on-screen credit was in a 1980 TV movie. She married William Condray in 1985 and focused on family life.
Tragically, Suzanne Crough passed away suddenly in 2015 at the young age of 52 at her home in Nevada. The cause of death was attributed to a rare form of cardiomyopathy. Danny Bonaduce poignantly remarked on her passing, “Everyone thought I’d be the first Partridge to go. Sadly it was little Tracy.” Crough was remembered fondly by her former castmates as a “wonderful lady and a good mom.”
Brian Forster
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Brian Forster joined The Partridge Family in 1971, taking over the role of drummer Chris Partridge from Jeremy Gelbwaks. Forster recalled his excitement at joining the popular show, having been a fan himself. After the series ended in 1974, Forster pursued diverse interests, including race car driving in the early 2000s.
While largely stepping away from Hollywood as a primary career, Brian Forster has continued to act occasionally in projects outside of the mainstream. He embraced different passions after his time as a Partridge, demonstrating a life beyond the spotlight of teen television.
The cast members of The Partridge Family each carved their own paths after the show’s conclusion. From continued stardom to quieter lives away from the cameras, their journeys reflect the diverse experiences of child actors navigating life after fame. The Partridge Family remains a cultural touchstone, and the individual stories of its cast continue to fascinate fans decades later.
