The 1970s gave us a lot of memorable television, but few shows captured the era’s upbeat spirit quite like The Partridge Family. This sitcom, which aired from 1970 to 1974, charmed audiences with the story of a widowed mother and her musically gifted children who hit the road as a pop band. Fans adored the catchy tunes and the wholesome family fun, making the series a cultural touchstone of the decade. But as the years have rolled on, many wonder: what happened to the cast of The Partridge Family?
Sadly, we’ve said goodbye to some beloved members of the TV family. David Cassidy, the teen idol who played heartthrob Keith Partridge (and was also Shirley Jones’ stepson in real life), passed away in 2017. Dave Madden, who brought the often-exasperated manager Reuben Kincaid to life, died in 2014. And Suzanne Crough, the adorable Tracy Partridge, left us too soon in 2015. However, several stars from The Partridge Family are still with us, continuing to live fascinating lives. Let’s check in on the Partridge Family cast members who are still alive and see what they’ve been up to since their days on the brightly colored bus.
The original cast of The Partridge Family, including Shirley Jones, David Cassidy, Susan Dey, Danny Bonaduce, Suzanne Crough, and Brian Forster, posing together in a promotional shot for the 1970s musical sitcom.
Shirley Jones: The Musical Mom (Age 90)
A recent photo of Shirley Jones smiling warmly, contrasted with a classic black and white headshot of her during her early career, highlighting her enduring presence in entertainment.
Shirley Jones, the matriarch of the on-screen family, is still celebrated for her role as Shirley Partridge. Even before joining The Partridge Family, Jones had already made a name for herself as a musical powerhouse. She graced the silver screen in iconic musical films like Oklahoma! and Carousel, showcasing her vocal talents and earning critical acclaim. Notably, she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her powerful performance in Elmer Gantry.
Her career didn’t slow down after the show ended. Shirley Jones continued to act in a variety of roles, proving her versatility. She made appearances in popular TV series such as Raising Hope, General Hospital, and Childrens Hospital, demonstrating her ability to transition between different genres and comedic and dramatic roles. More recently, she appeared in the 2021 film Forgiven This Gun4hire, and has an upcoming project titled Beyond Legend Johnny Kakota in development, showing her ongoing dedication to her craft well into her nineties. In 2024, Shirley Jones celebrated her 90th birthday, marking a remarkable milestone in her life and career. She shared joyous celebrations with her son, Shaun Cassidy, highlighting the enduring family bonds that extend beyond the screen.
Susan Dey: From Teen Idol to Acclaimed Actress (Age 71)
A then-and-now comparison of Susan Dey, featuring a youthful image from her Partridge Family days alongside a more recent photograph, illustrating her career evolution from teen star to respected actress.
Susan Dey stepped into the role of Laurie Partridge at just 17 years old, with limited prior acting experience. The Partridge Family became her launchpad, catapulting her into the spotlight and establishing her as a teen idol. However, Dey was determined to prove her acting chops went beyond teen stardom.
She successfully transitioned to more mature roles, showcasing her range and depth as an actress. Dey is widely recognized for her Golden Globe-winning performance as Grace Van Owen in the legal drama L.A. Law, a role that solidified her status as a serious actress. Throughout her career, she also appeared in Barnaby Jones, a miniseries adaptation of Little Women, and numerous television movies, consistently taking on diverse and challenging characters. Her final acting credit was in a 2004 episode of Third Watch. Since then, Susan Dey has chosen a private life away from the entertainment industry, notably being the only main cast member who has opted out of Partridge Family reunions, preferring to cherish her memories of that time privately.
Danny Bonaduce: The Spirited Danny Partridge (Age 65)
A split image of Danny Bonaduce, contrasting his youthful, mischievous look as Danny Partridge with a more recent image showing his mature presence, reflecting his journey through fame and personal challenges.
Instantly recognizable for his red hair and mischievous grin, Danny Bonaduce played the role of Danny Partridge, the wisecracking middle child. Like his TV siblings, Bonaduce continued to work in television after The Partridge Family, embracing a variety of roles that often played on his public persona.
He made guest appearances in shows like Married… With Children, Eight is Enough, and Fantasy Island, often in roles that highlighted his comedic timing and energetic presence. In the early 2000s, Bonaduce bravely shared his personal struggles with substance abuse in the reality show Breaking Bonaduce, offering a candid look at his journey to sobriety. Following this period, he found a new career in radio, becoming a radio DJ in Seattle. However, in 2023, Danny Bonaduce announced his retirement from his radio career due to ongoing health issues, marking a new chapter after a long and varied career in the public eye.
Brian Forster: The Second Chris Partridge (Age 64)
A comparison of Brian Forster in his younger days as Chris Partridge with a more recent photograph, demonstrating his life beyond acting and his diverse professional experiences.
Brian Forster took over the role of Chris Partridge after Jeremy Gelbwaks left the show after the first season. While Forster became a familiar face to Partridge Family fans, acting wasn’t his lifelong passion.
After his time on the show, Forster pursued a diverse range of interests. In a 2020 podcast interview, he revealed his post-acting career path, which included working as a science teacher, delving into winemaking, and even becoming a race car driver. This varied career path highlights how life after child stardom can lead to unexpected and fulfilling directions, with Forster embracing different fields far from the spotlight of Hollywood.
The Partridge Family left an undeniable mark on television history, and while some of its stars are no longer with us, it’s heartwarming to know that Shirley Jones, Susan Dey, Danny Bonaduce, and Brian Forster are still thriving. Their contributions to entertainment and their diverse paths since the show ended continue to fascinate fans who fondly remember the groovy family band that brought so much joy to the 70s.
