Closer Magazine
Partridge Family’ Cast Then and Now
November 22, 2017
By Julia Birkinbine
Closer Magazine
Come on get happy! It’s been more than 40 years since The Partridge Family went off the air and the show’s actors are still beloved today. Sadly, the ’70s series star, David Cassidy, passed away at age 67 in November 2017 after suffering organ failure. “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,” his family said in a statement following his untimely death. “David died with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long. Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years.”
David was admitted to intensive care one week before his death as his liver and kidney began to fail. He was quickly put into a coma, and though his family feared he would never come out, he did wake up. At that time, the actor’s loved ones reportedly rushed to his side. “There had been many family issues because of his alcoholism, but they are all reuniting in support of him. He was delighted to see them,” a source close to the star revealed, adding that David’s brother Patrick Cassidy, ex-wife Sue Shifrin, and son Beau Cassidy visited him in the hospital. “When his brother Patrick walked into the room, David lit up like a Christmas tree. There’s been total resolution within the family. They will always be there for him.”
Following David’s passing, his The Partridge Family co-star Danny Bonaduce paid tribute to his friend on social media. “I have known, loved, and admired David Cassidy for 48 out of my 58 years. He has been as kind to me as any real brother could ever be. We’ve been through a lot together and he was always there for me. This loss is huge. RIP my dear friend,” he wrote. We’ll never forget you, David!
Check out the gallery to see The Partridge Family cast then and now!
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David Cassidy (Keith Partridge)
After rising to fame as one of the most beloved teen idols from the 1970s, David continued to work as an actor and musician for many years. He sadly passed away at age 67 in November 2017 after suffering organ failure.
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Shirley Jones (Shirley Partridge)
Throughout her six-decade Hollywood career, Shirley, 83, has starred in musical films including Oklahoma!, Carousel, and The Music Man. Before appearing on The Partridge Family — on which she co-starred with her real-life stepson David Cassidy — the actress won an Oscar for her role in the 1960 movie Elmer Gantry.
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Susan Dey (Laurie Partridge)
After starring on TV series The Partridge Family and L.A. Law, Susan, 64, retired from acting in 2004. She is known for being the only The Partridge Family star to consistently refuse to partake in cast reunions since appearing on the hit show.
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Danny Bonaduce (Danny Partridge)
Since his child star days, Danny, 58, has appeared on reality TV shows I Know My Kid's a Star, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, and Breaking Bonaduce. The father-of-two — who has been arrested several times for drug-related charges, robbery and battery — also works as a radio host.
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Jeremy Gelbwaks (Chris Partridge, Season 1)
In 1971, Jeremy, 56, left The Partridge Family and was replaced by Brian Forster because he and his family moved from LA to Virginia. After his one season stint on the series, the former child star retired from acting to focus on school. He now lives in New Orleans and works as a business and technology planner.
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Brian Forster (Chris Partridge, Seasons 2–4)
The 57-year-old joined the show in 1971 and starred as Chris Partridge until the series ended in 1974. Brian now works as a race car driver and continues to act in community theater in Northern California.
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Suzanne Crough (Tracy Partridge)
After The Partridge Family went off the air in 1974, the young actress continued working in showbiz, making guest appearances on several popular TV shows including Mulligan's Stew. Her last role was in the 1980 film Children of Divorce and after she retired from acting she worked as a manager of an Office Max. The mother-of-two sadly died at age 52 from a rare heart ailment in April 2015.
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Dave Madden (Reuben Kincaid)
Though his most famous role was as band manager Reuben Kincaid on The Partridge Family, the actor was also known for portraying Earl Hicks on the 1980s sitcom, Alice. Dave sadly passed away from complications related to a blood disease in January 2014 at age 82.
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Ricky Segall (Ricky Stevens)
Ricky first began acting at age two and was cast as series regular Ricky Stevens — a Partridge Family neighbor who would sing a children's song during each episode — at just four-years-old. He continues to act today, most recently starring in film shorts Meant to Be and One Nightstand.
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