David Cassidy, former ‘teen idol’ passes away age 67

CAIRO – 23 November 2017: David Cassidy, best known as the star of the 1970’s hit TV series “The Partridge Family” and an accomplished singer on his own, passed away on November 21 of liver failure at the age of 67.

The news was confirmed by a statement Cassidy’s publicist Jo-Ann Geffen released to CNN on Tuesday;

"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. David died surrounded by those he loved, 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."



Cassidy had been hospitalized for several days prior to his death. Earlier this year, he had also announced he was suffering from dementia. Cassidy’s brother, Shaun, shared his sorrow on Twitter;

...I tried to catch him of course. I always tried to catch him. But I never could. Now, I will carry him, along with all of the funny/sad/extraordinary days we shared, none more filled with love than these last few at his side. pic.twitter.com/nc4w9HdTLC

— Shaun Cassidy (@shaunpcassidy) November 22, 2017

Born on April 12, 1950 in New York, Cassidy was the son of actor Jack Cassidy and actress Evelyn Ward. His parents divorced when he was a child, and his father went on to marry Shirley Jones in 1956, who would later star alongside Cassidy in “The Partridge Show”.

The hit show started in 1970 after Cassidy signed a deal with Universal Studios. It revolved around a rock-n-roll family on the road, though it was made to be family friendly. Cassidy played Keith Partridge and real-life stepmother Jones was his mother in the series. The show became a massive success, spawning eight albums where Cassidy sung alongside Jones, the only two cast members who actually sang their own songs.

He became a hit solo musician on his own right as well, with his concerts frequently selling out; his fans became disorderly so frequently that at one point in 1974 Australia banned him from entering.



Being known first and foremost as a ‘teen idol’ was something Cassidy considered to be restricting, holding him back from truly gaining any respect as a serious actor and musician. Towards the end of the 70s he starred in his own police drama television series, “David Cassidy - Man Undercover”, though it only lasted for one season.

Alcoholism proved to become Cassidy’s biggest obstacle in life, and he publically admitted his problems with substance abuse in 2008, which he struggled with for decades. In 2015 he filed for bankruptcy. He still attempted to push on with his music despite the onset of dementia and arthritis, though alas his failing health eventually got the best of him.