Former teen idol Leif Garrett’s life took a horrible downward spiral
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Throughout his life, the past teen star saw great success and deep failures. His reliance on substance abuse ruined his career.
He was a heartthrob. Leif Garrett started as a child actor, then turned into a 1970s singer, winning over young women.
His face was everywhere, my mother recalls, on teen magazines at the store when she shopped with her parents.
Leif Garrett, born in Hollywood, California, first appeared in the 1969 movie Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, ranking it the year’s sixth top earner at just five years old.
He then acted in Walking Tall and its two follow-ups, and played in The Outsiders in 1983 with Matt Dillon and others.
He was also in TV series like Family, The Odd Couple (1974), Wonder Woman (1978), and CHiPs (1979).
In 1977, his first album Leif Garrett came out, featuring old favorites like The Wanderer and Surfin’ USA.
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Garrett felt on top of the world. He toured globally, and his female fans lost control seeing him.
“In Sydney, they flew me in by helicopter, and I used an armored car to avoid fans who once nearly flipped my limo,” he told New York Daily News in 1979.
His songs nearly topped charts, but he clashed with his managers, feeling used.
“I was naturally talented,” he said in an interview, “but needed voice training. One song didn’t even sound like me. That felt like fraud.”
In 1979, his life spiraled after a drunk driving accident injured his friend Ronald Winkler.
His lifestyle didn’t improve. He partied with Freddie Mercury during Queen’s The Game album, learning the rock star ways, he wrote.
Garrett told Fox at his book launch, “At 16, I was immature but grew up fast around adults who partied hard, all at my expense.”
He added, “Despite many tough times and poor choices, my fans remained loyal.”
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His legal issues piled up, including drug charges and treatment failures.
He tried a comeback, even joining the show World’s Dumbest and VH1’s Celebrity Rehab, which he claimed led to a relapse.
On Celebrity Rehab, he felt pressured to use on camera, leading to a confrontation.
Despite hardships, Garrett is now sober.
“I ended up back in rehab after a jail stint when I left to care for my cancer-stricken mom,” he says.
He appreciates his fans, keeping every message and photo they sent.
“I’m still touched and thankful for my fans, as they allow me to keep doing what I love,” he said to Closer.
Heart-Wrenching Announcement: Jay Leno’s Troubling News Shakes Fans to the Core
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In the second half of 2022, the former host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno, faced a series of unfortunate events that left him battling multiple health issues.
The first event took place the year before when Leno, at 73, suffered severe injuries in a vehicle fire at his Los Angeles home. While working on a cherished vintage car in his small garage, he did not realize that the day would become a permanent memory. This accident resulted in serious second and third-degree burns, leading to a nine-day hospitalization at the prestigious Grossman Burn Center in West Hills.
Destiny seemed determined to test Leno’s resilience.
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During a motorcycle ride, he suffered a broken collarbone, two cracked ribs, and additional injuries.
Despite these challenges, Leno’s spirit remained strong, and he now hosts two engaging shows: NBC’s You Bet Your Life and Jay Leno’s Garage.
At the premiere of Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge, Leno shared insights into his decision to eventually step back from public life, revealing he had no immediate retirement plans until he suffered a stroke. He stated simply, “Then you slow down.” He expressed his intention to continue working until his health no longer allowed, saying, “That’s when you retire, when you have your stroke.” His resilience shone as he recovered from these recent hardships.
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After a lengthy hospital stay where he learned skin grafting techniques, Leno quickly returned to driving and even revisited the sites of his accidents.
He was welcomed back to the stage with loud applause at the Comedy Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California.
One month after the vehicle fire, in an interview, Leno discussed the dangers of working on cars. He noted, “Working with cars leads to a lot of accidents,” adding that this incident was particularly severe. He recalled feeling like his face was burning intensely, comparing it to a severe sunburn. In the hospital, he underwent two painful skin grafts to help his skin heal and participated in hyperbaric chamber sessions to improve tissue healing. Remarkably, he chose not to take any painkillers during this time, seeing their use as a painful reminder of his poor choices.
Leno’s fame and impact were evident from the support he received from celebrities and friends.
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During his recovery, his wife Mavis, shared memories of support from notable personalities like Tom Selleck, Russell Crowe, and John Travolta, who showed their support through gestures like sending flowers and gifts. These acts deeply touched the couple, highlighting the strong friendships they had formed over their remarkable lives together.
Once, a young actor won the hearts of fans everywhere. He became famous on an ABC adventure show and was also a great singer. At his height, his songs were everywhere, and people loved him.
Then, when it seemed like he had everything, he surprised everyone by leaving the spotlight. Fans were left wondering why their favorite star disappeared.
In the 1970s, he was a teenage sensation who gave up fame and luxury. His family was full of successful entertainers, which made his choice even more unexpected.
Shaun Cassidy - Born Late - Warner Bros. Records ... - Amazon.com (Source: www.amazon.com)
He grew up splitting his time between Los Angeles and New York City, places where dreams often come true. While still in high school, he signed with Warner Brothers Records. He released three multi-platinum albums, had several hit songs, and performed sold-out shows across the U.S.
As a young performer, he sang songs like “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “That’s Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Crowds went wild for him. Fans would climb on his car, pull at his hair, and even chase him during the 1977 World Series. Life was thrilling but also overwhelming.
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At the same time, he starred in The Hardy Boys Mysteries, which made him even more famous. Unlike many young stars, he avoided trouble, thanks to his supportive family. “When I became famous at 18, three family members had already been big stars,” he told Page Six.
“My dad was a Broadway star, my mom won an Oscar at 24, and my half-brother David was a pop idol.” He said watching his family handle fame helped him stay grounded.
Looking back, he said, “My career was unusual. It started with a big bang, but by 21, I stepped away. I think I just didn’t want to keep being a performer.”
Unbroken' Drama From Shaun Cassidy Handed NBC Pilot Order (Source: deadline.com)
In 1980, he performed at the Houston Astrodome for 55,000 people. The venue doesn’t exist anymore. The crowd was full of energy as he told them, “See you soon.” Then, he left the stage, fame, and his career behind.
Years later, he reflected on that moment. “I’m still figuring it out,” he told People. “But I think stepping away saved me.”
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Meanwhile, his half-brother, David Cassidy, lived a very different life. David, famous for The Partridge Family, struggled with alcoholism. His life was full of ups and downs.
In 2008, David admitted his struggles and sought help in rehab in 2014. Shaun said watching his brother battle addiction was painful and something many families go through.
Inside '70s Teen Idol Shaun Cassidy's Return to Performing (Exclusive) (Source: people.com)
David tragically died in 2017 at 67 from liver and kidney failure after years of addiction. He was the only child of Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward. Later, Jack married Shirley Jones, who starred in Oklahoma! Together, they had three sons: Shaun, Patrick, and Ryan. Despite hardships, the family supported David during his final days.
Through life’s challenges, Shaun found happiness. He married three times. First to Ann Pennington, a former Playboy model, with whom he had two kids, Caitlin and John. Then to actress Susan Diol, best known for Quantum Leap and Star Trek. They had a daughter, Juliet.
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Shaun’s life, from child star to a quieter existence, shows the highs and lows of fame. He discovered the value of love, family, and personal peace amid the chaos of stardom.
Hidden secrets of The Partridge Family you never knew
The early 1970s introduced a distinctive blend of nostalgia, innocence, and remarkable talent, perfectly embodied by The Partridge Family. David Cassidy’s exceptional vocals and undeniable magnetism propelled him to superstardom, while Susan Dey’s relatable charm endeared her to audiences worldwide.
With engaging scripts, strong performances, and a wholesome atmosphere, the series became a cherished piece of television history. However, even the most devoted fans may not have caught some intriguing details hidden in plain sight. Let’s take a nostalgic journey into the lesser-known facts and surprises that make The Partridge Family truly unforgettable!
The Show’s Premise
The Partridge Family was a lighthearted sitcom centered on Shirley, a widowed mother, and her five children, who formed a pop band and traveled the country in their iconic, vividly painted bus. Filled with infectious melodies and touching moments, it became a defining phenomenon of the 1970s.
Reality Behind the Fiction
Did you know that The Partridge Family was loosely inspired by a real-life musical group? That’s right! The show took cues from The Cowsills, a family band that gained popularity in the late 1960s. Initially, producers considered casting the actual Cowsill children, but their acting abilities weren’t quite up to par. Additionally, they were slightly older than the envisioned characters. As a result, the idea was scrapped, and a fictional family band was created instead.
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The Surprising Musical Revelation
At first, Shirley Jones was the only planned singer on the show. However, once producers heard David Cassidy’s demo recordings, they quickly realized they had a star on their hands and allowed him to take the lead vocals as well.
Believe it or not, The Partridge Family wasn’t just a fictional band—it gained real-world recognition! The group was even nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1970. Though they lost to The Carpenters, the nomination itself was a testament to their impact.
The Double-Edged Sword of Fame
For many cast members, the fame that accompanied The Partridge Family was both a blessing and a burden—especially for David Cassidy. Playing Keith Partridge transformed him into a teen idol, making him one of the most sought-after figures of the 1970s. However, the overwhelming attention took its toll.
The media frenzy surrounding Cassidy was so intense that it became known as "Cassidymania." Reflecting on the experience in 2017, he admitted, “I never went out in public after the first three months. It was too overwhelming. Today’s celebrities are more accessible, thanks to video and social media, but back then, the hysteria was unreal.”
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The Audition That Changed Everything
Surprisingly, David Cassidy nearly missed the opportunity to sing on The Partridge Family. While the network acknowledged his ability to carry a tune, they were primarily looking for actors. Cassidy, who had prior roles in shows like Bonanza and Ironside, had to audition multiple times before securing the part.
Once the pilot was approved, he had to audition yet again—this time for record producer Wes Farrell—to prove he could authentically bring the Partridge sound to life. Fortunately, he passed the test with flying colors, and the rest is history.
Danny Bonaduce’s Unique Talent
Danny Bonaduce, the witty middle child of the Partridge clan, had a hidden talent that set him apart. Though he struggled with dyslexia, he had an eidetic memory, which allowed him to memorize not only his own lines but everyone else’s as well.
This impressive ability wasn’t always appreciated by his co-stars. If an actor forgot their line, Danny was quick to chime in with a reminder—whether they wanted the help or not!
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The Perks and Pressures of Stardom
Bonaduce also experienced the whirlwind of sudden fame. Practically overnight, he became a teenage heartthrob, attracting a legion of admirers.
“We had 21-year-old women waiting outside our house all night,” his mother, Betty, recalled in a 1992 interview. “I was the one who had to turn them away.”
Danny didn’t seem to mind at the time. He recalled, “Fans would write messages on their bodies and flash them at me—‘DANNY, WE LOVE YOU.’ I signed a lot of skin.”
By the time the show ended in 1974, the 14-year-old had amassed a $350,000 fortune. Instead of a typical childhood, he spent his early years on private jets and mingling with high-profile celebrities, including a young Michael Jackson.
“I didn’t play baseball, but I rode an elephant. I missed out on football, but I flew on the Concorde. I really lucked out,” Bonaduce reminisced.
David Cassidy’s Contract Struggles
Despite his immense popularity, David Cassidy initially saw little financial benefit from his fame. While companies like Columbia Pictures profited from his image, he wasn’t receiving his fair share.
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His contract lacked royalties and gave him no control over his likeness, even though fans were paying to join his fan club. It wasn’t until his manager noticed that Cassidy had signed the agreement at 19—under the legal age of 21—that they could renegotiate his terms. This loophole allowed him to secure a proper salary and a percentage of the earnings. Before that, he had been making just $600 per week.
Susan Dey’s Unexpected Journey
At just 18, Susan Dey skyrocketed to fame as Laurie Partridge. However, she wasn’t the producers’ first pick for the role—Olivia Newton-John was initially considered. Ironically, years later, when Grease was casting, the producers approached Dey for the role of Sandy. As we know, Olivia Newton-John ultimately landed the part instead.
Dey’s casting in The Partridge Family was a stroke of luck. The show’s producer, Paul Witt, struggled to find the perfect Laurie until he ventured to New York. There, he discovered Susan, a high school junior with captivating eyes and natural charisma. Despite her lack of formal acting experience, she was chosen for the role.
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Hidden Struggles Behind the Scenes
Though she appeared poised on screen, Susan Dey faced personal struggles behind the scenes, including an eating disorder. She also felt self-conscious about her acting, admitting that she was too stiff in the first season. “I couldn’t let go. That stiffness showed on screen,” she once revealed.
The Drifting of Friendships
During the show’s run, Dey harbored a deep crush on David Cassidy. However, after The Partridge Family ended, she distanced herself from the series. Unlike her former co-stars, she consistently declined invitations to participate in reunion events.
Shirley Jones, who played her on-screen mother, wrote in her memoir that David was deeply hurt by their estrangement.
Shirley Jones’ Least Favorite Co-Stars
Although Shirley Jones cherished her time on the show, she admitted in her autobiography that she didn’t get along with all of her co-stars. She specifically called out Dick Clark and Ray Bolger as difficult to work with. Nevertheless, she enjoyed collaborating with younger talent, including a young Jodie Foster.
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Behind-the-Scenes Mishaps
Even a polished show like The Partridge Family had its share of blunders. In the pilot episode, Shirley accidentally refers to her five children as “all five of us,” momentarily forgetting one of them!
Another amusing detail? The set of their home featured a mysterious wall visible through the front door, which didn’t exist inside the house. And despite being a rock band, their performances frequently lacked essential equipment like speakers and amplifiers.
David Cassidy’s Final Words
David Cassidy passed away in 2017 from liver failure. In his final days, he admitted that his struggles weren’t due to dementia, as previously stated, but were the result of years of alcohol abuse.
His daughter, Katie Cassidy, shared his final words: “So much wasted time.”
