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.
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.”
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.”
A poignant reminder to cherish every moment.
