'The Partridge Family' through the years David cassidy, Susan dey

Unrequited Love: Susan Dey & David Cassidy's Untold Story

'The Partridge Family' through the years David cassidy, Susan dey

By  Adonis Mitchell Jr.

Did the on-screen siblinghood of "The Partridge Family" conceal a deeper, more complex reality? The story of Susan Dey and David Cassidy is one of a major unrequited crush, behind-the-scenes drama, and a brief, heartbreaking romance that captivated audiences even beyond the final credits.

The 1970s were a time of vibrant television, and few shows shined brighter than "The Partridge Family." This musical sitcom chronicled the humorous adventures of a family of pop musicians, with David Cassidy at the heart of it all. Cassidy, barely out of his teens when he landed the role of Keith Partridge, quickly became a teen idol, plastered across bedroom walls and the subject of countless crushes. Alongside him was Susan Dey, who played his on-screen sister, Laurie Partridge. While they portrayed siblings on camera, the reality of their relationship was far more nuanced.

The chemistry between Cassidy and Dey translated well on screen, contributing to the show's massive success. But beneath the surface, a different story was unfolding. Susan Dey harbored a profound crush on her co-star, a secret that would shape their relationship both during and after the show's run. The two were close, enjoying a friendship that was evident to all around them. There was only a two-year age difference between them, and they instantly became friends. For Dey, however, the emotions ran deeper.

As the show's popularity soared, so did Cassidy's fame, making him the heartthrob of American teenage girls. However, the pressures of stardom, the constant attention, and the whirlwind of the entertainment industry presented challenges. Even before the show began, there was the added complexity of Shirley Jones, who played the mother in the series, warning Dey to stay away from Cassidy. Despite this, Dey's feelings persisted, creating a complicated dynamic between the two co-stars.

The following table details the life and career of Susan Dey, providing insights into her journey both during and after her time on "The Partridge Family."

Category Details
Full Name Susan Hall Dey
Born December 10, 1952 (age 71)
Birthplace Pekin, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation Actress, Model, Author
Known For "The Partridge Family," "L.A. Law"
Early Life Began her career as a model, appearing on the cover of a booklet for Pursettes tampons.
Career Highlights
  • "The Partridge Family" (1970-1974) - Laurie Partridge
  • "L.A. Law" (1986-1992) - Grace Van Owen
  • Appeared in over 20 movies and 15 TV shows
Awards and Nominations
  • 6 Golden Globe Nominations
  • 3 Emmy Award Nominations
  • Won a Golden Globe Award for "L.A. Law" in 1988
Personal Life Married twice. Authored a book, "Susan Dey's Secrets on Boys, Beauty and Popularity," during her time on "The Partridge Family."
Relationship with David Cassidy Had an unrequited crush on David Cassidy; briefly dated after "The Partridge Family" ended.
Later Years Continued to act and remained active in the entertainment industry.
Reference IMDb

Despite her deep-seated emotions, Cassidy did not reciprocate Dey's feelings. This unrequited affection created a certain tension that, while not immediately apparent to outsiders, undoubtedly influenced their interactions. The pair were friends, and the show was a major success, but the heart wants what it wants, and Dey's was set on Cassidy. It was a secret that she carried while facing the world and cameras.

The series ended in 1974, and the two finally had the chance to explore a relationship away from the constraints of the set. Sadly, the romance was short-lived. Cassidy did not share Dey's feelings, and the brief connection dissolved, leaving Dey heartbroken.

The show that launched David Cassidy to superstardom provided Susan Dey with a platform to showcase her talent, but it also brought complications into her personal life. The attention and pressure that came with the job were undeniable, and the young stars had to face the ups and downs of fame together.

This show was a turning point in both their careers, but it didn't dictate the trajectory of their lives. After "The Partridge Family" ended, Dey was inundated with acting offers, appearing in over 20 movies, mostly made-for-TV films, and 15 TV shows. She earned six Golden Globe and three Emmy Award nominations for her work. She went on to star in "L.A. Law," which brought her even further acclaim. Dey proved herself to be a talented and versatile actress, but her career was not without its hurdles. She also wrote a book during her time on the show, "Susan Dey's Secrets on Boys, Beauty and Popularity."

Meanwhile, David Cassidy continued his musical career, embarking on tours and recording new music. Sadly, the darker parts of his life, struggles with substance abuse, and his complex family dynamics, as detailed in his own memoir, began to overshadow his professional success. There was a brief reunion between the two when they presented at the 1990 MTV Awards, but they never fully reconciled before Cassidy's passing in 2017. His autobiography, which delved into his career and personal life, served as a reminder of their time together and what could have been.

Their story is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human relationships. Even though they were fictional siblings on camera, the emotional currents between them were very real. They were friends, colleagues, and, briefly, lovers. Their relationship ultimately ended, but the impact of their bond, however brief, had a lasting impact.

The untold story of Susan Dey's rise to fame, the struggles she faced, and how she finally found peace away from the spotlight remains an important part of Hollywood history. Both actors left a lasting impression on pop culture, and their story continues to intrigue fans, even after all these years. They had a major impact on the 1970s, and the world would be different without their presence.

The legacy of "The Partridge Family" endures, not only through reruns but also through the memories of those who watched the show and the lives it touched. It is a story of music, laughter, and the enduring power of family. And as the curtain falls on this particular chapter, one cant help but wonder, what would have been? What if love had blossomed between the two? It's a testament to the allure of unrequited love and the long-lasting impact that relationships, even the most fleeting, can have on those involved.

'The Partridge Family' through the years David cassidy, Susan dey
'The Partridge Family' through the years David cassidy, Susan dey

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Susan Dey and David Cassidy as Laurie and Keith Partridge, filming an
Susan Dey and David Cassidy as Laurie and Keith Partridge, filming an

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Susan Dey and David Cassidy David cassidy, Susan dey, Partridge family
Susan Dey and David Cassidy David cassidy, Susan dey, Partridge family

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