David Cassidy Knew He Shared the Same Fate as His Mother but Spent Time in Denial
David Cassidy rocked the world with his talent as an actor in the '70s, but deep within, he knew it was only a matter of time before a family tragedy came calling.
"The Partridge Family" was a hit show in the '70s largely because of the role played by the charming young star, David Cassidy, who went on to forge a remarkable singing and acting career.
Despite coming from a family with a rich background in show business, Cassidy undoubtedly pulled his weight in the industry, proving his success was not a hand-out from his parents.
Despite his fame and success, Cassidy faced a series of troubles throughout his lifetime. His biggest fear was facing the same fate as his mother, but he knew it was only a matter of time before it came for him.
MEET THE STAR
Born in 1950, Cassidy always showed remarkable artistic brilliance. His father was the famous Actor Jack Cassidy while his mom was Actress Evelyn Ward. His parents divorced while he was still a child, and his father married singer Shirley Jones.
Cassidy and Jones later shared an onscreen relationship as mother and son in the hit musical show "The Partridge Family." The sitcom was responsible for launching Cassidy's career and making him America's teenage sensation.
"The Partridge Family" cast, including Susan Dey and David Cassidy, in May 1972 | Photo: Getty Images
Cassidy's vocal prowess made the show loveable and attracted new viewers. He was the lead vocalist in the song "I Think I Love You" and afterward pursued a career as a solo artist, churning out several hit songs for years.
In the early '70s, Cassidy's fame spread throughout the world. He performed at amazing sellout concerts in massive arenas worldwide, including six sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium on a single weekend in 1973.
On an Australian tour in 1974, the wave caused by his presence in the country prompted calls for the singer's deportation. In the same year, 800 people were hurt at a London event, 30 of them taken to the hospital.
David Cassidy on May 25, 1974, in London, England | Photo: Getty Images
Later, Cassidy went for bigger roles as his years as a teenage star were dwindling. He got a television show, "David Cassidy - Man Undercover," but the drama was brought to an end after one season.
In the years that followed, Cassidy found work in theatre and found great success in Las Vegas, where he served as a co-producer and writer of the hit show "The Rat Pack Is Back!"
Cassidy's career continued to soar; he was often on tour, performing in front of live crowds in the United States and across the world. He got more acting jobs and was cast in "Ruby and the Rockits," which had a good review.
Musician David Cassidy performs at BB King on January 10, 2015 | Photo: Getty Images
THE LURKING FEAR
In the years before his death, Cassidy became open about his struggles and addiction problems. Most importantly, he revealed his fear of dementia which he said affected his mother and grandfather.
Cassidy claimed to have watched his grandfather battle the disease and saw how his mother swept away until her death at 89. These experiences left him fearing for the worse, and he was often in denial.
The late singer revealed that he noticed teardrop from his mother's eyes after recognizing him after a while. He recalled that such sadness left him worrying he would end up the same.
David Cassidy performs at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center in Queens on November 21, 2009 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images
Having told the world of his battle with dementia, Cassidy said he no longer lived in self-denial and had come to accept himself for who he is. He stated that he planned on spending his life doing what made him happy.
Cassidy opened up on his condition following a series of embarrassing events that had happened to him. During one of his shows, he forgot the lyrics of the song he was singing, leaving his audience stunned.
Cassidy shocked his audience after introducing the band five times and started one song three times while forgetting the lyrics. At some point, his audience could not handle it and walked out on him.
Singer David Cassidy attends Hollywood Today Live at W Hollywood on December 14, 2016 | Photo: Getty Images
These strings of erratic behaviors were not a one-off thing. They became a part of Cassidy's act in his later years and soon caused his fans to realize something was wrong with the star. Unfortunately, the decline of his shows did not aid his failing finances.
In 2014, Cassidy was in rehab for his addiction problems. In 2010, the teen star was charged with a DUI, which he would be charged with again in 2013 and 2014. After his third arrest, his wife Sue Shifrin filed for divorce.
Cassidy's life as an adult was nothing compared to the fame he enjoyed as a teenager. Although he was constantly performing, his career did not hold the magic it once had, and he constantly found himself in hot water.
Actor David Cassidy arrives at Disney-ABC Television Group Summer Press Tour Party at The Langham Hotel on August 8, 2009 in Pasadena, California | Photo: Getty Images
He was often faced with debts since the fortune he amassed in his career diminished thanks to several poor investments. Later, he cited fewer royalty cheques as the source of his financial decline.
The singer later filed for bankruptcy, leading an auction of his £1.9 million mansion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Despite the huge sale, he was still left with a significant debt to pay.
LAST DAYS, BIG TRUTH
While fans believed dementia was the source of Cassidy's weird ways, he later revealed that he did not have the disease. Instead, it was a cover-up for his alcoholism, the true cause of his poor judgment and bizarre behavior.
Cassidy shared his big truth with the documentary producers for "David Cassidy: The Last Session," a few months before his death. He also revealed that he had a liver disease triggered by his alcohol addiction.
Cassidy later died from organ failure in 2017, ending what appeared to be several years of misery but with his legacy intact. He was 67 when he passed away and left behind his two children, Beau, and Katie from three marriages.
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