David Cassidy, despite his struggles with substance abuse and frequent legal issues, believed he was a good father to his son. He once talked openly about their relationship and shared what he told his child after finding out he had a mental illness.
David Cassidy became famous as a teen idol when he starred as Keith Partridge on the hit 1970s show “The Partridge Family.” On the show, he played the eldest sibling in a family that performed music together. His real-life stepmother, Shirley Jones, also starred in the series, playing the role of the mother.
David Cassidy’s rise to fame began with the success of “The Partridge Family,” which led to the release of eight studio albums. Although many cast members were part of the show, only David and Shirley Jones, his real-life stepmother, provided the vocals. Interestingly, David was chosen for his role because of his looks, but he soon became the lead singer on the albums.
However, David’s fame soon became a burden. Unlike many teen idols who get tired of fame over time, David resented it from the start. He wanted to be seen as a serious actor but felt trapped in his role as Keith Partridge.
In the 1980s, David admitted, “I was pigeonholed as a teen idol, and there’s no credibility.” He also talked about the personal toll fame had on him, calling it “a very empty, isolated, lonely existence.”
David’s fame isolated him, but it also led to struggles with substance abuse. In 2008, he admitted that he had a problem with alcohol. This was followed by legal trouble, including a DUI charge in 2010 and two more in 2013 and 2014.
In 2014, David entered rehab to address his addiction. By 2015, he had to file for bankruptcy and faced charges for a hit-and-run later that year. In an interview on the “Dr. Phil” show, David revealed that his drinking had hurt his relationship with his son, Beau Cassidy.
“I was the ideal father. I would do anything for him. He’s the love of my life and probably the reason I didn’t kill myself. Because of him,” David said. He also had a daughter, Katie Cassidy.
In 2017, David’s challenges deepened when he announced he had been diagnosed with dementia. Both his grandfather and mother had suffered from the disease, and David admitted, “I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming.”
Reflecting on his mother’s battle, David remembered, “In the end, the only way I knew she recognized me was with a single tear when I walked into the room.” This memory filled David with fear that he would suffer the same fate.
David shared his deepest fears with his son, Beau, telling him, “Promise me you’ll find a way to let me go. Don’t let me live like that.”
Tragically, David passed away in November 2017 at the age of 67 due to organ failure. He had been hospitalized in Florida for several days, and his kidneys and liver failed.
David’s publicist, Jo-Ann Geffen, confirmed his death, sharing a statement from the 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.”
Despite the challenges he faced, David’s estate turned out to be worth more than expected. His son, Beau, inherited nearly $1.68 million, including $230,000 in assets, $450,000 from David’s retirement plan, and a $1 million life insurance policy. David had left most of his estate to Beau, excluding his daughter Katie.
David’s love and pride for his son were clear, especially as Beau followed in his footsteps to pursue a career in entertainment. In a 2012 interview, David reflected on fatherhood, saying, “As a father, I do everything my dad didn’t do. My son Beau’s birth changed my life. I’ve gone to every baseball and basketball game, every performance.”
David was proud when Beau left college to follow his dream of becoming a musician. Beau formed a band called the Fates, and David was excited about his son’s future success.
Beau continued to make a name for himself, even participating in “The Voice.” He was praised as “a really talented performer.”
Fans on social media also noticed Beau’s striking resemblance to his father, often commenting on how similar they looked.
One fan said, “Beautiful smile, young man… keep happy and creating your music,” while another noted, “Just as handsome as his father.” Others echoed similar sentiments, calling Beau “a Handsome Young Cassidy” and commenting, “You look just like your handsome Dad, David!”
David Cassidy’s life had its ups and downs, but his love for his son, Beau, never wavered. Despite the struggles he faced, from teen idol fame to battling addiction and illness, David’s legacy lives on through Beau, who continues to carry on his father’s musical talent and charm.
Brad Pitt Finds New Love After Heartbreaking Divorce At 60, And You Might Recognize Her
At one point in time, Brad Pitt might well have been considered the most eligible bachelor on Earth. But no more.
Fans have known for some time now about his romance with Ines de Ramon; the pair are said to have planned to celebrated his milestone 60th birthday with a low-key week.
According to PEOPLE, Pitt wasn’t of a mind to go overboard with the celebrations after ushering in his sixth decade on Monday. It surely says quite a bit about his commitment to De Ramon, then, that he wanted to spend his time with her.
Last month, a source is said to have spoken to PEOPLE and described De Ramon, ex-wife of actor Paul Wesley, as “Brad’s first proper relationship since the divorce” from Angelina Jolie.
Indeed, the Troy star is said to have started introducing the 32-year-old as his girlfriend.
“He introduces [Ines] as his girlfriend,” an insider PEOPLE. “It’s great to see him in a good place. Ines makes him very happy.”
It’s been a rocky road back to happiness for Pitt, whose marriage to Angelina Jolie ended in a tumultuous separation, the wounds of which still don’t appear to have fully healed.
Famously dubbed ‘Brangelina’ in the media, the A-listers fell in love on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, embarking on a romance that stole headlines all over the world.
In 2016, however, Jolie filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. She also moved to request sole custody of the pairs six children, Maddox, Pax, Shiloh, Zahara, Vivienne and Knox.
On January 21, 2021, Angelina Jolie emailed Brad Pitt, an email which has since then made public. In the email, she mentions that she writes “with a heavy heart” to inform Pitt of her decision to sell Miraval, “a business that is centered around alcohol.” This is perhaps a reference to the now infamous plane event where an intoxicated Pitt “choked” one of their children and then “struck another in the face” before he poured alcohol on her and the kids.
As recently as October did Brad find his name in the headlines for a less than savory reason, after an old Instagram story surfaced wherein his adopted son Pax had labeled him a “f****ing awful human being”.
Pax, who was 16 at the time, expressed his displeasure with his father and warned him “the truth will come to light someday.”
“You time and time and again prove yourself to be a terrible and despicable person,” Pax wrote over an image of his father accepting the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
“You have no consideration or empathy toward your four youngest children who tremble in fear when in your presence.
“You will never understand the damage you have done to my family because you’re incapable of doing so.
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