David Cassidy, despite his battles with substance abuse and frequent run-ins with the law, considered himself an “ideal” father to his son. He once opened up about their relationship, revealing what he told his child after being diagnosed with a mental illness.
David Cassidy, a former teen heartthrob, rose to fame playing Keith Partridge on the popular 1970s show “The Partridge Family.” In the series, he portrayed the oldest sibling in a musical family, alongside his real-life stepmother, Shirley Jones, who played the mother.
The show’s success led to the release of eight studio albums, with David and Shirley being the only cast members who actually provided vocals. Interestingly, the young actor was originally chosen for his appearance, but he went on to sing lead on the albums.
However, David’s success in “The Partridge Family” quickly turned into a burden for him. Unlike many teen idols who grow weary of fame over time, he resented it from the start. The celebrity had hoped to be recognized as a serious actor but felt trapped by his role as Keith.
David Cassidy on the set of “The Partridge Family,” 1971 | Source: Getty Images
In the ’80s, he admitted, “I was pigeonholed as a teen idol [and] there’s no credibility.” He also shared the personal cost of his fame, calling it “a very empty, isolated, lonely existence.”
David’s fame not only isolated him, it also led to struggles with substance abuse. In 2008, he publicly acknowledged his battle with alcohol. His troubles continued, as he was charged with a DUI in 2010, followed by two more incidents in 2013 and 2014.
David Cassidy pictured at Town Court on September 3, 2014, in Schodack, New York. | Source: Getty Images
His battles with addiction also led him to enter rehab in 2014. By 2015, the musician filed for bankruptcy and faced charges for a hit-and-run later that year. During an interview on the “Dr. Phil” show, David confessed that his drinking had strained 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 that I didn’t kill myself. Because of him,” said the loving parent, who also has a daughter named Katie Cassidy.
David’s struggles further deepened in 2017 when he revealed he had been diagnosed with dementia. Having watched both his grandfather and mother suffer from the disease, he admitted, “I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming.”
Reflecting on his mother’s battle, he recalled, “In the end, the only way I knew she recognized me is with one single tear that would drop from her eye every time I walked into the room… I feared I would end up that way.”
David, having witnessed his mother “disappear” into the same illness, shared his deepest fears with his son, Beau. He urged, “I want you to promise me you’ll find a way to let me go. Don’t let me live like that.”
Tragically, the veteran star’s battle came to an end in November 2017 when he passed away at 67 due to organ failure. After being hospitalized in Florida for several days, his kidneys and liver gave out.
His publicist, Jo-Ann Geffen, confirmed his death and shared 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.”
At the time of his passing, David’s estate turned out to be worth much more than originally estimated, with his son Beau receiving nearly $1.68 million. This included over $230,000 in assets, $450,000 from David’s retirement plan, and a $1 million life insurance policy. He had left the bulk of his estate to Beau, excluding his daughter Katie.
David’s deep love and pride for his son were evident, especially as Beau followed in his footsteps, pursuing a career in show business as an actor. In a 2012 interview, David reflected on fatherhood, sharing, “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.”
The doting parent expressed his pride in Beau’s decision to leave college and follow his dreams, noting that his son had formed a band called the Fates and that he was incredibly proud. The father of two hoped that his child would succeed in his endeavors.
David and Beau Cassidy during MTV’s 3rd Annual Rock ‘n Jock Softball on January 23, 1992, in Long Beach, California. | Source: Getty Images
Beau continued to make his mark in the entertainment world, even participating in “The Voice,” and was later praised as “a really talented performer.”
Over the years, social media users have also commented on his striking resemblance to David, often comparing his looks to his father’s.
One admirer shared, “Beautiful smile young man…keep happy and creating your music [sic],” while another noted, “Just as handsome as his father [sic].”
Others echoed similar sentiments, calling him a “Handsome Young Cassidy [sic]” and noting, “You look just like your handsome Dad, David!! [sic]”
David Cassidy’s life was filled with both incredible success and deep personal challenges, but through it all, his love for his son Beau, remained constant. Despite the struggles he faced, from being a teen idol to battling addiction and illness, David’s legacy lives on through Beau, who continues to carry his father’s musical talent and charm.
