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Danny Bonaduce, known for his role on The Partridge Family, recently shared memories of his close friendship with Shirley Jones, the Oscar-winning actress who portrayed his TV mom on the show. Off-screen, Bonaduce often spent time at Jones’ Beverly Hills home during the period when she was married to actor Jack Cassidy.
Cassidy was not only Jones’ husband but also the real-life father of fellow Partridge Family star David Cassidy. Reflecting on a September 2 appearance on The Scott Baio Podcast, Bonaduce, now 67, described the experience of working with Jones as “beautiful” and recalled spending weekends at her house, often hanging out with her son Shaun Cassidy. He also painted a vivid picture of Jack Cassidy as a quintessential figure of “old Hollywood.”
“When you walked up to their door in Beverly Hills, the first thing you’d see was Jack Cassidy answering the door in a red velvet smoking jacket, holding a martini and a cigarette in a holder,” Bonaduce recounted. Initially, he doubted this memory, thinking it might have been a child’s impression. However, Jones confirmed that his recollection was accurate.
Bonaduce also noted that Jones’ Academy Award for her role in the 1960 film Elmer Gantry was prominently displayed in their home. “You open the door, there’s Jack Cassidy, and right over his shoulder is Shirley’s Oscar. There’s no missing who lives there,” he said.
Despite Jones’ acclaim, Bonaduce emphasized Cassidy’s own star power. He shared a humorous anecdote about working alongside Shaun Cassidy to move large rocks for a pool project at the house. Cassidy promised them $10 for the task but ultimately didn’t pay, cleverly claiming they hadn’t moved the rocks to the correct spot.
Jones and Cassidy’s marriage ended in 1975, shortly after The Partridge Family concluded. Tragically, Cassidy died in a West Hollywood apartment fire the following year at age 49.
Jones later married comedian Marty Ingels in 1977. She once told ABC News that her success was difficult for Cassidy to accept, saying, “He was my knight in shining armor, the love of my life, but it was very difficult for him being that I was the breadwinner.”
Reflecting on her later marriage, Jones admitted, “Had Jack not died-I don’t know if I would’ve married Marty.”
This look back at the relationships behind the scenes of The Partridge Family offers a glimpse into the lives of some of Hollywood’s memorable figures and the complexities that accompanied their fame.