What happens when a young rising star finds herself caught up in the maelstrom of fame and pressure of a hit TV show?
For Susan Dey, it was more than just navigating the ups and downs of The Partridge Family – it dealt with the intense scrutiny of millions of adoring fans and the unexpected twists and turns in her personal life.
Despite the public adulation behind the scenes, Dey faced challenges that affected her career and future. What about her relationship with actor David Cassidy? The truth behind their brief romance is full of unexpected revelations.
Read on to discover the untold story of Susan Dey’s rise to fame, the struggles she faced, and how she finally found peace away from the spotlight.
At just 18, Susan Dey became one of the most popular television stars of the 1970s.
“The Partridge Family,” which aired from 1970 to 1974, followed the fictional lives of a musical family in San Pueblo, California. Dey, who was a model at the time, was cast as Laurie’s older sister in the ABC series about a family that travels to their concerts in a colorful restored school bus.
From 1970 to 1974, Dey portrayed Laurie Partridge, a clever and compassionate character who became a central part of the show. “The Partridge Family” won the hearts of millions of viewers in the US and even gained popularity overseas, it was also broadcast in the UK.
However, the success of the show took a toll on the cast. Dey reportedly struggled with an eating disorder during the series and her weight dropped to 92 pounds. A television producer eventually noticed her condition and encouraged her to adopt a healthier eating regimen that did not involve starvation.
David Cassidy, who played Keith Partridge, also faced enormous pressure from the show’s popularity. In his memoir, Come Be Happy: Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus, he shared that the “mass hysteria” that surrounded him and his teammates was overwhelming. As a teen idol, Cassidy attracted millions of adoring fans, including Dey, who had a huge crush on him. Although they only started dating after the series, their brief relationship ended abruptly when Cassidy later revealed sensitive details about Dey in her memoir, including his belief that she was too innocent for him.
Despite their continued friendship after their breakup, Dey was hurt by Cassidy’s public exposure and vowed never to see him again, even refusing to attend a Partridge Family reunion years later.
During her time on “The Partridge Family,” Dey also wrote a book called Susan Dey’s Secrets on Boys, Beauty and Popularity. After the show ended, Dey received numerous acting offers and appeared in more than 20 films and 15 television shows. She earned six Golden Globe nominations and three Emmy nominations for her work. Her role as Grace Van Owen in LA Law eventually won her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. She portrayed a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney who later became a judge, a role she held for six years.
In an interesting twist, Dey was reportedly offered the role of Sandy in Grease but turned it down. Coincidentally, Olivia Newton-John, who was eventually cast as Sandy, was once offered the role of Laurie Partridge in The Partridge Family, but her manager convinced her not to take it.
Born Susan Hallock Dey in 1952, she spent her childhood in Westchester County, New York, where her mother worked as a nurse and her father was an editor at the Standard-Star in New Rochelle.
After stepping away from the spotlight for the past decade, Dey now lives a quieter life in upstate New York, where she grew up, with her husband of more than 30 years, Bernard Sofronski.
Dey’s romantic history includes a brief marriage to agent Lenny Hirshan, who was 25 years her senior. The two were married from 1976 to 1981 and had a daughter, Sara, in 1978. In 1988, Dey married television producer Bernard Sofronski in a private ceremony with close family and friends. In interviews, Dey expressed that her relationship with Sofronski helped her better understand love and trust.
At 69, Susan Dey seems to be enjoying a quiet life, reflecting on her childhood and journey away from the public eye.
If you know any fans of The Partridge Family, please feel free to share this article with them!
In conclusion, Susan Dey’s journey from a teenage TV star on The Partridge Family to a successful and respected actress on LA Law shows her resilience and ability to adapt in both her personal and professional life. Although the pressures of fame have taken their toll, Dey’s strength has helped her navigate the ups and downs of her career and relationships.
Today, at 69, he enjoys a quiet, fulfilling life out of the public eye, reflecting on his accomplishments and cherishing his family. Her legacy as Laurie Partridge and as a talented actress will be forever remembered by fans of The Partridge Family and beyond.