David Cassidy died Tuesday in a Florida hospital. The musician and actor, who was also a pop culture icon of the 1970s, was 67-years-old.
His publicist JoAnn Geffen released a statement confirming his death and saying, “On behalf of the entire Cassidy 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. Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years,” according to Variety.
Cassidy had announced his diagnosis with dementia in early 2017, but had been hospitalized for several days with organ failure. In March, he performed at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York, and talked about his dementia, as well as saying his arthritis made playing guitar difficult.
In the early 1970s, Cassidy became a nation-wide heartthrob, sporting pretty-boy looks and long locks, reports Variety. He was part of a show business family that included his father, Tony-winning actor Jack Cassidy, stepmother Shirley Jones, half-brother Shaun Cassidy and daughter, actress Katie Cassidy. David Cassidy would also draw screaming crowds at concert appearances.
He was born in New Jersey but moved to Los Angeles in 1969 after starring in a Broadway musical that closed after four performances, reports Variety. He took on the role of older brother Keith Partridge in The Partridge Family. The show ran from 1970 to 1974. The show helped launch Cassidy’s music career. But several shows results in riots or mass hysteria, including one performance in 1974 in Australia, which garnered calls for Cassidy to be deported from the country, according to Variety.
After a concert in London in 1974, nearly 800 people were injured and a teenage girl died a few days later. Cassidy stopped touring after that and concentrated on recording.
He went back to the theater and performed in Little Johnny Jones, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, among others. He was nominated for an Emmy for his part in Police Story.
Over the years, he continued to perform in Las Vegas and Tour. He as known for doing Q&A session after the concerts, writes Variety. But he struggled with alcoholism and was arrested for several DUIs.
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