Have you ever reminisced about watching the iconic TV series “The Partridge Family”? For those who were fans, the allure of Laurie Partridge, portrayed by Susan Dey, likely left a lasting impression.
When Susan was offered the role in the ABC series, spanning from 1970 to 1974, she lacked prior acting experience. However, her casting proved to be a stroke of brilliance, as her innate talent shone through, making it seem as though she had been in front of the camera for years.
The escapades of the Partridge family, a musical clan traveling in a psychedelic school bus, captivated audiences. Following its success in the U.S., the show gained immense popularity in the U.K., solidifying the cast’s fame.
David Cassidy, Susan’s on-screen counterpart who played Keith, swiftly became a teen heartthrob, admired by many, including Susan herself. Despite harboring a crush on him for an extended period, they only began dating after the show concluded. However, their romance was short-lived, and they remained good friends until David’s revealing book, “C’mon, Get Happy: Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus”, disclosed intimate details about their relationship. Among other things, he cited Susan’s innocence as the reason for ending their connection.
This revelation angered Susan, leading her to vow never to speak to him again and to decline participation in a cast reunion years later.
Post “The Partridge Family,” Susan ventured into various movies and TV shows, even authoring a book titled “Susan Dey’s Secrets on Boys, Beauty, and Popularity”.
Over the years, she accumulated six Golden Globe and three Emmy award nominations before clinching a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role as Grace Van Owen in “LA Law”.
Interestingly, Susan turned down the role of Sandy in “Grease”, while Olivia Newton-John, who ultimately played Sandy, was initially offered the role of Laurie in “The Partridge Family” but was dissuaded by her manager from accepting it.
Today, Susan enjoys a serene life with her husband and family in her native New York. Though no longer in the spotlight, she remains a significant part of our nostalgic young years. Series like “The Partridge Family” are etched in our memories, standing the test of time.