Do you recall the enchanting days of watching “The Partridge Family”? If you were a fan, the beauty of Laurie Partridge, portrayed by actress Susan Dey, likely left an indelible impression.
When Susan was offered the role in the ABC series spanning from 1970 to 1974, she lacked acting experience. However, her casting proved to be a stroke of genius, as her innate talent suggested she had been in front of the camera countless times before.
The adventures of the Partridge Family, a musical clan traveling in a refurbished psychedelic school bus, captured the hearts of many. After its success in the United States, the show became a massive hit in the U.K., catapulting the cast to international fame.
Susan’s co-star, David Cassidy, who portrayed Keith in the series, swiftly became a teen idol adored by many girls, including Susan herself. Despite harboring a crush for an extended period, their romantic involvement only commenced after the show concluded.
Unfortunately, their relationship was short-lived, and they remained good friends until David’s book, “C’mon, Get Happy: Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus,” where intimate details about his relationship with Susan were revealed. Among other things, he cited ending their connection because she was too innocent for him.
This revelation infuriated Susan, leading her to vow never to speak to him again and even refusing to attend a cast reunion years later.
Following “The Partridge Family,” Susan became part of various movies and TV shows. She also authored a book titled “Susan Dey’s Secrets on Boys, Beauty, and Popularity.” Over the years, she garnered six Golden Globe and three Emmy award nominations, ultimately winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role as Grace Van Owen in “LA Law.”
Worldation.com reports that Susan turned down the role of Sandy in “Grease,” while Olivia Newton-John, who played Sandy, was initially offered the role of Laurie in “The Partridge Family” but was convinced by her manager to decline it.
Today, Susan enjoys a serene life with her husband and family in her native New York. Though no longer in the limelight, she remains an enduring figure who enriched our youthful years. Series like “The Partridge Family” continue to hold a special place in our memories, defying the passage of time.