Susan Dey’s Secret Crush on David Cassidy and Her Incredible Life After ‘The Partridge Family’

At just 18 years old, Susan Dey became one of the most recognized faces on television, capturing the hearts of viewers across the nation as Laurie Partridge on the hit TV show The Partridge Family. With no prior acting or singing experience, Dey was catapulted into stardom in 1970 when the show aired, marking the beginning of a transformative and often challenging career.

The Rise of a Teenage Icon
The Partridge Family quickly gained popularity, running from 1970 to 1974, and depicted the adventures of a musical family traveling around the country in a psychedelic school bus. Dey, who was working as a model at the time, landed the role of Laurie Partridge, the intelligent and caring older sister in the fictional San Pueblo, California. Despite being new to acting, she became a household name, beloved by audiences in both the United States and abroad. The show’s popularity was undeniable, even gaining traction in the U.K. after its U.S. success.

However, the pressures of fame took their toll on the young actress. Dey reportedly developed an eating disorder, her weight dropping to a concerning 92 lbs. It was a TV producer who ultimately intervened, noticing the drastic change and encouraging her to adopt a healthier lifestyle. This marked a turning point in her life, one that would shape her approach to the many challenges she faced in the years ahead.

A Teenage Crush and Its Aftermath
While the show brought fame and fortune, it also brought personal challenges, particularly in Dey’s relationship with her co-star David Cassidy, who played the role of Keith Partridge. Cassidy became a teen idol almost overnight, facing what he described as “mass hysteria” from fans worldwide. Among those fans was Susan Dey, who developed a significant crush on her on-screen brother during the show’s run.

Though Dey admired Cassidy from afar while they worked together, it wasn’t until after the series ended that the two briefly dated. Their romance, however, was short-lived, with Cassidy ending it abruptly. What hurt Dey even more was Cassidy’s later memoir, where he shared intimate details of their relationship, calling her “too innocent” for him. The betrayal left a lasting mark on Dey, who vowed never to see him again. In fact, she refused to attend a Partridge Family reunion years later, a decision that underscored the deep emotional scars left behind.

Despite the short-lived romance, Dey continued to grow in her career. She remained busy after The Partridge Family, accepting numerous acting offers that led to her appearance in over 20 movies, primarily made-for-TV films, and 15 television shows. Her talent and dedication earned her six Golden Globe and three Emmy award nominations.

From Laurie Partridge to Grace Van Owen: A Career Transformation
While Dey enjoyed moderate success after The Partridge Family, it wasn’t until she took on the role of Grace Van Owen in LA Law that her career truly blossomed. From 1986 to 1992, she portrayed the Los Angeles County deputy district attorney who later became a judge, a role that finally won her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Her time on LA Law proved to be a defining period in her career, showcasing her dramatic abilities and propelling her further into the limelight.

Interestingly, Dey was also offered the part of Sandy in the hit musical Grease, a role that eventually went to Olivia Newton-John. It’s an intriguing coincidence considering that Newton-John had initially been considered for the role of Laurie Partridge but turned it down on her manager’s advice.

Life Beyond Hollywood
Born in 1952 in Westchester County, New York, Susan Hallock Dey was raised in a modest household with her mother, a nurse, and her father, an editor for the Standard-Star newspaper. Over the years, she has managed to stay out of the limelight, choosing to live a quieter life in upstate New York with her husband of more than three decades, Bernard Sofronski, a television producer.

After her split from Cassidy, Dey admitted to having a preference for older men, stating in a 1988 interview that she liked them because “they’ve learned exactly how to get what they want.” Her first marriage was to agent Lenny Hirshan, who was 25 years her senior. They were married from 1976 to 1981 and had a daughter named Sara, born in 1978.

In 1988, she married her current husband, Bernard Sofronski, in a private ceremony. Reflecting on her relationship with Sofronski, Dey once said, “Bernie has helped me understand that love involves give and take. I never understood love until I met him. I seem to have more energy and I’m allowing myself to become more and more me every day. It makes life so much easier when you’re with someone you can trust.”

A Lasting Legacy
Though she has largely retreated from the public eye, Susan Dey’s legacy as an actress and pop culture icon remains strong. Her portrayal of Laurie Partridge helped define an era of television, and her later roles showcased her versatility and depth as an actress. Now in her 70s, Dey is reported to be enjoying life away from the spotlight, relishing her quiet existence and the fond memories of her career.

As fans of The Partridge Family reflect on the impact the show had on their lives, Susan Dey remains a beloved figure, not only for her role as Laurie Partridge but also for her strength and resilience in navigating the highs and lows of fame.