David Cassidy and Susan Dey shared a deep, complex connection during their time starring as Keith and Laurie Partridge on the hit 1970s sitcom The Partridge Family.
Key Aspects of Their Off-Screen Relationship
- Mutual Attraction: Both acknowledged a powerful mutual attraction that developed rapidly during the show's first season.
- Covert Romance: Fearful of harming the show or their burgeoning careers (especially Cassidy's teen idol status), they kept their off-screen romance largely secret from the public and even crew members.
- Intensity & Conflict: Their relationship was reportedly intense but tumultuous, marked by passionate arguments and reconciliations.
- Pressure Cooker: The constant demands of filming, Cassidy's skyrocketing fame, touring, and the pressure to maintain secrecy took a heavy toll.
Unrequited Feelings & Regret
While the romantic relationship ended sometime during or after the show's run (reports vary, potentially 1973-74), Cassidy consistently spoke about unresolved feelings:
- Cassidy's Perspective: He later expressed regret over not publicly acknowledging Dey as his girlfriend, feeling he prioritized career over love. He admitted he was "crazy about her" and described her as "the great love of my life."
- Dey's Guardedness: Dey remained far more private about their past. While confirming the attraction and off-screen closeness, she never publicly dwelled on it with the same emotional intensity as Cassidy did.
The Reality Revealed
Cassidy's candid disclosures in his later memoirs (Could It Be Forever?, C'mon, Get Happy...: Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus) confirmed what many fans suspected. He detailed the secret dates, the sneaking around, and the genuine depth of his feelings for her.
The essence of their story is one of intense, genuine connection forged under immense pressure, ultimately sacrificed to career demands and image management, leaving Cassidy with profound lifelong regret while Dey maintained her characteristic privacy.
Enduring Legacy
Their story became a poignant Hollywood footnote – a tale of a secret love overshadowed by fame, explored years later with raw honesty by Cassidy. Despite time and Dey's passing in late 2023, Cassidy's frequent reflections underscored its lasting impact on him.
