The Partridge Family was a popular sitcom that aired from 1970 to 1974, following the musical family’s journey as they embarked on a successful music career. While the show had a wholesome and family-friendly image, there were some shocking facts about the series that have come to light over the years. One of the most surprising is the taboo on-set romance that took place between two of the cast members.
Danny Bonaduce, who played the youngest member of the Partridge family, Keith, revealed in his memoir that he had an on-set romance with co-star Susan Dey, who played the eldest sibling, Laurie. Bonaduce was just 14 at the time, while Dey was 18. The relationship was kept a secret, as it was deemed inappropriate due to the age difference and the fact that Dey was technically Bonaduce’s boss on set.
Aside from the taboo romance, there were other interesting facts about the show. For one, the famous Partridge Family bus was not actually used for filming, but rather a mock-up set that was built on a soundstage. Additionally, the cast members were not actually playing their own instruments in the musical numbers, but rather lip-synching to pre-recorded tracks.
Another interesting fact about the show is that Shirley Jones, who played the matriarch of the Partridge family, initially turned down the role. She was hesitant about taking on a TV role after her successful career in film, but her husband convinced her to accept the part.
The show was also responsible for launching the music career of David Cassidy, who played the heartthrob lead singer of the family band. Cassidy’s popularity as a teen idol soared during the show’s run, and he went on to have a successful music career outside of the series. While The Partridge Family may have had its share of scandals and secrets behind the scenes, it remains a beloved show that has stood the test of time.
“The Partridge Family” was a popular American sitcom that aired from 1970 to 1974. The show was loosely based on the real-life musical family “The Cowsills” and followed the adventures of the Partridge family, a widowed mother and her five children who formed a musical group and toured the country in a brightly painted school bus.
The show was known for its catchy theme song “Come On Get Happy” and the wholesome and lighthearted nature of its storylines. It was a hit with audiences and earned several awards and nominations during its run, including a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.
In addition to the music, the show also dealt with important social issues of the time such as racism, environmentalism, and women’s liberation. It was one of the first television shows to feature a working single mother as the lead character and tackled topics that were considered taboo at the time.
Overall, “The Partridge Family” was a groundbreaking and beloved show that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans to this day.
