This ’70s Teen Heartthrob, Who Left His Career at the Peak of Fame, Stunned Fans with His Transformation at 66 — What Happened to Him? Gaone Pule
fA former teen heartthrob experienced the intensity of fame, having been pursued countless times by adoring fans. Even decades later, the star continues to astonish everyone with his timeless looks. Take a look at his incredible transformation and life story over the years.
A former child star, widely recognized for his role in an ABC adventure series won the hearts of fans as both a singer and actor back in the day. However, he chose to step away from the spotlight while at the height of his fame, and his transformation since then has left many fans amazed.
The singer pictured on January 1, 1970, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
From a childhood in a successful family to witnessing personal hardships, to building a career behind the camera and finding joy in family life, this is the story of the ’70s heartthrob who stepped away from fame at its height.
The singer photographed on January 1, 1970 | Source: Getty Images
The celebrity’s childhood was split between Los Angeles and New York City. While still in high school, he signed with Warner Brothers Records, resulting in three multi-platinum albums, several top-ten hits, and a series of sold-out shows nationwide.
The teen idol singing on stage on January 1, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
He would belt out his popular hits like “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “That’s Rock ‘n’ Roll,” but after the show, he often found himself swarmed by fans. They climbed onto his car, grabbed his hair, and even chased him out of Dodger Stadium during the 1977 World Series.
The singer pictured with fans outside WQXI radio studio on June 1, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia. | Source: Getty Images
At nearly the same time, the hitmaker captivated audiences on the television “The Hardy Boys Mysteries,” further cementing his status in the entertainment industry.
The actor, Pamela Sue Martin, and Parker Stevenson on the set of “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries,” 1977 | Source: Getty Images
The public figure managed to avoid the typical pitfalls of teen fame, crediting his family for keeping him grounded. “By the time I became successful at 18, three other people in my family had already been wildly successful,” he explained.
The child star poses for a portrait session on January 1, 1978, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“My father was a matinee idol on Broadway, my mother was an Academy Award winner at 24, and (his half-brother) David was a very big pop star, “the veteran star continued. He further explained that he had witnessed fame within his family, so when it happened to him, he didn’t tie his identity to its success or longevity.
The singer and his mother at the 44th Academy Awards on April 10, 1972, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on those days in an interview, the singer said, “I have a weird career. I had a very explosive first act and then at 21, went into hiding. And I don’t know what inspired that other than I think I was not necessarily wanting to continue on the path of a performer.”
The singer photographed on January 1, 1979, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 1980, the Hollywood star stood before an audience of nearly 55,000 at the now-closed Houston Astrodome, telling them he would “see them soon” before stepping away from the spotlight, leaving behind his satin pants and microphone.
Shaun Cassidy during the 37th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 26, 1980, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Years later, he reflected on that decision, saying he often wondered how his younger self managed to endure that level of fame. He admitted, “I’m still trying to figure it out. But I do think going away from it saved it for me.”
Meanwhile, the story of Shaun Cassidy’s half-sibling, David Cassidy, took a very different turn, with a life that contrasted sharply with his own experience as a teen idol.
Shaun and David Cassidy at David’s wedding wedding on January 1, 1970, in Las Vegas | Source: Getty Images
David, best known for his role in the 1970s sitcom “The Partridge Family,” faced a lifelong struggle with alcohol addiction. As an actor and singer, his battles with substance abuse became a significant part of his story.
David Cassidy on the set of “The Partridge Family,” 1971 | Source: Getty Images
In 2008, David openly acknowledged his struggle with alcohol abuse and later faced substance abuse issues, leading to a rehab stay in 2014. Shaun, his younger brother, reflected on the difficulty of watching David go through these struggles.
David Cassidy performs at the “The Ultimate Idols” concert on September 13, 2008, in Staten Island, New York. | Source: Getty Images
He mentioned that witnessing his brother’s alcoholism was extremely hard, noting that it is a painful experience many families face. He admitted that managing such a situation is challenging and that there is no definitive guide on how to handle it.
Shaun Cassidy and David Cassidy during St. Clare’s Hospital Benefit Luncheon on October 6, 1993, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In 2017, David sadly passed away at 67 from liver and kidney failure after years of fighting his addiction. He was the only son of Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward. Later, Jack married Shirley Jones, star of “Oklahoma,” and they had three sons: Shaun, Patrick, and Ryan.
Despite previous family challenges caused by his alcoholism, his family came together to support him during his final days. Shaun also pointed out that his brother’s childhood was quite different from his own.
With a different mother and a unique relationship with their father, David’s career and life experiences set him on a path unlike that of Shaun. “I loved and adored him and he was as funny a guy as you’ll ever meet,” Shaun admitted. He also reflected on their year-long collaboration in the Broadway show “Blood Brothers.”
David and Shaun Cassidy on the set of “Blood Brothers,” 1993 | Source: Getty Images
The showbiz star found the experience both enjoyable and therapeutic, as it gave them a chance to feel a strong connection to their father, who died tragically in 1976 in an apartment fire.
David Shaun Cassidy pictured on January 1, 1975 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the challenges brought on by family troubles and dealing with grief, Shaun managed to find his own path to happiness by eventually settling down. He has been married three times, with his first marriage to former Playboy model Ann Pennington, with whom he had two children, Caitlin and John Cassidy.
Ann Pennington and Shaun Cassidy during Opening Night Performance of “She Loves You” on July 2, 1987, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The television star later married actress Susan Diol, who previously appeared on “Quantum Leap” and the “Star Trek” series. The couple welcomed a daughter, Juliet Cassidy.
Susan Doil and Shaun Cassidy attend the 39th Annual Drama Desk Awards on June 5, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Currently, Shaun is happily married to his third wife TV producer Tracey Lynne Turner, whom he wed in August 2004. Together, they have four children. In total, Shaun is a father of eight, having welcomed his children with his three wives.
Reflecting on his teen idol days, the “Hey Deanie” singer once joked that his career didn’t follow the typical “Behind the Music” path of financial ruin and rehab. Aware of the fleeting nature of teen stardom, he wisely shifted gears to build a successful career as a writer and producer.
Over the years, he has worked on shows like “American Gothic,” “Roar,” “Cold Case,” and “Emerald City.” He also served as the executive producer and writer for NBC’s medical drama “New Amsterdam,” which aired for five seasons.
At 66, Shaun continues to draw admiration from fans, who often express their thoughts in the comments on his Instagram page. “You look so handsome,” one fan posted, while another added, “Looking amazing.” A third user echoed similar sentiments.
Shaun Cassidy’s journey from teen idol to successful writer and producer showcases his ability to adapt and thrive beyond the spotlight. Even now, his enduring charm and talent continue to captivate fans, proving that some stars only shine brighter with time.