He Kept His Secrets In Plain Sight
Jack Cassidy was the Broadway actor, singer, and director whose erratic personal life nearly overshadowed his staggering stage accomplishments. Despite being married twice (and fathering two teen idols), he managed to keep a secret from his whole family. Until it all went up in flames.
Silver Screen Collection / Contributor, Getty Images
1. He Was Born For The Spotlight
John Joseph Edward Cassidy burst through the curtains on March 5, 1927, not actually far from Broadway in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York City. The youngest of five in a big Irish-German household, Cassidy grew up in the hum of city life—though it would take years before the world learned his name.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
2. His Parents Struggled To Build A Home
Cassidy’s father, William, earned his keep as a Long Island Rail Road engineer. His mother, Charlotte, had immigrated to the United States from Hamburg, Germany. Together, they tried to build a home that would serve as a solid foundation for their young brood.
Too much of the responsibility, however, fell on Cassidy.
John Springer Collection, Getty Images
3. He Grew Up In Hard Times
Like countless other Depression-era kids, Cassidy’s childhood came with calluses from hard work. Instead of playing hopscotch, he spent his boyhood hustling odd jobs to help keep the family afloat. But it wasn’t all bad. He learned the rhythm of hard work long before he learned the rhythm of applause.
And he really understood hard work.
Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided, Wikimedia Commons
History's most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily.
4. He Worked Every Job Under The Sun
Before his name ever graced a marquee, Jack Cassidy had just about every job imaginable. But his early “credits” were not exactly glamorous. To help his family, he worked as a “bellhop, counterman, dishwasher, chauffeur, clothing salesman, postal clerk, hotel clerk, stable boy”…you name it.
His true calling, however, could not be ignored.
Achille Giroux (1816-1854), Wikimedia Commons
5. He Had A Circus Connection
Cassidy’s first foray into showbiz came from the unlikeliest of places: the circus. His ex-vaudevillian contortionist uncle—appropriately named “Ben Dova”—saw something in the eager teen. Dova arranged auditions for the young Cassidy, knowing that he would become a star.
He just had to commit. Fully.
AnonymousUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons
6. He Quit School For His Dream
By 15, Cassidy’s passion for showbiz burned brighter than his report cards. Determined to pursue a life in entertainment, he left school behind, trading textbooks for show tunes. Under the guidance of voice coach Polly Robertson, he trained his baritone until it was Broadway-ready.
It wouldn’t be long before he used it.
Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images
7. He Hit Broadway As A Teen
Cassidy was clearly a natural. At just 16, he landed his first Broadway gig—but it wasn’t in the spotlight. Instead, he joined the chorus of Cole Porter’s “Something for the Boys” at the Alvin Theatre. Decades later, his association with Porter (more than 30 years his senior) would become scandalous.
unattributed, see link, Wikimedia Commons
8. He Danced Through The Forties
Jack Cassidy—just a regular kid from Queens—quickly became a Broadway regular. From “Sadie Thompson” in 1944 to “Around the World” in 1946 and “Music in My Heart” in 1947, Cassidy built his career one chorus line at a time. But something—and someone—was about to change that.
9. He Met His Match Onstage
While performing in “The Firebrand of Florence”, Cassidy met the actress and dancer Evelyn Ward. She was sophisticated, talented, and had the kind of sparkle that rivaled his own. Their chemistry wasn’t just theatrical—it was electric.
History's most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily.
10. He Married His Leading Lady
On June 28, 1948, Jack Cassidy and Ward tied the knot in a Broadway wedding worthy of an encore. Surrounded by theatre royalty, the couple began their own showstopping act, welcoming son David Bruce Cassidy just a few years later. The family that acted together, stayed together.
For a while.
11. He Found Himself In “South Pacific”
By 1952, Cassidy’s Broadway resume and fame was growing faster than his family. He joined the cast of “South Pacific” at the Majestic Theatre, stepping into the role of Richard West. He proved that he was ready for bigger things—and much brighter spotlights.
Screenshot from South Pacific, 20th Century Fox (1958)
12. He Got His First Big Break
Later that same year, Cassidy snagged his first lead role in “Wish You Were Here” at the Imperial Theatre. As Chick Miller, he charmed audiences in what would become a Tony-winning musical, and the critics took notice. Broadway had just found its newest golden boy.
13. He Became An Irish Hero
Jack Cassidy followed up his spotlight debut with the role of Johnny O’Sullivan in “Sandhog”. The story, about Irish immigrants building New York’s tunnels, hit close to home for the Irish-German New Yorker, and his heartfelt performance earned rave reviews. It also revealed his most personal side yet.
14. He Met His Future On Tour
In 1955, Jack Cassidy stepped away from Broadway and took his voice overseas on a State Department tour of “Oklahoma!”, taking the lead role as Curly. The trip introduced him to more than just different cultures. It was while touring with “Oklahoma!” that Cassidy met a stunning young actress named Shirley Jones.
And then everything changed.
15. He Fell Hard For His Co-Star
Cassidy and Jones didn’t just share a stage while touring through Europe—they shared sparks. Their chemistry on the set of “Oklahoma!” (and off of it) was impossible to ignore. By the time the final curtain fell, they were more than co-stars. They were falling in love— and fast.
History's most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily.
16. He Left Ward In The Cold
Cassidy’s connection with Jones was undeniable. But there was one obstacle in the way: his wife, Evelyn Ward. Feeling his heart pulled away towards his “Oklahoma!” co-star, Jones filed for divorce from Ward. He didn’t waste any time getting back into the character of the doting husband.
Fairchild Archive, Getty Images
17. He Proposed Between Acts
After divorcing Ward, Cassidy wasted no time making his next grand romantic gesture. During a 1956 production of “The Beggar’s Opera”, he asked Shirley Jones to marry him before the final curtain call. In between acts, Cassidy got down on one knee and popped the question.
Of course, she said yes, and on August 5, 1956, they became Broadway’s golden couple.
18. He Conquered Stages Across The Globe
A second marriage didn’t slow Jack Cassidy down—it only brightened his spotlight. From “Shangri-La” in 1956 to “Wonderful Town” in 1958, he performed everywhere from New York City to the Brussels World’s Fair. He was starting an acting and entertainment dynasty of his own.
19. He Raised A Family Of Stars
In 1958, Cassidy and Jones welcomed their first son, Shaun, who would later become a teen idol with even more fans than his father. Not to be outdone, four years later came Patrick—born while Jones filmed The Music Man. During one scene, an in-utero Patrick embraced his family’s flair for the dramatic, kicking his mother’s co-star mid-embrace.
Cassidy, it seemed, was the very image of wholesomeness.
20. He Gave His Voice To Christmas
Cassidy’s talents went far beyond the Broadway stage. In fact, he was a pioneer in other forms of entertainment. In 1962, he voiced Bob Cratchit in Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol—the first-ever animated holiday TV special. His warm, resonant voice gave the beloved character a touch of theatrical magic.
Still, Broadway was where he shone brightest.
Screenshot from Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol, United Productions of America (1962)
21. He Won Broadway’s Highest Honors
Cassidy reached his theatrical peak in 1963’s “She Loves Me”, playing the slick Steven Kodaly. His performance earned him both a Tony Award and a Grammy for the show’s cast album in 1964. The awards practically made him Broadway royalty—but he wasn’t done yet.
Friedman-Abeles Studio, New York, Wikimedia Commons
History's most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily.
22. He Faded Out—And Right Back In
Jack Cassidy proved his staying power with “Fade Out – Fade In” in 1964, dazzling audiences as Byron Prong. The following year, his sharp comedic timing and musical magnetism earned him yet another Tony nomination. For Cassidy, Broadway’s spotlight seemed endless.
Screenshot from Hollywood Mysteries and Scandals, Orion Television (1984)
23. He Became Superman’s Rival
In 1966, Cassidy showed audiences his bad side. Taking the role of Max Mencken in “It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman”, Cassidy portrayed a character driven to evil by his jealousy of Superman. But, clearly, he was good at being bad. Cassidy’s turn in the production scored him a Tony nod for Best Leading Actor.
Suddenly, the stage felt too small for him.
Screenshot from It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman!, Warner Bros. Television (1975)
24. He Made TV Audiences Laugh
Following his string of Broadway successes, for nearly two years, Jack Cassidy traded footlights for floodlights in the CBS sitcom He & She. As the pompous, “buffonish” Oscar North, he became a parody of every overblown leading man he’d ever played—and earned an Emmy nomination for the privilege.
Hollywood couldn’t resist him.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
25. He Caught Spielberg’s Eye
By 1970, Cassidy was blazing across screens big and small. After impressing in The Andersonville Trial, he turned villainous once again in an episode of Columbo, “Murder by the Book,” playing the evildoer Ken Franklin. Directed by an as-yet unknown, 24-year-old Steven Spielberg, it became one of TV’s most celebrated debuts.
His critics took note.
Screenshot from Columbo, “Murder by the Book,” Universal Television (1971)
26. He Earned Another Emmy Nod
With a string of Tony awards and nominations, Cassidy had conquered the stage—and the TV was next. For his transformative performance in The Andersonville Trial, Cassidy earned an Emmy nomination, making him one of the rare stars to successfully cross from stage to screen. By the mid-1970s, he had developed a niche unlike any other.
Screenshot from The Andersonville Trial, CBS Television (1970)
27. He Had A Perfect Persona
Whether on Broadway or television, Cassidy carved out an on-screen persona that few could hope to match. With his patented expressions and body language, he made arrogance look charming. His trademark style—urbane, confident, and delightfully egotistical—was so polished that it landed him the role of John Barrymore in WC Fields and Me (1976).
He was utterly irreplaceable.
Screenshot from W.C. Fields and Me, Universal Pictures (1976)
History's most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily.
28. He Rivaled A TV Icon
One of Cassidy’s more memorable characters was the role of Hal Baxter—the brother of Ted Baxter—in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His one-episode appearance showed just how effortlessly he could hog the spotlight and leave audiences yearning for more, even when playing second fiddle. Still, the role was something of a consolation prize.
Screenshot from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, CBS Television (1970–1977)
29. He Turned Down His Big Shot
Ironically, Cassidy could have had the spotlight of The Mary Tyler Moore Show all to himself. The showrunners had actually created the character of Ted Baxter specifically for Cassidy. In a rare misstep, Cassidy turned the role down, thinking that it wasn’t the right fit. Still, there was a show he was perfect for.
Screenshot from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, CBS Television (1970–1977)
30. He Was The Bad Guy
Cassidy couldn’t resist revisiting his dark side. In 1974, he reprised his role as a ne’er-do-well in the Columbo series. This time, portraying the role of publisher Riley Greenleaf in the episode “Publish or Perish,” Cassidy once again proved that he was very much in touch with his dark side. Too in touch, perhaps.
Screenshot from Columbo, “Publish or Perish,” Universal Television (1974)
31. His Son Was Worried About Him
David Cassidy, Jack Cassidy’s son, made a shocking revelation in his 1994 autobiography, C’mon, Get Happy. In his reflections, the younger Cassidy revealed how much his father’s behavior haunted him, saying that his moods had grown erratic and unpredictable. The truth is that the real drama was unfolding off-stage.
Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images
32. He Battled His Inner Demons
By the mid-1970s, Cassidy’s mental health had begun to deteriorate. In fact, his behavior had become so erratic that doctors diagnosed him with bipolar disorder. To make his situation worse, unbeknownst to many, Cassidy struggled with addiction to the bottle. There were, however, clear signs that he wasn’t all there.
Screenshot from Columbo, “Publish or Perish,” Universal Television (1974)
33. He Shocked The Neighborhood
One afternoon in 1974, Cassidy put on a show for his Los Angeles neighbors—though, not quite the show they were accustomed to. In broad daylight, Cassidy stepped out of his home and began watering his front lawn—in his birthday suit. The sight made headlines and confirmed what insiders already feared: something inside Jack Cassidy had snapped.
Screenshot from Columbo, “Publish or Perish,” Universal Television (1974)
History's most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily.
34. He Had Other Strange Episodes
Years later, Cassidy’s wife, Jones, described similarly odd scenes at home. Once, she found Cassidy sitting in a corner, calmly reading a book…without any clothes. The most shocking thing is that that episode wasn’t even the most troubling in the drama of Cassidy’s unfolding personal life.
35. He Believed He Was Divine
During one of Cassidy’s more confusing manic episodes, Jones tried to coax him into getting ready for a show. Cassidy, serene as ever, looked up from his book, and replied, “I know now that I’m Christ”. It was the chilling moment Jones realized how far gone he truly was—and that she couldn’t help him alone.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
36. He Was Finally Hospitalized
By late 1974, Cassidy’s mental collapse had reached a breaking point. After another alarming episode, he was admitted to a psychiatric facility for two full days. It was only then that Jones learned the full truth of her husband’s bipolar disorder diagnosis. That may have been the moment she knew that she couldn’t help him.
Screenshot from Columbo, Universal Television (1968–2003)
37. He Lost His Second Marriage
Cassidy’s mental health struggles were more than Jones could bear. By May 1975, the couple decided that the best thing for both of them was to go their separate ways. Their divorce marked the end of Broadway’s golden couple—and the beginning of a dangerous chapter for Cassidy.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
38. He Played A Dangerous Game
Even as his private life crumbled, Cassidy kept working. It might have been the only thing keeping sane—and he had almost never been better. Shortly after his divorce, he co-starred in Clint Eastwood’s thriller The Eiger Sanction, playing a sly informer named Miles Mellough. The role suited him—a charming deceiver with too many secrets of his own.
Screenshot from The Eiger Sanction, Universal Pictures (1975)
39. He Made TV History
In 1976, Cassidy returned to Columbo for a third time, this time as The Great Santini in “Now You See Him…”. His malicious magician character dazzled fans and put him among an elite few—actors who played multiple evildoers on the celebrated series.
No matter how bright his spotlight, however, he kept something hidden in the dark.
Screenshot from Columbo, “Now You See Him…,” Universal Television (1976)
History's most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily.
40. He Hid A Secret Life
After his passing, Cassidy’s son, David Cassidy, revealed that his father had been hiding a big secret. Jack Cassidy, the beloved theater and TV star, he claimed, was bisexual. The stories of Cassidy’s affairs had, until then, only been whispered about in showbiz circles—but to his children, it was news from beyond the grave.
And there was more to it.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty images
41. He Had An Affair With A Famous Composer
In her 2013 memoir Shirley Jones: A Memoir, Jones confirmed what Cassidy’s son had stated: that her husband had had numerous affairs. The most scandalous, however, was the revelation that Cassidy had, allegedly, had an affair with the composer Cole Porter—a man almost 40 years his senior.
It was still slightly more complicated than that.
Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons
42. He Loved Women—And Men
Jones went on to explain her late-husband’s romantic life, saying, “Well, Jack was…he did it with men and women. He had an affair with Cole Porter and he told me about all this. I was very aware of it. But he loved women!” For all his contradictions, Cassidy had no illusions about who he was.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
43. He Lived Like A Star In Isolation
Following his second divorce, Cassidy was living alone. He occupied a Hollywood penthouse that spanned the entire top floor of the building, ringed with balconies overlooking the city that had made him famous. But isolation and excess rarely mix well.
44. He Reached Out One Last Time
On December 11, 1976, Cassidy phoned his ex-wife, Shirley Jones, to invite her over for drinks. It’s not clear what his intentions were, because Jones declined the offer, thinking little of it. But that small, seemingly harmless decision would haunt her for the rest of her life.
45. He Spent His Final Night Alone
That evening, instead of reminiscing with his ex-wife, Cassidy dined at a local Italian restaurant before barhopping across West Hollywood. By the time he returned to his penthouse, he was alone—and not exactly sober. No one could have known it would be his last night.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
History's most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily.
46. He Lit An Inferno
Alone in his penthouse, Cassidy reclined into his couch and lit a smoke to take the edge off. Sadly, it worked too well. Between the hooch and the smoke, Cassidy drifted off to sleep, letting the coffin nail slip from his hand. In an instant, his sofa was engulfed in flames—and moments later, so was his apartment.
Mike Meadows, Los Angeles Times, Wikimedia Commons
47. His Apartment Went Up In Flames
By the early dawn the following morning, Cassidy’s apartment was a raging inferno. The conflagration caught the attention of Deputy Sheriff John DiMatteo, who immediately began evacuating the building’s other residents to safety. There was just one person unaccounted for: Jack Cassidy.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
48. He Was Nowhere To Be Found—At First
Authorities discovered a “charred body, burned beyond recognition” right near the doorway. However, Cassidy’s car was missing, so his friends and family assumed—or desperately hoped—that he had simply absconded to Palm Springs, as he had been planning. When authorities learned that a friend had borrowed Cassidy’s car, they feared the worst.
Screenshot from Columbo, Universal Television (1968–2003)
49. He Was Identified By His Ring
The badly burned body found its way to the coroner who confirmed what everyone had feared. Through dental records and a gold signet ring engraved with the Cassidy family crest, authorities identified the body: it was Jack Cassidy. At just 49 years old, his star had burned out.
But he left a legacy of stardust behind.
Screenshot from Columbo, Universal Television (1968–2003)
50. He Returned To The Sea
After cremating the rest of his remains, Cassidy’s family scattered his ashes into the Pacific Ocean. But the shine of his star hadn’t truly faded. Cassidy’s sons, David, Shaun, and Patrick would all go on to glittering showbiz careers, owing their talents—and their success—to a father whose deepest, darkest secrets they had never truly known until it all went up in flames.
You May Also Like:
Hidden Facts About Gertrude Lawrence, The Broken Broadway Idol
Morose Facts About Marilyn Miller, Broadway’s Blighted Blonde
Suave Facts About Humphrey Bogart, Hollywood's Hardboiled Hero
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
