harming,
debonair, and wonderfully talented, Jack Cassidy will always remain a
memorable name in the entertainment world. Born March 5, 1927, John Edward
Cassidy, better known as Jack, grew up in Richmond Hill, New York. He
was the youngest child of Willie and Lottie Cassidy. His father was well
respected as an engineer with the Long Island Railroad. At
the tender age of fifteen, Jack quit school to pursue his acting career.
In 1943, he appeared in his first Broadway show, cast in the chorus of "Something
For The Boys". He went on to appear in small roles and as a chorus
member in several stage productions. In years to come, Jack performed
in many plays and musicals both on Broadway and with touring stage productions.
His first lead role was in Wish You Were Here followed by leading
roles in Sandhog, She Loves Me, Fade Out, Fade In and It's
A Bird...It's A Plane...It's Superman among others. In the 1950s
and 60s, Jack's incredible voice was featured in at least 13 cast recordings
of Broadway shows. Jack also proved enormously popular on the small screen,
appearing in The Andersonville Trial, Columbo, and June
Moon, as well as many dramatic and comedic programs of the day. In
1967 Jack brought the unique character of "Jetman" to life
on the short-lived but highly praised series He and She. He also
contributed to the classic holiday animated special Mr. Magoo's Christmas
Carol byproviding the voice of Bob Cratchit.
In
1964, his career hit a high note when he was presented
with a Tony Award for "Featured Actor In A Musical", acknowledging
his role of Steven Kodaly in the Broadway production
of She Loves
Me. In the
years to follow, Jack's work would be celebrated
with nominations for three more Tonys (Fade Out, Fade In, It's
A Bird...It's A Plane...It's Superman, and Maggie Flynn),
as well as two Emmy nominations (The Andersonville Trial and He
and She).
Jack Cassidy was married to actress Evelyn Ward
from 1948 to 1956. Their son, David Bruce Cassidy, became a worldwide
phenomenon in the 1970's as an actor and singer who displays an impressive
fan base to this day. In 1956 Jack married world-renowned actress Shirley
Jones. They have three sons, Shaun Paul, Patrick William, and Ryan John,
each of whom have successfully established their own careers in the
entertainment industry.
Jack Cassidy passed away tragically in a fire in
his West Hollywood home on December 12, 1976.
harming,
debonair, and wonderfully talented, Jack Cassidy will always remain a
memorable name in the entertainment world. Born March 5, 1927, John Edward
Cassidy, better known as Jack, grew up in Richmond Hill, New York. He
was the youngest child of Willie and Lottie Cassidy. His father was well
respected as an engineer with the Long Island Railroad. 
At
the tender age of fifteen, Jack quit school to pursue his acting career.
In 1943, he appeared in his first Broadway show, cast in the chorus of "Something
For The Boys". He went on to appear in small roles and as a chorus
member in several stage productions. In years to come, Jack performed
in many plays and musicals both on Broadway and with touring stage productions.
His first lead role was in Wish You Were Here followed by leading
roles in Sandhog, She Loves Me, Fade Out, Fade In and It's
A Bird...It's A Plane...It's Superman among others. In the 1950s
and 60s, Jack's incredible voice was featured in at least 13 cast recordings
of Broadway shows. Jack also proved enormously popular on the small screen,
appearing in The Andersonville Trial, Columbo, and June
Moon, as well as many dramatic and comedic programs of the day. In
1967 Jack brought the unique character of "Jetman" to life
on the short-lived but highly praised series He and She. He also
contributed to the classic holiday animated special Mr. Magoo's Christmas
Carol byproviding the voice of Bob Cratchit.