Jack Cassidy mini-bio: Charming, 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 by providing 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.
