At a mere 18 years of age, Susan Dey swiftly rose to fame, emerging as one of the most iconic figures on television during the 1970s. Her big break came when she portrayed Laurie Partridge in the acclaimed series *The Partridge Family*, which aired from 1970 to 1974. The show depicted a musically inclined family journeying in a vibrantly colored bus, with Dey, a former model with no prior acting or singing background, cast as the eldest sibling.
*The Partridge Family* captured the hearts of viewers both in the United States and around the world, particularly in the United Kingdom. However, along with fame came difficulties for Dey. During the show’s peak, she battled an eating disorder, prompting a producer to intervene and encourage her to embrace healthier lifestyle choices.
David Cassidy, known for his role as Keith Partridge, rose to fame as a beloved teenage heartthrob, experiencing a wave of intense adoration, as recounted in his book *C’mon, Get Happy: Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus*. While working on the show, Dey developed romantic feelings for Cassidy, leading to a brief relationship after filming wrapped. However, Cassidy later shared personal details about their time together in his memoir, causing Dey significant emotional pain. Although they maintained a friendship for a period, Dey eventually distanced herself from Cassidy and declined to participate in a *Partridge Family* reunion years later.
Throughout her time on the show, Dey authored a book called *Susan Dey’s Insights on Guys, Glamour, and Social Standing*. Following the conclusion of *The Partridge Family*, her acting career thrived, landing roles in more than 20 films, primarily for television, and guest spots on 15 TV series. She received six Golden Globe and three Emmy nominations, ultimately securing a Golden Globe for her performance as Grace Van Owen on *LA Law*, where she portrayed a district attorney who later served as a judge for six years.
Interestingly, Dey purportedly rejected the opportunity to play Sandy in *Grease*, a role later taken by Olivia Newton-John, who was initially offered the part of Laurie Partridge but declined.
Born in 1952 in Westchester County, New York, Susan Hallock Dey was brought up by a mother who worked as a nurse and a father who was an editor. In recent times, Dey has chosen to lead a private life in upstate New York with her husband, Bernard Sofronski, whom she wed over thirty years ago.
During a 1988 interview, Dey expressed her preference for older partners, noting their ability to pursue their ambitions effectively. Her first spouse, Lenny Hirshan, was 25 years her senior, and they welcomed a daughter named Sara in 1978. Their marriage lasted from 1976 to 1981. Subsequently, in 1988, Dey tied the knot with television producer Bernard Sofronski in an intimate ceremony.
Contemplating her connection with Sofronski, Dey expressed that he imparted to her the lesson that love involves reciprocity. In his presence, she gained a sense of assurance and a deeper self-awareness. Currently aged 69, Dey seems to be satisfied leading a serene existence, embracing the tranquility and joy of her senior years.