Net Worth Ranker
What Is David Cassidy’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on November 21, 2017, David Cassidy, the American actor and singer famed for his role as Keith Partridge in “The Partridge Family,” had a net worth of approximately $500,000. This figure reflects a culmination of his earnings throughout his career, offset by financial difficulties experienced in his later years.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
David Bruce Cassidy was born on April 12, 1950, in New York City, New York. He was immersed in the world of entertainment from a young age, being the son of actor and singer Jack Cassidy and actress Evelyn Ward. His parents’ divorce when he was a child led to his father’s marriage to actress and singer Shirley Jones in 1956. This union brought Jones into David’s life as his stepmother. In an interesting turn of events, Jones and Cassidy would later star together as mother and son in “The Partridge Family,” which premiered in the fall of 1970. Cassidy’s early exposure to show business significantly shaped his career path, laying the groundwork for his future success.
“The Partridge Family” and Solo Music Career
“The Partridge Family” catapulted David Cassidy to international fame. The fictional family band achieved numerous hit songs, with “I Think I Love You,” featuring Cassidy as the lead vocalist, topping the charts. The success of the show led to a string of hit albums for the band, further amplifying Cassidy’s popularity. Simultaneously, David Cassidy embarked on a successful solo music career, releasing several hit albums and selling millions of records. While specific sales figures for each album and single are not readily available, his music was a significant source of income during the early to mid-1970s. He sold millions of records in Europe and around the world. The single “Daydreamer” reached number one in the UK in 1973. Concerts were hugely successful, with sold-out stadium shows contributing substantially to his earnings.
Later Career Ventures
As the initial wave of teen idol worship subsided in the mid-1970s, Cassidy transitioned into other areas of entertainment. One notable career move was his successful run in Las Vegas, starting with the show EFX in 1996 at the MGM Grand Hotel. He replaced Michael Crawford in the lead role and reportedly signed a multi-year contract. The exact financial details of this contract are not publicly disclosed, but it marked a significant resurgence in his career. EFX ran for several years and was a popular attraction. He later appeared in other stage productions. In 2007, Cassidy released his autobiography, “Could It Be Forever? My Story.” The book provided insights into his life and career, but specific earnings from book sales are not publicly available.
Legal and Financial Issues
David Cassidy faced several legal and financial challenges throughout his life. He was arrested for DUI multiple times, with incidents occurring in Florida (November 3, 2010), New York (August 21, 2013), and California (January 10, 2014). The 2013 arrest in Schodack, New York, resulted in a blood alcohol level of 0.10, exceeding the state’s legal limit of 0.08. These legal issues resulted in fines and legal fees. The accumulation of these issues likely impacted his financial stability. He declared bankruptcy in February 2015, highlighting the extent of his financial difficulties.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2001, David Cassidy purchased a six-bedroom house in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for $1.1 million. He resided in this property until 2015. As part of his bankruptcy proceedings, this house, valued at $3 million, was scheduled for auction by a bank in August 2015. The property was eventually sold at auction for $2 million. In January 2019, the same house was sold for $2.6 million after being listed for $3.9 million in 2018. The sale of this property was a significant factor in addressing his financial issues, although the proceeds likely fell short of covering all his debts.
Inheritance and Estate Value
Following David Cassidy’s death in 2017, his estate was left to his son, Beau Cassidy. Initial reports indicated that the estate was worth approximately $150,000. However, this figure did not include a $1 million life insurance payout and a $450,000 retirement account, which Beau also inherited. This brings the total value of the inheritance to $1.55 million. The discrepancy between the initial estate valuation and the ultimate inheritance highlights the complexity of estate planning and asset distribution.
