David Cassidy's Lost Vegas Years: From Teen Idol to Casino Entertainment Pioneer
David Cassidy rose to fame as Keith Partridge in "The Partridge Family" (1970-1974), but his lesser-known Las Vegas career proved equally significant to the entertainer. After the show's cancellation and subsequent struggles to maintain his solo music career, Cassidy found new purpose in Las Vegas entertainment.
Man holding cowboy hat at casino
Tiger Beat 1971 cover with Cassidy
After successful stints in Broadway shows like "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Blood Brothers," Cassidy made his Vegas debut in "EFX" at MGM Grand, replacing Michael Crawford. The spectacular production featured time-travel themes and elaborate special effects.
Four performers celebrate on casino stage
Following "EFX," Cassidy co-created and produced "The Rat Pack is Back," a tribute to Sinatra, Martin, and Davis Jr. Despite legal challenges from the estates, the show ran successfully from 1999 to 2002. He then created and starred in "At the Copa" with Sheena Easton from 2000 to 2001.
Two performers at Casino Royale show
People gathered by transit bus
Cassidy's final years were marked by personal struggles. After a concerning performance in 2017, he announced retirement citing dementia, but later admitted to suffering from alcohol-induced liver disease. He passed away on November 21, 2017, at age 67, with his reported last words being "So much wasted time."
Dr. Phil crying
Despite his challenges, Cassidy's Las Vegas years represented a creative renaissance, allowing him to showcase his talents beyond his teen idol image through producing, directing, and performing in innovative theatrical productions.