Jack Cassidy, the actor, singer, writer, and designer, was born in Richmond Hills, New York in 1927 and died in 1976. He was the youngest of five children born to immigrant parents and grew up to be a successful showman and creative entity. Cassidy's life was marked by his numerous talents and his ability to defy definition, as he worked in various fields, including acting, singing, writing, and designing.
Cassidy's early life was marked by his love of show business. His uncle, a renowned circus contortionist, introduced him to the ropes of the industry, and by the age of 16, Cassidy was already working in the chorus of the musical "Something for the Boys." He went on to work in various productions, including the lead role in "Wish You Were Here" in 1953.
Cassidy's career flourished, and he became known for his versatility and range. He appeared in numerous stage productions, including "Sandhog" and "Maggie Flynn," for which he received a Tony nomination. He also made appearances on various television shows, including "Toast of the Town," "Lux Video Theatre," and "The United Steel Hour."
In 1955, Cassidy was cast in a State Department European tour of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Oklahoma!" with Shirley Jones, whom he later married. They had three sons together, and Cassidy's sons would go on to have critically acclaimed careers in theater, film, and television.
Cassidy's career continued to blossom in the 1960s, and he won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in 1963 for his work in "She Loves Me." He also received Tony nominations for his work in "Fade Out, Fade In," "It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman," and "Maggie Flynn."
In the 1970s, Cassidy's television presence grew, and he became a staple of both dramatic programs and game shows. He appeared in numerous television shows, including "Columbo," "Barnaby Jones," "Matt Helm," and "Hawaii Five-O." He also made appearances in various television movies, including "Your Money or Your Wife" and "The Phantom of Hollywood."
Cassidy's film career was filled with wonderful, quirky roles in films such as "Bunny O'Hare" with Bette Davis and Ernest Borgnine, and "The Eiger Sanction" with Clint Eastwood. He also had a brilliant portrayal of the legendary John Barrymore in "W.C. Fields and Me."
Despite his numerous talents and achievements, Cassidy's life was marked by his notorious sense of humor and his ability to conduct his life with panache and style. He was a true showman, and his charisma, dashing grin, and sparkling eyes made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
