Almost Missed “The Partridge Family” – Shirley Jones originally turned down the role of Shirley Partridge in The Partridge Family (1970-1974), thinking it was just another silly sitcom. However, she reconsidered when she learned she would be the first TV mother who was also the lead singer in a band!
An Oscar-Winning Performance – She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her dramatic role as a prostitute in Elmer Gantry (1960), which was a huge departure from her usual wholesome image in musicals.
Married to a Famous Actor/Singer – Shirley was married to Jack Cassidy, an actor and singer, from 1956 to 1974. Their son, Shaun Cassidy, became a teen idol in the 1970s, following in the footsteps of his half-brother David Cassidy, who played her TV son in The Partridge Family.
Almost Played Carol Brady – She was originally offered the role of Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch but turned it down because she didn’t want to play just “a stay-at-home mom.” That role went to Florence Henderson.
Discovered by Rodgers & Hammerstein – Shirley was the only singer ever to be personally put under contract by the legendary Broadway duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. This led to starring roles in classic musicals like Oklahoma! (1955), Carousel (1956), and The Music Man (1962).
