Jack Cassidy
"I never want to grow sick or old."
Be careful what you wish for. Jack was an award winning Broadway, television and film actor through most of his life. He made his stage debut in Something For the Boys. At the time of his death, he was better known as being the ex husband of Shirley Jones, and father of pedophile's dream boys David and Shaun. I know him best as smarmy villain on Bewitched and several Columbo episodes, plus a couple of guest appearances on The Partridge Family. His death however, was hot.
Jack apparently owned the building he lived in, in West Hollywood, well known as having a huge gay population. The neighborhood, not the building. Or... His place took up the entire top row of balconies in this rather lovely place.
On December 12, 1976, after a hard night (heh) of partying - a Christmas party and bar hopping - he returned home, probably completely inebriated. Not wanting the night to end, my guess is that he made himself a mega cocktail, sat down on the couch in front of the fireplace and continued his little soirée all on his own. Around 5am, he dozed off with a fag in his hand, while laying on the couch. Next thing you know, Jack became a flamer. Big time. God knows there was enough fuel.
The entire top floor was on fire, and the building's 100 residents had to be evacuated. Neighbors were milling around the street like zombies. Five Fire Department showed up to put out the blaze. One woman had a heart attack in front of the place, and one firefighter had suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to the hospital.
The charred remains of one person was discovered just inside the door of the apartment. I heard one story that specified that it was only his feet and jewelry. Having seen cremated remains, I doubt that its true, there is usually plenty of discernable bonage (heh) to shovel through.
Jack's car was missing, so it was thought that he was possibly out of town and one of his "male friends" was staying in the place, but dental records and an apparent signet ring and religious bracelet positively identified him as Jack.
He was 49 years old, and bitter bitter bitter.
One of the issues that plagued Jack was the success of his sons. I don't know this for a fact, but I understand he was very jealous of them. Plus the fact that he turned down the role of Ted Baxter in The Mary Tyler Moore Show was something that was a big whoops. He didn't want to be a regular on a female led show. He later made a couple of guest appearances as Ted's brother. Salt? So the combination of these things, probably made him really miserable to be around.
I was in the building that Jack died recently. I couldn't help but notice, they are certainly ready for a fire now. It was almost funny. Almost. Starting with the elevator, up to the 4th floor, where a hose placed in front of Jack's front door. Structurally, the building is the same, and this picture of the charred ruins of Jack's place, and the same room now, is completely recognizable. Of course, you know I couldn't let the evening pass without doing what is expected of me.
The body of Jack Cassidy was taken to the Chapel of the Pines Crematory, and ol' smoky was scattered at sea.
400 people attended Jack's funeral at Westwood Memorial Park, including Nanette Fabray, Milton Berle and Eileen Brennan. Jack's two former wives attended as well as his children. At the funeral Shurl spoke, "He was an extraordinary man with an uncanny sense of humor and a gifted talent. He was one of a kind and the world suffers a great loss that he was taken from it so soon."
He left behind about $150,000, noting specifically that ex wife Shirley and son David receive nothing, and a large portion going to the Motion Picture Country Home.
Jack's official website is here. He gets a star on the Walk of Fame soon. Whoopie!
There is talk that Jack haunts his former home. He has made an appearance or two, and always in a non threatening way. A psychic was consulted, with regards to contacting Jack, and that person recommended leaving him be. Things are fine now, you might get crazy bitter Jack making an appearance - and the residents may never get a good nights sleep.
Trivia: Actress Leigh Taylor Young lived in the condo until early 1999. She probably slept quite well.