Susan Dey, best known for her role as Laurie Partridge on The Partridge Family (1970-1974), became a major television star at a young age. Despite having no prior acting or singing experience, Dey’s portrayal of Laurie, the musically talented and intelligent older sister, won over millions of fans. The show’s success brought her into the spotlight, and Dey quickly became a beloved celebrity.
Her rise to fame wasn’t without personal struggles. During her time on the show, Dey dealt with an eating disorder, which eventually led her to a healthier lifestyle after a TV producer intervened. The pressures of fame were intense for her and her co-star, David Cassidy, who became a teen idol during the show’s run. Dey had a romantic interest in Cassidy, and although they briefly dated after the show, the relationship ended on a sour note. Cassidy later revealed private details about their relationship in his memoir, which deeply hurt Dey and led to her refusal to attend any future Partridge Family reunions
After The Partridge Family ended, Dey continued acting, securing roles in over 20 films and 15 television shows. Her most acclaimed role was as Grace Van Owen in LA Law, where she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress and earned multiple nominations for both Golden Globes and Emmys. Despite these successes, she chose to decline the role of Sandy in Grease, a role that ultimately went to Olivia Newton-John
In her personal life, Dey has always expressed a preference for older men. Her first marriage was to Lenny Hirshan, who was 25 years her senior. They had one daughter, Sara, born in 1978. Since 1988, she has been married to television producer Bernard Sofronski, and they live a quiet life in upstate New York, largely away from the public eye
Susan Dey has remained out of the limelight in recent years, focusing on her private life and reportedly enjoying a peaceful, low-key lifestyle.