A smoldering cigarette was singled out as the possible cause of a fire that took the life of Jack Cassidy. The Fire Department said exact origins of the fire are unknown.
Born to William Cassidy, who was of Irish descent, and Charlotte Koehler, who was of German descent.
He died when his couch, and subsequently apartment, caught fire after he fell asleep on it with a lit cigarette.
He was nominated for a 1976 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a Play for "Wait Until Dark" at the Drury Lane Theatre North in Chicago, Illinois.
His idol was John Barrymore, whom he played in W.C. Fields and Me (1976).
On June 24, 2005, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced he would receive a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for live theatre.
One of the most Tony-nominated musical actors in Broadway history.
Portrayed by Malcolm McDowell in The David Cassidy Story (2000) (TV).
Received help entering show business from a family member who was a contortionist in the circus.
The 4th floor penthouse where he died is located at 1221 North Kings Road, West Hollywood.
Turned down the role of Ted Baxter on "Mary Tyler Moore" (1970), but did guest star as Ted Baxter's brother.
While researching his Irish ancestry, he discovered his family's crest. He had 6 gold pinky rings made bearing the crest, and gave one to each of his 4 sons and one to his brother. His own ring helped authorities identify his remains. It was later stolen from his son Patrick's house.
Won Broadway's 1964 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Musical) for "She Loves Me." This was followed with three other Tony nominations: in the same category in 1965 for "Fade Out -- Fade In," and as Best Actor (Musical) in 1966 for "It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman!" and in 1969 for "Maggie Flynn."
Worked as a bell hop, counterman, dishwasher, chauffer, clothing salesman, postal clerk, hotel clerk, stable boy, coal and ice truck handler before getting his big break.
Wrote a play, "A Waltz for Willie Ryan".