35+ Pics of Transformation of David Cassidy, Whose Fanclub Was 'Bigger Than the Beatles' and Elvis's Put Together'

From tabloid scandals and DUIs to a final confession that rocked his fans to the core, his story is one of fame, downfall, and heartbreaking regret.

He had the hair, the smile, and the voice that sent a generation of teenage girls into full-blown hysteria. But behind the chiseled cheekbones and glittering fame was a man battling demons darker than anyone imagined.

These powerful images — spanning decades — reveal the jaw-dropping transformation of David Cassidy, the star who once ruled the world and died with so much wasted time.

1970

Cassidy skyrocketed to fame in 1970 when he landed the role of Keith Partridge on "The Partridge Family." Though he'd already had minor TV roles and a brief stint on Broadway, it was this breakout part that made him a household name overnight. According to co-star Danny Bonaduce:

"His fan club was bigger than the Beatles' and Elvis's put together."

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2014

By 2014, Cassidy's long-running battle with alcohol took center stage. The former teen heartthrob was arrested in Los Angeles after making an illegal turn off the 405 freeway.

Police said he failed a field sobriety test and blew a shocking .19 — more than double the legal limit. It was his third DUI arrest, following earlier incidents in New York and Florida.

Around the same time, his wife of 23 years, Sue Cassidy, with whom he shared a son, filed for divorce. "I'm glad David is getting the help he needs," she said, adding that she believed he would "come back better and stronger than ever."

But behind the scenes, friends whispered that the star's lifelong struggle for love and approval, especially from his father, was what led to his troubles.

2015

By 2015, Cassidy's glittering success had crumbled into financial ruin. Despite having sold more than 30 million records, the former teen sensation filed for bankruptcy in Florida. At 64, he reported assets and debts totaling up to ten million dollars.

2016

2017

Cassidy stunned fans in 2017 when he publicly announced he was battling dementia — the same disease that afflicted his mother and grandfather. He revealed:

"I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming."

Then, after years filled with health problems and lingering battles with addiction — including a stint in rehab in 2014 — he was hospitalized with multiple organ failure. The actor-turned-singer later died on November 21, 2017, at 67.

His family released a statement saying, "David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long."

The Hollywood star's daughter, Katie Cassidy, later revealed that his heartbreaking final words were that he had died with so much wasted time. Shockingly, a year after his death, an A&E documentary revealed the truth — Cassidy hadn't been suffering from dementia after all.

In a chilling recorded conversation, he admitted to lying about his condition. "There is no sign of me having dementia at this stage of my life. It was complete alcohol poisoning," he confessed. "I did this to myself to cover up the sadness and the emptiness."

One of the '70s teen heartthrob's final public appearances was on "The Dr. Phil Show" months before his passing, and netizens couldn't help but notice his frail appearance.

"The man is ill He looks ill and sounds it too. He's had more troubles in his lifetime than a lot of people. Losing his mother, three divorces and bankruptcy have all taken their toll on him. Have some empathy please. A wonderfully gifted man ❤️❤️ [sic]," one person shared.

Another typed, "It's stunning how young David still looked in his 60s. Obviously he was dying his hair, but went to his grave looking youthful [sic]. He had some great genes!" A third commented, "He looks tiny in that big chair."

From the meteoric rise of Keith Partridge to the final days clouded by addiction, financial ruin, and raw confession, David Cassidy's story is as heartbreaking as it is unforgettable.