(CNN)David
Cassidy, who came to fame as a '70s teen heartthrob and lead singer on
"The Partridge Family," has died, according to his publicist Jo-Ann
Geffen. He was 67.
The
singer-actor had recently been admitted to the intensive care unit of a
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, area hospital. Cassidy was in critical
condition and suffering from organ failure before his death Tuesday,
Geffen said.
"David died
surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the
pain that had gripped him for so long. Thank you for the abundance and
support you have shown him these many years," she said.
Cassidy's
nephew, Jack Cassidy, tweeted about his uncle's death, saying "I can't
help but thank God for the joy that he brought to countless millions of
people."
David Cassidy was born into the entertainment industry that made him a star.
His father was famed actor and singer Jack Cassidy, and his mother was actress Evelyn Ward.
After his parents split in 1956, the elder Cassidy married actress and singer Shirley Jones the same year.
Cassidy
moved in with his father, Jones and his three half-brothers after
getting his high school diploma in 1968. His father helped him launch
his career as an actor and musician.
His early work included appearances on "Ironside," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Adam-12" and "Bonanza."
In 1970, Cassidy began playing the role
of Keith Partridge on the musical sitcom "The Partridge Family." His
stepmother, Jones, portrayed his mother, a widow with five children.
The popular ABC series ran for four years and also had a successful run in syndication.
The show also spurred several pop hits.
The
single "I Think I Love You," featuring Cassidy on lead vocals, hit No. 1
on the Billboard charts in 1970 and sold more than 5 million copies.
The songs "Doesn't Somebody Want To Be Wanted" and "I'll Meet You
Halfway" also cracked the top 10 the next year.
The group was nominated for a best new artist Grammy.
Cassidy later launched a solo career, recording a dozen studio albums and six compilation albums.
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