Evelyn Ward: The Untold Story Of David Cassidy's Mother And Her Tragic Legacy

Evelyn Ward, the mother of 1970s teen idol David Cassidy, was far more than just a footnote in a superstar’s biography; she was a celebrated Broadway actress, a dancer, and a woman whose personal struggles ultimately cast a long, poignant shadow over her famous son’s life. As of today, December 10, 2025, the story of Evelyn Ward continues to resonate, offering a crucial, often overlooked perspective on the complex family dynamic that shaped one of pop culture's most enduring figures.

The life of Evelyn Ward is a compelling narrative that begins in the golden age of American musical theatre and ends with a heartbreaking battle against dementia, a disease that David Cassidy himself would later face. Understanding her journey—from her celebrated career to her marriage to Jack Cassidy and her eventual passing—is essential to grasping the full, nuanced story of the Cassidy family legacy.

Evelyn Ward: A Complete Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Evelyn Mae Ward
• Born: May 21, 1923
• Birthplace: West Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
• Died: December 23, 2012
• Age at Death: 89
• Cause of Death: Alzheimer's-related dementia
• Occupation: American Actress, Dancer, Singer
• Spouse(s):
  • Jack Cassidy (m. 1948; div. 1956)
  • Elliot Silverstein (m. 1962; div. 1968)
  • Alton Charles (Al) Williams (Details not specified)
• Child: David Bruce Cassidy (b. 1950)
• Notable Broadway Credits: Early to Bed, Billion Dollar Baby, The Firebrand of Florence, New Girl in Town
• Notable TV Appearances: Dr. Kildare, Perry Mason, Ben Casey, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

The Broadway Star and Her Marriage to Jack Cassidy

Evelyn Ward's career began long before her son became a global sensation. She was a talented performer who rose to prominence on the stages of Broadway in the 1940s. Her debut came in the musical Early to Bed, establishing her as a versatile actress and dancer in the competitive New York theater scene.

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It was on the set of the 1945 Broadway musical The Firebrand of Florence that she met the charismatic, up-and-coming actor Jack Cassidy. Their shared passion for the stage quickly blossomed into a romance, leading to their marriage on June 28, 1948.

The couple welcomed their only child, David Bruce Cassidy, on April 12, 1950. Their early years were characterized by the hustle of a theatrical family, with both parents constantly working on stage and television. Evelyn’s career credits during this period included other major productions like Billion Dollar Baby and New Girl in Town.

However, the marriage between Evelyn Ward and Jack Cassidy was volatile and ultimately short-lived. The couple divorced in Mexico in July 1956, a separation that became a defining moment in David Cassidy’s childhood. Just one month later, Jack Cassidy married actress Shirley Jones, who would later become David’s stepmother and co-star in the iconic television show, The Partridge Family.

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This rapid transition had a profound effect on the young David. He was largely raised by his mother, Evelyn, and the absence of his father, who was building a new family with Shirley Jones and their three sons (Shaun, Patrick, and Ryan Cassidy), created a complex emotional landscape that David would speak about for the rest of his life. The divorce essentially split the Cassidy family into two distinct worlds, with Evelyn Ward navigating the challenges of being a single mother while maintaining her career.

Evelyn Ward continued to work across stage and screen throughout the 1950s and 1960s, securing guest roles on popular television programs such as Dr. Kildare, Perry Mason, and Ben Casey. Her final on-screen appearance was reportedly in an episode of The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Life After Jack Cassidy: Subsequent Marriages and Later Years

Following her divorce from Jack Cassidy, Evelyn Ward sought stability and companionship. She married film and television director Elliot Silverstein in 1962. Silverstein was known for directing films like Cat Ballou and episodes of classic TV shows. This marriage lasted six years before ending in divorce in 1968.

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Evelyn later married Alton Charles "Al" Williams. While details about this third marriage are less public, it speaks to her enduring desire for a settled, loving family life away from the intense public scrutiny that her son, David, would soon face as a global teen idol. Her focus shifted from the spotlight of Broadway to a more private existence, though her connection to the entertainment world remained through her son.

Throughout David Cassidy's meteoric rise to fame in the early 1970s, Evelyn Ward remained a constant, supportive figure, though she was keen to protect her privacy. The intense fan frenzy surrounding The Partridge Family star was a world away from her own theatrical roots, but she was the foundational figure in his life, providing him with his earliest exposure to the performing arts.

The Heartbreaking Legacy of Dementia and David's Advocacy

The final chapter of Evelyn Ward’s life is marked by a tragic parallel that would later affect her son. In her later years, Evelyn was diagnosed with Alzheimer's-related dementia. David Cassidy spoke publicly about his mother’s condition for the first time in 2012, describing the emotional toll it took on him to watch his mother, a vibrant and intelligent woman, slowly lose her memories and her identity.

Evelyn Ward passed away on December 23, 2012, at the age of 89. Her battle with the debilitating disease inspired David Cassidy to become a dedicated spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Association of America, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

In a poignant moment David often recounted, he knew his mother recognized him just before her death, when she dropped a single tear. This heartbreaking connection underscored the deep, enduring bond between them, even as the disease ravaged her mind.

Tragically, just five years after his mother's death, David Cassidy himself announced that he was retiring from performing due to his own diagnosis of dementia. He passed away in November 2017 from liver failure, but his public struggle with dementia drew global attention to the disease, creating a powerful, albeit sorrowful, legacy that directly connected him to his mother's final years. The story of Evelyn Ward, the talented Broadway star, is therefore intrinsically linked to her son's final, most personal health battle, highlighting the devastating impact of dementia across generations.