Shaun Cassidy Labels Late Actor Father Jack Cassidy 'Phony' in Candid Interview

Shaun Cassidy, reflecting on his complicated relationship with his late father Jack Cassidy, described the Tony Award-winning actor as someone who created a public persona complete with an invented accent that confused his children and seemed phony. Despite acknowledging that Jack was not a good father and was largely absent from typical parental roles like attending Little League games, Shaun expressed gratitude for the gifts he received from him and would not have traded him for the world. Shaun also highlighted the performative nature of his family life, noting that his parents, including his mother Shirley Jones, often maintained a public image that did not reflect their true selves and that most family photos were professionally staged. Jack Cassidy died tragically at age 49 in a 1976 apartment fire, leaving a lasting impact on Shaun and his siblings. Shaun's candid remarks sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some questioning the timing of his comments in relation to his ongoing tour and others criticizing him for speaking negatively about his father. Overall, Shaun's reflections reveal the complexities behind a famous family's public facade and the personal struggles within.