When you think about the '70s TV scene, one name that stands out is Danny Bonaduce, the lovable kid from The Partridge Family. But what happens when fame fades and life throws curveballs? Danny's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding joy in the unexpected. In an exclusive chat with Closer, Danny opens up about his career, personal challenges, and the people who helped him along the way. At a low point in his career, he even resorted to delivering his headshot in disguise. "I created this character named Speedy," Danny shares. "I’d dress up with a hat, glasses, and a name tag, then sneak into casting offices, drop off my headshot, and bolt. Believe it or not, it actually worked a few times!"
After riding the wave of success as a child star, Danny, now 65, faced his share of struggles. Addiction, legal issues, and even a brush with health crises could have derailed his life. But Danny's spirit endured. "If I hadn’t lost control back then, I might have landed more roles," he admits. Today, after recovering from brain surgery in 2023 to treat hydrocephalus, Danny enjoys a peaceful life in Palm Springs, California, with his wife Amy. "Sometimes memory lapses sneak up on me, but honestly, I’ve got everything I ever dreamed of—and some things I never even dared to hope for," he says with a smile.
Breaking Into Hollywood: Danny’s Early Days
So, how did Danny Bonaduce get his start in show business? It all began with a dad who was a TV writing genius. "My father wrote for shows like One Day at a Time, Good Times, and even The Andy Griffith Show. He wasn’t easy to get along with, but he had a knack for storytelling," Danny recalls. His first big break came in the movie The Trouble With Girls, starring none other than Elvis Presley. And guess what? Elvis gifted him a pedal car from the circus scenes—a keepsake Danny cherishes to this day.
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Chimps, Wizards, and Michael Jackson: A Childhood in Showbiz
Being a child actor wasn’t all glitz and glamour. Danny shares a hilarious yet painful memory from filming an episode of Bewitched. "I’m the only guy I know who’s been bitten by two chimps," he laughs. "The first time, I stuck my hand into a cage at the Philadelphia Zoo. Five years later, while filming Bewitched, Elizabeth Montgomery was there when another chimp bit me—right on the head!" Elizabeth took the time to give young Danny some advice: "She told me, ‘You’re not just a kid; you’re an actor.’"
And then there’s Michael Jackson. "Michael and I went to the same school," Danny reminisces. "He was so shy, it was almost painful. One day, I asked him, ‘Mike, why don’t you ever talk?’ And he said, ‘Because I’m always thinking about God.’ I thought, ‘That’s cool,’ but then I had to ask, ‘What about girls?’" It’s moments like these that remind us how different yet relatable childhood can be, even in the world of fame.
Life Behind the Scenes: Growing Up as Danny Partridge
While Danny was charming audiences as the sweet, mischievous Danny Partridge, his real-life home environment was anything but calm. "My childhood was chaotic, filled with violence and broken things," he reveals. But amidst the turmoil, Danny found solace with his Partridge Family co-star Shirley Jones. "Shirley’s house was a sanctuary for me," he says. "Every morning, her husband, Jack Cassidy, would greet us in his red smoking jacket, holding a cocktail in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He was a larger-than-life character, always acting like James Bond." Danny laughs as he recalls one particular story: "One time, Jack offered Shaun Cassidy and me $10 to move a pile of rocks. We moved the whole thing—but to the wrong spot—and he never paid us!"
Friends, Mentors, and Lifelines
Who helped Danny through the tough times? Two names stand out: David Cassidy and Matthew Perry. "David was like a big brother to me," Danny says. "In 1994, after I got into trouble, he called me and asked me to join his tour as a warm-up act. By the end of it, I had landed a radio gig in Philly that changed my life." Then there’s Matthew Perry, who went above and beyond to support Danny during his recovery. "I tried to hide from him because I was a huge Friends fan, but Matthew wouldn’t take no for an answer. He drove me to court dates and psychiatrist appointments. He truly went out of his way to help me."
Surviving the Darkest Moments
Even with such incredible support, Danny faced his share of dark days. "From 1975 to 1988, I was flat broke and living out of my car," he admits. "During the day, I’d hang out near Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, taking photos with fans. It wasn’t about the money—it was about feeling connected and valued." And then there’s Amy, the love of his life. "I met Amy at a Starbucks," Danny recalls. "She complimented me on my book, and I immediately asked her to marry me. She said no, thankfully, because we waited four years before tying the knot. Now, I can’t imagine life without her."
Family, Legacy, and Lessons Learned
Danny’s children, Count Dante and Countess Isabella, are a testament to his enduring legacy. "Their names? That was my ex-wife’s idea. She loved royalty," he jokes. "Isabella lives in England now and has a passion for burlesque. Dante’s a chef in Denver and a certified EMT. Both of them make me proud every day." Reflecting on his journey, Danny offers some sage advice: "If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to keep showing up. Life has a way of rewarding persistence."
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These days, Danny enjoys meeting fans at events like the Hollywood Show in Burbank, California. "It’s all about positive reinforcement," he says. "And yes, I might bring my actual mug shots for fans to sign. Why not? It’s part of my story." Whether it’s through autograph shows, radio, or simply living life with gratitude, Danny Bonaduce continues to inspire others with his journey of resilience and redemption.
