’70s heartthrob Shaun Cassidy turns 68 – see the former teen idol now

The Hardy Boys star is preparing for another tour after building a successful television career and raising seven children

Shaun Cassidy turns 68 on September 27, almost five decades after becoming one of the most recognisable teen idols of the 1970s.

The singer and actor, whose hits included “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “That’s Rock ‘n’ Roll”, is celebrating the milestone with another tour ahead. His Unwrapped: Songs and Stories for the Holidays shows will bring him back in front of audiences this November and December, continuing a return to music after decades spent working behind the camera.

For fans who remember Shaun as Joe Hardy in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, his subsequent career may come as a surprise. He became a television writer and producer whose credits include American Gothic, Invasion and New Amsterdam, while making family life a priority.

Lisa Eilbacher, Ed Gilbert, Shaun Cassidy, Parker Stevenson and Edith Atwater starred in the 70's hit TV series The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries — Lisa Eilbacher, Ed Gilbert, Shaun Cassidy, Parker Stevenson and Edith Atwater starred in the 70’s hit TV series The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries

Growing up in a famous family

Born in 1958, Shaun grew up surrounded by performers. His mother, Shirley Jones, was an Oscar-winning actress, while his father, Jack Cassidy, was a Tony-winning stage star.

His older half-brother David became a household name alongside Shirley in The Partridge Family. Shaun, meanwhile, signed a recording contract while still at high school, beginning his own journey into the spotlight.

Music and television success arrived together. His self-titled debut album produced the US number-one single “Da Doo Ron Ron” in 1977, while his role in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries made him a familiar face to television viewers.

Shaun with his mum, Shirley Jones in 1994

Why Shaun Cassidy stopped touring at 21

Despite the crowds and chart success, Shaun eventually decided that life on the road was not what he wanted long term.

Speaking on the Naked Lunch podcast, he recalled ending his touring years at 21, following a performance at the Houston Astrodome.

His decision was not about losing his love of singing. Instead, another career offered the possibility of a more settled life.

“I found that writing and producing TV gave me, frankly, a much better life,” he explained.

He has also been candid about the difference between enjoying performing and enjoying celebrity. “I’ve never enjoyed being a public figure. I don’t like all the attention. I’m basically an introvert,” he told People.