MY 35 MINUTES WITH DAVID CASSIDY

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     The year was 1979.  When exactly?  I cannot tell you.  The place was a San Fernando Valley bank in southern California.  The specific location?  I don't remember.  But I believe it was in Encino, Sherman Oaks or Studio City. The bank name?  That I don't recall either.  But what IS crystal clear...is meeting pop-rock superstar entertainer, songwriter and actor...David Cassidy.

     I was compelled to write about my accidental, but fortunate visit with David because - as many of you may already be aware - David recently revealed to People magazine that he is suffering from the early stages of dementia...for which he was diagnosed about two-and-a-half years ago.

     On a broadcast that aired on Wednesday, March 1st, 2017...on the nationally syndicated, daytime television talk show, Dr. Phil... David shared some very personal moments with Dr. Phil McGraw. David gave Dr. Phil and his viewers - including me - a peak inside his life as a performer...his life as an alcoholic...and his life with an illness that causes this vibrant showman to sometimes forget the lyrics of songs that he has been singing for nearly half a century.

     Thankfully, I am able to tell you - my readers - about this gracious and humble man...who stood on a line with me...in a bank...as we waited for a teller.

     The line was somewhat long.  In fact...it was quite long.  I recollect it being a Friday and one person after another was cashing or depositing their payroll check. Those were the days when there was no such thing as a "direct deposit."  There was no "on-line banking."  Being "on line" meant standing with about 20 or 30 other people...actually on a line.

     It was 38 years ago and I certainly didn't want David to think of me as a crazy fan.  And since I had changed my career direction from broadcast journalism to television production, I wasn't going to approach him as a reporter...looking to interview him for a story.  But he being 28...and I, 24...I surely couldn't insult him...and ignore him.  After all...it was a time when David Cassidy was one of the world's biggest music stars.

     We exchanged a few words...a mere greeting, but nothing too extensive.  But from that first moment...David Cassidy couldn't have been nicer.  He conveyed grace, charm and class.

     At that point in my own career, I had already had the pleasure - and the privilege - of working with hundreds of Hollywood's top celebrities through my employment on numerous network television shows.  And while some performers were grateful and flattered when fans - or even those of us who worked with them on a particular production - had complimented them...and had a longing to talk with them...there were others who insisted on keeping to themselves.  I could tell the difference without anyone saying so.

     But it was always fascinating when a star enjoyed reminiscing about their successes...and their failures too.  And when they simply desired to be just like you and me...a real person...and not a star...it set a relaxing, easy and fun tone for the conversation.

     With David and me...it was he who continued our chat, so I knew he didn't mind talking, even if it was just to pass the time of day.  In fact...we actually gabbed about the boredom of waiting on lines...in banks, post offices and grocery stores.  But I had an ardent curiosity to hear about David on The Partridge Family...about his concerts...and about a 1970 episode of Marcus Welby, M.D. starring Robert Young and James Brolin.  It was a series that was a favorite of mine...so that's where I began. And although others obviously recognized David too...they saw us talking and no one interrupted.

     I thought if David wasn't eager to..."chew the fat"...he would have just thanked me for the introductory compliment and not uttered another word.  But David's appetite to engage in dialogue was apparent...and - with much good humor - he joyfully talked with friendly enthusiasm.

     It had been nearly ten years since David had appeared on Marcus Welby, but it was obvious that he appreciated me acknowledging his consummate dramatic performance.  David was 19 when the show was filmed, but he barely looked 15 or 16. And if Emmys were awarded to guest stars...way back when - as they are now - David Cassidy would have undoubtedly been nominated...and I'm confident that he would have won.  I recommend any longtime fan of David's...or anyone who has a craving to see a masterful piece of acting...to get a copy of Marcus Welby, M.D., "Fun and Games and Michael Ambrose."  It featured David as a diabetic teenager who threatened to take his own life by ignoring his need for insulin shots...just to get back at his father because he blamed him for the heartache and misery that the youth's mother suffered before she died.

     My conversation with David branched off in to The Partridge Family and David's music.  And time flew by.  I could tell that behind the genuine smile... David Cassidy modestly appreciated my praise and my accolades.  I'm just sorry that by 1979...nobody had invented a "smart phone"...or any cell phone with a camera.  I couldn't take a selfie.  I couldn't shoot a video.  But then...we didn't even have cell phones of any kind.  They didn't exist.


     Fifteen years later, I was delighted and energized to see David Cassidy again...but in a different setting. David and his half-brother, Shaun Cassidy - a pop-rock superstar in his own right - appeared together on Broadway, as they starred in the smash hit musical, Blood Brothers.  The Cassidy boys were brilliant on stage in this flawless and captivating production.  They and their co-star, Petula Clark, undeniably deserved the spirited standing ovation that they received.
    

     I had hoped to meet David Cassidy again, but I was never able to make that connection.  But I want him to know that I wish him well, as he battles dementia. 

     I applaud David that he has opened up about the tragic disease that will eventually...and sadly ...destroy his memory altogether.  It was heartbreaking to see David on television as he talked about his declining health with Dr. Phil.  But the same David Cassidy...who - all those many years ago - came across to me...as a really nice person... was exactly who I observed on Dr. Phil.  

     I debated with myself whether I should compose and publish this essay today...as I pay tribute to the now 66-year old David Cassidy.  Regrettably, we Americans tend to honor and salute people who
have touched our lives...after they are gone.  And please God...David Cassidy...and all the David Cassidys of the world...will be saved from this dreadful affliction called dementia...and the more destructive disease of Alzheimer's.  However...should that not happen...it's important to me that David knows that our chance encounter meant so much to me.

     When David Cassidy answered Dr. Phil's final question - "What do you want to most be remembered for?" - David confirmed the feeling that I myself recognized when he and I talked in that bank nearly four decades ago.  "Spreading love," David replied to Dr. Phil.  "Bringing light in to people's lives.  Giving everything in my heart and soul.  Because I know...I'm a loving, caring human being."

     I would have liked to have been friends with David Cassidy.  I'm sure he doesn't remember me...not because of the dementia, but because he's probably met tens of thousands of people throughout his exciting life.  But I...remember him. And I will always remember...my 35 minutes with David Cassidy.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

     "We'll talk again."

The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions.  Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.

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Photo credits: davidcassidy.com (David Cassidy #1), drphil.com (David Cassidy and Dr. Phillip C. McGraw), Daily Mail, Allstar/Cinetext, ABC Television Network and Screen Gems/Columbia Pictures Television (David Cassidy #2), davidcassidy.com, TV Land, ABC Television Network and Universal Studios (David Cassidy #3), davidcassidy.com (David Cassidy #4), davidcassidy.com (David Cassidy #5), eonline.com and Dr. Phil (David Cassidy #6) and davidcassidy.com (David Cassidy #7)

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