MovieChat Forums > Shirley Jones Discussion > Interesting tidbits

Interesting tidbits

posted 3 years ago by Popcorngal (4355)
6 replies | jump to latest

I was listening to a few interviews on YouTube. David did not know she was auditioning for the matriarch role on PF. In addition, as a teen her dream profession was to become a veterinarian. I love animals as well. I wish more step parents were like her. Her late step son lucked out. In the PF biopic on TV years ago, it highlighted how upset David was when his dad cheated on Shirley. But she stated herself, her ex was a ladies man, therefore she accepted it despite the pain it caused. Furthermore, Frank Sinatra was first considered for the role Gordon McRae played in Carousel. I never saw the film, but heard about it. In addition, her advisors warned her not to take the Shirley role since she was an Academy winning movie star. They felt it was a step down. Glad she ignored them! I read her memoir a few years back, it was pretty good. Finally,she was named after Shirley Temple.

[–] PaladinNJ (20316) 3 years ago

I thought she left Jack because of his addiction issues. I had also heard he tried to get her back.

[–] Popcorngal (4355) 3 years ago

It's possible. I forgot a lot of the details regarding their divorce. However I do recall David stating on Geraldo years ago, he resented Marty winning Shirley's heart when they first got married, but mellowed later. I guess he wanted her to work out things with his dad. I also heard her state he was bipolar, substance issues and mental health issues can be a strain when dealing with someone you love. It takes forgiveness and patience.

[–] liscarkat (16576) 3 years ago

"They felt it was a step down."

A cheesy sitcom was a huge step down from the movie work she had done. It doesn't matter how many million people liked the show, it was still a step down.

[–] Popcorngal (4355) 3 years ago

I am sure the critics felt /feel that way about a lot of shows, whether today or yesteryear. I saw Shirley on Days of Our Lives almost 20 years ago. I have never seen her films. I hope to eventually.

[–] KinkyInk (1693) 3 years ago

I recently read her memoir also. Smithton, where she grew up, is just down the road from me.

She's one of my favorite actresses. Brilliant in The Music Man, and perfect in the role of Shirley Partridge. And it was great to see her spin her image on its head in Grandma's Boy.

It was interesting how she talked about the older actors hitting on her when she first started in the business. She never accepted any of their advances (until Jack Cassidy) but just figured it was part of the business.

Another interesting story she told was about how she had to warn David Cassidy not to mention to Susan Dey about all the girls he was 'meeting' during his music tours, because she had a crush on him. He wasn't aware of her feelings for him.

[–] Popcorngal (4355) 3 years ago

She mentioned her family owned a brewery as well. I also recall how she stated her family befriended the only Black family in town, or something like that. Speaking of alcohol, it is ironic considering her family's business, how alcoholism affected those she cared about, namely her mom who died from it, as well as her ex husband, stepson, Danny, and I read Susan is a recovering alcoholic as well.

I don't think Jack was too much older than her. I recall she only dated him after he assured her he was divorcing Evelyn. Shirley also stated her family's beer is still bring produced in PA. I don't recall if they own the company or just have stock in it.

I've heard numerous times how David would brag about his flings to his costar, that was tacky. Was it ever mentioned if he dated the actresses that played his dates on the show? It's possible. I know he met Meredith Baxter Birney on PF. I bet there were others. Maybe some who became famous. I recall in his biopic, Shirley quipped "His dressing room was no place for Hugh Hefner"! Did you like her memoir? Have you read David or Danny's ? All were interesting.