Known for:	Columbo: Murder by the Book, The Eiger Sanction, The Andersonville Trial
Birth name:	John Joseph Edward Cassidy
Birthday:	5 March 1927, New York, USA

One of the most Tony-nominated musical actors in Broadway history. Received help entering show business from a family member who was a contortionist in the circus. He died when his couch caught fire after falling asleep with a lit cigarette. Turned down the role of Ted Baxter on Mary Tyler Moore, but did guest star as Ted Baxter's brother. Worked as a bell hop, counterman, dishwasher, chauffer, clothing salesman, postal clerk, hotel clerk, stable boy, coal and ice truck handler before getting his big break. His idol was John Barrymore, whom he played in W.C. Fields and Me. While researching his Irish ancestry, he discovered his family's crest. He had 6 gold pinky rings made bearing the crest, and gave one to each of his 4 sons and one to his brother. His own ring helped authorities identify his remains. It was later stolen from his son Patrick's house. Wrote a play, "A Waltz for Willie Ryan". Father of David Cassidy, Shaun Cassidy, Ryan Cassidy and Patrick Cassidy. Won Broadway's 1964 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Musical) for "She Loves Me." This was followed with three other Tony nominations: in the same category in 1965 for "Fade Out -- Fade In," and as Best Actor (Musical) in 1966 for "It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman!" and in 1969 for "Maggie Flynn." On June 24, 2005, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced he would receive a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for live theatre.

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