What happened to the teenage star from The Partridge Family?
Fast forward to 2025, and Susan Dey remains a quiet icon in Hollywood’s financial archives.
While she stepped away from the spotlight, her wealth story still draws curiosity.
How did she build her fortune, and what does her financial life look like today?
Let’s break it down.
Susan Dey Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Susan Hallock Dey |
| Popular Name | Susan Dey |
| Birth Date | December 10, 1952 |
| Age | 72 years old (as of March 26, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Pekin, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | Fox Lane High School |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Bernard Sofronski (m. 1988), Lenny Hirshan (m. 1976–1981) |
| Children | One daughter (Sara Dey-Hirshan) |
| Dating | Formerly dated David Cassidy |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Ruth Pyle Dey, Robert Smith Dey |
| Height | 1.70 m |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Producing |
What is the Net Worth Of Susan Dey in 2025?
As of 2025, Susan Dey’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. Her fortune stems from decades of work in TV dramas, especially from her Golden Globe-winning role in L.A. Law. While she left acting in the early 2000s, the lasting popularity of her shows—particularly through syndication—continues to contribute to her financial legacy.
Compared to peers and collaborators, Dey’s financial profile places her among respected TV actors of her era. She didn’t chase fame post-retirement, but her career still yields interest—and passive income. Related individuals/entities include:
- David Cassidy
- Bernard Sofronski
- Leonard Hirshan
- L.A. Law
- The Partridge Family
- Corbin Bernsen
- Shirley Jones
- Jay Thomas
- Annie Potts
- Michael Crichton
For more comparisons, browse the top-earning television stars.
Susan Dey Wealth, Salary and Financial overview
How did she earn her wealth during her career?
Susan Dey built her fortune from the ground up. Without formal acting experience, she was cast as Laurie Partridge in The Partridge Family at 17. That role catapulted her into stardom and introduced a steady income stream. Not long after, she took on various film and television roles, including dramatic parts that showcased her range—ultimately leading to more prominent financial rewards.
Her financial success was amplified in the mid-1980s when she starred in L.A. Law as Grace Van Owen. The legal drama’s popularity turned into long-term value for Dey. She didn’t just act—she produced and headlined TV movies, such as Lies and Lullabies, diversifying her portfolio.
What are her main sources of income?
The bulk of Susan Dey’s income came from network television contracts. In the 1970s and ‘80s, TV salaries weren’t as inflated as today, but steady work and the popularity of her roles paid off. Acting in long-running hits like L.A. Law also meant rerun royalties and contract renewals.
She also dabbled in production, earning credits and residuals for TV movies. Her performance as a pregnant addict in Lies and Lullabies marked one such move. Add to that, her published book during the Partridge years added to her earnings, albeit modestly.
How much did she earn from major roles like L.A. Law and The Partridge Family?
Although exact figures aren’t publicly disclosed, it’s clear that Susan Dey’s earnings peaked during her time on L.A. Law. The show ran for over 100 episodes and was a critical and commercial success, increasing her salary with each season. Her earlier role in The Partridge Family laid the foundation, introducing her to audiences and launching her long-term career.
In terms of recognition and industry standing, she was comparable to other lead actresses in major series, with additional compensation coming from syndication and foreign licensing deals.
Did awards and nominations contribute to her financial success?
Yes, awards elevated her market value. She won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series in 1988, which cemented her status as a leading lady. The critical acclaim brought more opportunities and larger contracts.
Over the years, she received:
- 6 Golden Globe nominations
- 3 Emmy nominations
- 1 Golden Globe win
Was her personal life connected to her financial journey?
Absolutely. Susan Dey was once married to Leonard Hirshan, a Hollywood agent. Their relationship may have helped shape early business decisions. Later, she married Bernard Sofronski, a TV producer, who likely supported her career shifts into more selective and meaningful roles.
She also had a short-lived relationship with David Cassidy, which added media attention during her early years. However, following an upsetting mention in his memoir, she reportedly distanced herself from the public eye.
How did her financial habits change over time?
As her career slowed, she shifted toward a low-profile lifestyle. Reportedly, she battled anorexia and alcoholism in earlier years, but by the ‘90s, she was in recovery and reprioritizing her life.
Rather than chase roles, she stepped away and focused on advocacy. She joined the board of the Rape Treatment Center at UCLA Medical Center and co-narrated a campus rape documentary with Corbin Bernsen.
What is known about her financial legacy today?
Susan Dey’s financial legacy remains tied to two core shows: The Partridge Family and L.A. Law. These properties continue to rerun, and her contributions to them have earned her a spot in TV history.
She remains largely private today but has inspired generations of actresses through her early success and conscious step back from fame. Her decisions reflect thoughtful wealth management and values beyond money.
Conclusion
Whether you liked, didn’t like, or feel neutral about Susan Dey’s career, her financial journey is worth exploring.
Share your thoughts, comments, or dive deeper into other profiles at Pennbookcenter.com.
