Whatever Happened to ‘Partridge Family’ Star Danny Bonaduce?

Lauren Novak August 13, 12:15 pm

The Partridge Family Danny Bonaduce 1970-1974 — Everett Collection

Danny Bonaduce was only 11 years old when The Partridge Family premiered in 1970, and his bright red hair and mischievous personality helped make Danny Partridge one of the show’s most memorable characters. While David Cassidy became the resident heartthrob, Bonaduce became famous as the family’s wisecracking middle child and bass player.

His life after the series has included more acting, reality television, professional wrestling, decades in radio, and some frightening health challenges. Now, Bonaduce turns 67 on August 13, 2026. Let’s find out what he’s up to now in honor of his birthday.

Life After The Partridge Family

The Partridge Family ended in 1974 after four seasons. Bonaduce continued acting, appearing in films such as Corvette Summer with Mark Hamill and making guest appearances on CHiPs, Married… with Children, The Drew Carey Show, That ’70s Show, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

His personal life was often much more turbulent. Bonaduce has spoken openly about growing up in an abusive home and later struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. He chronicled many of those experiences in his memoir, Random Acts of Badness, and on the VH1 reality series Breaking Bonaduce, which followed his troubled marriage to his second wife, Gretchen Hillmer. The couple divorced in 2007 after more than 16 years of marriage. They share two children, Isabella and Dante. Bonaduce married his third wife, Amy Railsback, in 2010.

His second career in radio

Dan Rest/Buena Vista Television/Everett Collection

Although many fans will always think of Bonaduce as Danny Partridge, radio eventually became his longest-running career. Beginning in the late 1980s, he worked on stations in Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and other major markets. In 2011, he joined Seattle’s classic-rock station KZOK as the co-host of a morning talk-and-music program. He remained there for 12 years and ultimately spent about 35 years working in radio. Bonaduce announced his retirement in December 2023, with his final KZOK broadcast airing on December 15.

What were Danny Bonaduce’s health issues?

In April 2022, Bonaduce took a medical leave from his radio show after developing a mysterious illness that affected his balance and left him unable to walk properly. After consulting numerous doctors, he was eventually diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

Bonaduce underwent brain surgery in June 2023 to help drain the excess fluid. He has since spoken publicly about his diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, helping to raise awareness of a condition that can sometimes be mistaken for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or other neurological disorders. In July 2026, Bonaduce served as the inspirational keynote speaker at the Hydrocephalus Association’s national conference, where he shared more about his health journey.

Where is Danny Bonaduce now?

Everett Collection; Timothy Norris/Getty Images

Bonaduce is now retired and divides his time between Palm Springs and Seattle with his wife, Amy. He still connects with fans through social media and occasional public appearances, but he seems to be enjoying a much quieter life, focused on his health.