Danny Bonaduce Married off His Daughter Years before Losing His Ability to Speak & Walk - He Now Awa

May 2024 · 5 minute read

Danny Bonaduce | Danny Bonaduce and Isabella Bonaduce | Source: Getty Images | Twitter.com/TheDoochMan

Danny Bonaduce is a former child actor who rose to prominence after appearing in the sitcom, "The Partridge Family," in the 1970s.

He gained popularity for playing Danny Partridge, a red-headed middle child of the singing family band, as a bass guitarist.

From (L-R) Susan Dey, Shirley Jones, David Cassidy, Danny Bonaduce, Dave Madden, Brian Forster, Suzanne Crough from "The Partridge Family" pictured on May 14, 2008 | Source: Getty Images

Danny was born on August 13, 1959, in Broomall, Pennsylvania, and is the child of famed TV writer and producer Joseph Bonaduce and Betty Bonaduce.

He grew up in a dysfunctional household and once revealed his father abused him emotionally and physically, which negatively affected his mother.

Danny Bonaduce photographed as Danny Partridge in "The Partridge Family" on May 14, 2008 | Source: Getty Images

Actor Danny Bonaduce pictured in his rec room on July 8, 1999 in Hollywood Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

As an adult, he suffered from an unknown illness that he candidly discussed in a June 2022 interview. Danny revealed he started battling the sickness in April of that year after his wife, Amy Railsback, noticed his unusual speech and instantly sought help. He stated:

"I couldn’t walk at all. I couldn’t balance. I couldn’t do anything like that. She looked really nervous. And she said, ‘You’re not saying words, you’re not speaking English,’ which, of course, is preposterous to me."

The radio personality was later admitted to the hospital for "five days," an experience he barely remembers. Danny's hospitalization resulted in him taking leave from his radio show, which is based in Seattle.

He informed fans via social media that he was yet to be diagnosed, adding he needed to pay more attention to his well-being.

The "Bigfoot" star went through various tests and had his stay at the hospital prolonged, but he never received a precise diagnosis.

Doctors got inconclusive results but ruled out the possibility of a stroke. “[..] I slurred really badly. I was afraid of everything. I was afraid of my stairs for God’s sake – I was hoping for a diagnosis but did not get one," Danny explained.

Danny Finally Got a Diagnosis: He Now Needs Brain Surgery

The television star was finally diagnosed in March 2023 after seeing several doctors while battling the mysterious illness.

Radio host Danny Bonaduce attends a bookstore appearance for his new memoir "Act of Badness" at Barnes and Noble Books on November 13, 2001 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Danny has now been reportedly diagnosed with a neurological disorder called hydrocephalus, which is caused by liquid building up in the brain. Danny is now preparing for brain surgery to have the liquid removed.

Danny Bonaduce as a guest star in the television series, "The Kids Are Alright" on February 27, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

The professional wrestler divulged he is not sure how he ended up in this situation. He wondered whether it had anything to do with the wear and tear his head endured over the years through boxing and being hit with guitars in the face.

In a recent interview, the "Charlotte's Webb" star disclosed the surgery would involve draining the liquid from his brain through a shunt.

Naturally, Danny expressed that he does not expect the procedure to fix everything but that he still hopes for the best despite the circumstances.

The multifaceted star, who appeared on "Come On Get Happy: The Partridge Family Story," has reportedly been working from home.

Danny Is a Caring Father of Two

Danny has been married four times and is a father of two children, Countess Isabella Bonaduce and Count Dante Bonaduce. He shares his son and daughter with his first wife, actress Gretchen Bonaduce, whom he married on November 4, 1990.

However, the former couple parted ways due to irreconcilable differences and officially divorced on April 9, 2007. She once revealed that they rarely talk to each other, which is okay with her.

Danny Bonaduce pictured with his wife, Gretchen Bonaduce and daughter, Isabella at their new home on July 8, 1999 in Hollywood Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

"We really don't communicate very often unless it's about our kids. Our daughter is getting married in October, so we talk about that. And our son is almost 18, so we discuss things when it comes to the kids," Gretchen explained.

The "Breaking Bonaduce" star further commented on Danny's life without her: "He's happily married again, and I'm so happy for him. […] I don't want bad things for him."

Gretchen and Danny's eldest child is Isabella, whom they welcomed on November 23, 1994. She grew up alongside her younger brother and is now in her late twenties.

Isabella followed in her famous parents' footsteps and became an actress, having appeared in films including, "The Purest Blue," "Turned Tables" and "Grounded for Life."

The movie star is also a model and is married to Simon Mitchell, with whom she exchanged wedding vows on October 28, 2018.

Danny Bonaduce attends the Battle of the Room Trashing Bands at Bally's Atlantic City on June 25, 2010 in Atlantic City, New Jersey | Source: Getty Images

Like his older sister and parents, Dante is also an actor and is currently building a show business career. He was born on February 14, 2001, and is now in his early twenties.

Danny spends time with his son as he once posted a photo of the father-and-son duo posing outdoors and captioned it: "Dante Bonaduces."

ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jm1nb2pobXqlrc2nsGaan6OupcHCnmSmmaKntqawjKidn2WYnsBusMCunqGslad7qcDMpQ%3D%3D