Evelyn Ward

Evelyn Mae Ward (May 21, 1923 – December 23, 2012) was an American actress and dancer known for her stage musical performances and television appearances. Her son was the actor-singer David Cassidy.

Background Ward was born and raised in West Orange, New Jersey, the daughter of Frederick and Ethel Laurinda (née Wheeler) Ward. Her ancestors were among the founders of Newark, New Jersey. In 1967, Ward appeared in the play And So to Bed at the LA Theater Center and her son David Cassidy also was featured in the cast. (also known as The Chico Marx Show). Her other television credits include The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Ben Casey, Dr. Kildare, Perry Mason, Mike Hammer, The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen, and Hallmark Hall of Fame.

After her divorce from Cassidy, Ward and David resided with Ward's parents in West Orange until 1961, when Ward married film director Elliot Silverstein.

Ward had known Silverstein for several years, as she had acted in Boston-area stage productions directed by Silverstein in 1955 and 1957. Ward and Silverstein divorced in 1968. Later, Ward married Al Williams, who died in 2005. and, in 1931, even had the opportunity—albeit only briefly and without credit—to portray the wife of the character played by football legend Jim Thorpe, likewise uncredited , in her husband's 1931 film, Touchdown.

Death Ward died on December 23, 2012, from complications from dementia. She was survived by her son, David (who died of liver failure on November 21, 2017), and two grandchildren, Katie Cassidy and Beau Cassidy.