The Partridge Family are one of America's iconic families, kind of like The Brady Bunch. Unlike the Brady Bunch, this family sings! Shirley Mae Jones (pictures) played the role of Shirley Partridge. She was a widowed mother who raised five musically gifted children, including David Cassidy who was her stepson in real life. There were frequent musical numbers in the show, making for great, wholesome family entertainment. The show lasted from 1970-1974. This photo is from a Christmas photo shoot in 1956.
Shirley Jones had a decades long career in show business, mostly in musicals like Oklahoma and Carousel. Despite her homely image, she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress when she played a prostitute in Elmer Gantry. That's the best way to try and get an award: play against your type.