- Parker Stevenson became famous for playing Frank Hardy in "The Hardy Boys."
- Stevenson didn't have his own children, but now he is a doting father of adopted kids.
- He remarried five years ago and now adores cooking with his beloved wife.
The popular TV show "The Hardy Boys" attracted hordes of fans. Not only did the detective drama offer its viewers intriguing plots, but it also showcased two lead actors specifically chosen to increase viewership. The show's two stars, Parker Stevenson and Shaun Cassidy, were picked to be the heartthrob pinnacle of the series.
The two came from entirely different backgrounds. Stevenson was an architecture graduate from an Ivy League school, while Cassidy was a young pop star on his way to fame, raised by an actress mother and father, Shirley Jones and Jack Cassidy. Nonetheless, they found their sense of humor brought them together.
Shaun Cassidy and Parker Stevenson, circa 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Stevenson and Cassidy shared a love of "bizarre, dry humor," and they bonded instantly after filming the pilot for "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries" (the name would later be changed). The pilot was a success, and the show soon followed in its tracks, making Stevenson and Cassidy the latest in the way of teen icons.
The friendly gesture opened up communication between Stevenson and Schoen, and they started dating.
Parker Stevenson, Debby Boone, Pat Boone on "Pat Boone and Family Thanksgiving Special," 1978 | Source: Getty Images
After premiering in 1977, the show did great, and Stevenson and Cassidy's names were spreading rapidly. Meanwhile, Cassidy's music career was also growing, and when he released his hit single "Da Doo Ron Ron," the TV show became even more popular among the teenage crowds.
After "The Hardy Boys" was canceled, Stevenson and Cassidy became recognizable names in the entertainment industry. Cassidy decided to work off-screen as a writer and producer, while Stevenson starred in a range of different projects over the years. Moreover, the actor met and married the actress Kirsty Alley.
Stevenson and Alley met in a restaurant in 1981. They married in 1983 and adopted two children together a few years later. Sadly, they divorced after 14 years together, although when Alley passed away in 2022, her husband thanked her for the time they had and the kids they shared in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Parker Stevenson Lost His Signature Hairstyle but Is Happy with His Wife
After his separation from Alley, Stevenson spent a while on his own, raising their kids in the gigantic mansion he had been granted in his divorce from his ex. Eventually, the actor's neighbor, Lisa Schoen, knocked on his door to borrow a pot. Of course, Stevenson lent her the pot, and Schoen returned it with a pleasant surprise.
Like the rest of his life, Stevenson's iconic hairstyle has developed over the years.
Parker Stevenson in Beverly Hills, California, United States, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
When Stevenson got his pot back, it was filled with some of the most delicious chicken soup he had ever tasted by way of saying thanks. The friendly gesture opened up communication between Stevenson and Schoen, and they started dating. The pair eventually said their vows on September 29, 2018.
The happy couple has spent the last few years enjoying each other's company and exploring new aspects of life together. Schoen has made a living as a chef. She worked for more than 20 years preparing food for celebrities, executives, and professional athletes and now uses her skills to cook delicious meals with her beloved husband.
Although Stevenson still acts, he invests most of his time into his photography. The actor mentioned that the process of taking pictures, editing them, and finding opportunities to showcase his work is thrilling. The actor explained that he enjoys the process of making things that reflect who he is, stating:
"I get up in the morning and edit. I get up in the morning and make calls to line up shoots. This is really where my focus is, but I have not stopped acting. I love acting. But you're a cog in the wheel. You're just a part of the overall picture."
Like the rest of his life, Stevenson's iconic hairstyle has developed over the years. Although he doesn't have his big bushel or brown locks anymore, the actor still wears his hair long, often in a pony. Schoen also shared images of him with much shorter hair, but it seems the slightly balding Stevenson's wearing it long while he still can.
Who Are Parker Stevenson's Children?
Besides being a loving husband, Stevenson is also a devoted dad. The actor spent his children's childhood years reading them stories with clear-cut morals to teach them right from wrong and chasing after rare Pokémon cards. While he raised his kids, the actor lived in the 21-room mansion he had gotten in his divorce settlement.
In 2016, Stevenson and Alley's son made them both grandparents.
After the long and taxing divorce battle with Alley, the two managed to settle the lingering antagonism that sprung up between them during the legal proceedings and co-parented successfully. Although they were never close after going their separate ways, they often communicated about their kids. Stevenson commented:
"Kirstie and I are not friends now, but we talk regularly about the kids. Will we be friends someday? I don't know."
Stevenson and Alley adopted their first baby a while after the actress suffered a miscarriage and never had biological kids. They welcomed William Stevenson in 1992 and Lillie Stevenson in 1994. Although they adored their kids, their marriage was already on the rocks, and in 1996, they decided to break things off.
Alley initially refused to comment on the failure of her marriage. When she did open up, she dismantled a few rumors, saying neither she nor Stevenson had been unfaithful. She cited the main reason for the separation as a conflict of interest. They were simply too different to make things work.
In 2016, Stevenson and Alley's son made them both grandparents. The proud Alley posted the news on Facebook after keeping her followers in the dark for a while. Besides his two children, Stevenson is also a supportive stepdad to Schoen's children from a previous marriage.
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