Bobby Sherman, the beloved teen idol known for his charming smile and iconic shaggy hair, has sadly passed away at the age of 81. His wife, Brigitte Poublon, announced the news on Tuesday, sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram through family friend John Stamos. “Bobby left this world holding my hand — just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace,” she wrote. Earlier this year, Sherman had revealed that he was battling Stage 4 cancer.
Bobby Sherman captured the hearts of millions during the 1960s and 70s with his bubblegum pop hits, including “Little Woman” and “Julie, Do Ya Love Me.” He was a fixture on the covers of popular teen magazines like Tiger Beat and Sixteen, often styled with hair that fell over his eyes and wearing a choker necklace. His iconic image was featured on lunchboxes, cereal boxes, and posters that adorned the walls of his adoring fans, solidifying his status as a teen idol.
In 2004, TV Guide ranked Sherman as the No. 8 of "TV’s 25 Greatest Teen Idols." He was part of a legacy of heartthrobs that spanned decades, connecting the likes of Ricky Nelson in the 1950s to Justin Bieber in the 2000s. Throughout his music career, he achieved four Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Easy Come, Easy Go” and “La La La (If I Had You).” His album “Here Comes Bobby” spent an impressive 48 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, reaching a peak position of No. 10.
Bobby Sherman’s career took off when he was cast in the ABC rock 'n' roll show “Shindig!” in the mid-1960s. Following his success on the show, he starred in two significant television series: “Here Come the Brides” from 1968 to 1970 and “Getting Together” in 1971. His role as young logger Jeremy Bolt in “Here Come the Brides” solidified his teen idol status, where he sang the show’s theme song and shared the screen with fellow star David Soul.
After years of grueling schedules, Sherman decided to step back from the entertainment industry. He once explained to The Washington Post, “I’d film five days a week, get on a plane on a Friday night, and perform on weekends,” reflecting on the hectic nature of his celebrity life. In 1988, he transitioned to a fulfilling career as a certified medical emergency technician. His passion for medicine was sparked while raising his sons with his first wife, Patti Carnel, as he became the family’s go-to first-aid provider.
In addition to his work with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he taught first aid and CPR to recruits, Sherman served as a reserve deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, providing security at the courthouse. He estimated that he assisted in delivering five babies in non-hospital settings, showcasing his commitment to helping others.
Throughout his life, Sherman received numerous accolades for his service, including being named LAPD’s Reserve Officer of the Year in 1999. He was honored with the FBI’s Exceptional Service Award and recognized in a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004, highlighting his dedication to protecting and serving the community.
In the 1990s, Sherman re-emerged in the spotlight by joining the “Teen Idols Tour,” sharing the stage with other former teen heartthrobs. His performances were met with adoration, with audiences showering him with roses and teddy bears while he sang hits like “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Beyond his entertainment and service career, Bobby Sherman co-founded the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation in Ghana, aimed at providing education, health, and welfare programs for children in need. He is survived by his two sons, Christopher and Tyler, and his wife, Brigitte. In her touching tribute, Poublon expressed, “Even in his final days, he stayed strong for me. That’s who Bobby was — brave, gentle, and full of light.”
As fans worldwide mourn the loss of this iconic figure, Bobby Sherman will always be remembered for his contributions to music, television, and his unwavering dedication to helping others.
