Bobby Sherman, the clean-cut heartthrob whose bright smile and mop-top hairstyle made him a teen sensation in the 1960s and ’70s with hits like “Little Woman” and “Julie, Do Ya Love Me,” has passed away at the age of 81.
His wife, Brigitte Poublon, confirmed his passing on Tuesday. In a heartfelt message shared by family friend John Stamos on Instagram, she wrote: “Bobby left this world holding my hand — just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace.” Earlier this year, Sherman disclosed that he was battling Stage 4 cancer.
A Teen Idol Era Icon
Sherman became a fixture on the covers of popular youth magazines such as Tiger Beat and Sixteen, his face familiar to millions of fans. With his signature hairstyle and boyish charm, he adorned everything from lunchboxes to bedroom posters. At one point, TV Guide ranked him eighth on their list of “TV’s 25 Greatest Teen Idols.”
He followed in the footsteps of other teen idols like Ricky Nelson and paved the way for future stars like David Cassidy and Justin Bieber. Sherman’s music made a strong mark on the charts: he had four Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and six albums on the Billboard 200. His debut album, Here Comes Bobby, spent 48 weeks on the charts.
His rise began with a role on ABC’s rock music show Shindig! in the mid-1960s. He later gained national attention starring in TV series Here Come the Brides (1968–70) and Getting Together (1971).
A Shift to Public Service
After his entertainment career, Sherman chose a new path — public service. In the late 1980s, he became a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) and served as a medical instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department, where he taught first aid and CPR. Remarkably, he donated his LAPD salary.
Reflecting on his career in 1997, he told The Tulsa World: “A lot of people ask, ‘Would you change anything?’ And I wouldn’t — maybe just to appreciate it more. It was the best of times, even with all the hard work.”
A Life-Altering Hollywood Moment
Raised in California’s San Fernando Valley, Sherman sang Ricky Nelson covers and performed in a high school rock band. He described his upbringing as disciplined and respectful.
His journey to fame began unexpectedly. While studying child psychology in 1964, his girlfriend took him to a Hollywood party. There, he joined a band onstage, impressing celebrities like Jane Fonda and Natalie Wood. They asked who his agent was — he didn’t have one at the time — but within days, he landed a role on Shindig!
Breakthrough on Television
Sherman reached peak popularity after being cast as Jeremy Bolt in Here Come the Brides, a 19th-century Seattle-set adventure series. He also performed the show’s theme, “Seattle.” Afterward, he starred in Getting Together, a Partridge Family spinoff.
At the height of his fame, Sherman’s debut single “Little Woman” went gold in 1969. He became the first performer to headline three TV series before turning 30.
From Stardom to Service
Sherman described the exhausting schedule of his stardom, filming during the week and performing across the country on weekends. Eventually, he stepped back from showbiz, driven by a growing interest in medicine. As a father, he often administered first aid to his sons, which led to a deeper passion for emergency care.
By 1988, he was a certified EMT. “There’s not a better feeling than helping someone,” he told the St. Petersburg Times. He always carried medical equipment and often stopped to assist at accident scenes. Sherman also worked as a reserve deputy for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, providing security and emergency assistance.
He once helped deliver a baby on a sidewalk. The mother, upon learning his partner’s name was Bobby, named the baby Roberta. “I was glad he didn’t say my name was Sherman,” he joked.
Recognized for His Service
Sherman received several honors for his public service, including LAPD’s Reserve Officer of the Year award in 1999 and the FBI’s Exceptional Service Award. In 2004, Rep. Howard McKeon praised him on the U.S. House floor, calling Sherman “a stellar example” of service and commitment.
Return to the Stage
In the 1990s, Sherman joined fellow former teen idols Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Noone for the “Teen Idols Tour.” The Chicago Sun-Times once described his concert as a sea of roses, teddy bears, and applause from fans of all ages.
Humanitarian Legacy
Outside of music and medicine, Sherman co-founded the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation in Ghana, which supports educational and health initiatives for children in need.
He is survived by his wife, Brigitte, and two sons, Christopher and Tyler.
“Even in his final days, he stayed strong for me. That’s who Bobby was — brave, gentle, and full of light,” Poublon shared.
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