Bobby Sherman, a beloved teen idol from the 1960s and 1970s, known for his charming smile and trendy shaggy hairdo, passed away at the age of 81. The news of his death, attributed to stage 4 cancer, was shared by his wife, Brigitte Poublon, and family friend John Stamos.
Sherman gained fame as a clean-cut figure frequently featured on the covers of popular teen magazines like Tiger Beat and Sixteen, often depicted with hair covering his eyes and a stylish choker around his neck. His image adorned lunchboxes, cereal boxes, and posters that decorated the bedrooms of countless adoring fans during his heyday. His popularity landed him a high ranking among TV Guide’s “TV’s 25 Greatest Teen Idols.”
Part of a lineage of youthful heartthrobs, Sherman bridged the gap between eras, from Ricky Nelson of the 1950s to David Cassidy in the 1970s, and later Justin Bieber in the 2000s. Sherman’s musical accomplishments included four Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, such as “Little Woman” and “Julie, Do Ya Love Me.” He also had six albums on the Billboard 200 chart, with “Here Comes Bobby” spending 48 weeks on the chart and reaching No. 10. His career launched when he joined the ABC rock ’n’ roll show “Shindig!” in the mid-’60s, and he later starred in television series like “Here Come the Brides” and “Getting Together.”
Recognitions and tributes poured in on social media from fans and celebrities alike, with Patricia Heaton and Lorenzo Lamas reminiscing about Sherman’s influence during their younger years. After his stint in the limelight, Sherman transitioned into a new career as a certified medical emergency technician and an instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department, donating his salary to train police recruits in first aid and CPR.
Reflecting on his career in a 1997 interview with The Tulsa World, Sherman expressed satisfaction with his past, stating that if given a chance, he might only have embraced the enjoyment of his fame a bit more amidst the hard work. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, he was influenced by the music of Ricky Nelson and his high-school rock band experiences. His break in showbiz came unexpectedly at a Hollywood party where he impressed attendees such as Jane Fonda, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo, leading to his role in “Shindig!”
Sherman reached peak teen idol status through “Here Come the Brides,” a show based in 1870s Seattle, where he played a young logger and sang the theme song “Seattle.” He later starred in “Getting Together,” a spinoff of “The Partridge Family,” becoming the first performer to lead three TV series before turning 30. His musical success was epitomized by his gold record for the single “Little Woman” in 1969.
After his hectic entertainment career, Sherman found fulfillment in serving as a medic. His passion for medicine sprouted from providing first aid to his children and later led him to stop and assist at accident scenes. He trained through the Red Cross and served as a reserve deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, contributing to community safety.
Among his accolades, Sherman was named the LAPD’s Reserve Officer of the Year in 1999 and was honored with various awards recognizing his service. Acknowledgment of his exemplary service even reached the U.S. House of Representatives, where his contributions were praised in 2004.
In the 1990s, Sherman joined the “Teen Idols Tour” with other former teen idols like Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones from the Monkees. His performances during the tour were well-received, with fans showering him with roses and teddy bears. Beyond music and emergency service, he co-founded the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation in Ghana, aimed at supporting children’s education, health, and welfare.
Sherman leaves behind his wife, Brigitte Poublon, and two sons, Christopher and Tyler. Poublon, in her heartfelt tribute, described Sherman as brave and gentle, ever supportive even in his final days.