Bobby Sherman: The Legacy of a Heartthrob and Hero
BOBBY SHERMAN: THE TEEN IDOL WHO MADE A LIFETIME OF MUSIC AND MATTERS
In a shocking turn of events, 1960s teen heartthrob Bobby Sherman has passed away at the age of 81 after a valiant battle with stage-four cancer. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond, as fans from around the world mourned the loss of this beloved pop icon.
Sherman's wife, Brigitte Poublon, broke the news on social media, sharing a heartfelt tribute to her husband of nearly 13 years. "It is with the heaviest heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Bobby Sherman," she wrote. "Bobby left this world holding my hand—just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace through all 29 beautiful years of marriage."
But before we delve into the tragic tale of Bobby's final days, let's take a trip down memory lane to relive the glory days of this teen idol. Born in Santa Monica, California, Sherman was a high school football star who traded his cleats for a microphone and a spotlight on the Hollywood stage.
His rise to fame began in the 1960s when he was asked to sing at a party attended by none other than Jane Fonda, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo. It was this serendipitous encounter that led him to land a spot as a house singer on the popular variety show Shindig! in 1964.
Fast-forward to 1968 when Sherman landed his breakout role on the western TV series Here Come The Brides, where he played the lovable and stammering Jeremy Bolt. The show's premise was simple: three brothers try to recruit women to come to Seattle after the Civil War. And who better to play one of those brothers than the charming Bobby Sherman?
But it was his music that truly made him a household name. In 1969, he released the iconic single "Little Woman," which became a bubblegum pop sensation. Followed by hits like "La La La (If I Had You)," "Julie, Do Ya Love Me," and "Easy Come, Easy Go," Sherman was the teen heartthrob of the era.
However, by the mid-1970s, he largely receded from the spotlight, choosing instead to focus on his emergency services career. He traded in his rockstar status for a paramedic badge, becoming an EMT and trainer with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Yes, you read that right – this teen idol was not only saving lives but also teaching others how to do so.
Sherman's dedication to his work earned him numerous accolades, including being named Reserve Officer Of The Year at the LAPD in 1999. And in 2004, Congressman Buck McKeon honored him on the floor of the U.S. House Of Representatives, praising his selfless service.
But even as he dedicated himself to saving lives and serving his community, Sherman never forgot his fans. He would occasionally make appearances, including a nostalgic Teen Idols In Concert tour in 1998 alongside Davy Jones of The Monkees and Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits.
In his personal life, Sherman was married twice, first to Patti Carnel with whom he had two sons, Tyler and Christopher. After their divorce, Carnel went on to marry David Soul, Sherman's co-star on Here Come The Brides. In 2010, he tied the knot with Brigitte Poublon, with whom he founded the Brigitte & Bobby Sherman Children's (BBSC) Foundation, aimed at education and musical training for students in Ghana.
In March, Poublon announced her husband's cancer diagnosis on Facebook, asking fans to respect their privacy during this challenging time. And as his condition worsened, she shared updates with the public, including a poignant message about his final days: "His last words from the hospital last night were: 'Brig, I just want to go home.'"
As we say goodbye to this incredible individual, it's clear that Bobby Sherman left an indelible mark on our world. From his music to his service, he inspired countless fans and left a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
Originally published on thescholarlynote.com
