LOS ANGELES — Bobby Sherman, the golden-haired pop star who became one of television’s first teen idols in the 1960s before reinventing himself as an emergency medical technician, died Tuesday at age 81. His wife Brigitte Poublon confirmed his passing in a statement shared by family friend John Stamos, revealing Sherman had been battling Stage 4 cancer.
From Tiger Beat to Television Stardom
With his signature shag haircut and boyish charm, Sherman became a fixture on the covers of Tiger Beat and Sixteen magazines during his heyday. The San Fernando Valley native ranked No. 8 on TV Guide‘s list of “TV’s 25 Greatest Teen Idols,” his image plastered on lunchboxes, posters, and cereal boxes across America.
Sherman’s career took off after a fateful Hollywood party in 1964, where his impromptu performance caught the attention of Jane Fonda, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo. This led to his breakout role on ABC’s Shindig! and later stardom on the hit series Here Come the Brides (1968-70), where he sang the show’s theme song “Seattle.”
Chart-Topping Success
At the peak of his fame, Sherman scored four Top 10 Billboard hits, including:
- “Little Woman” (1969) – Gold-certified
- “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” (1970)
- “Easy Come, Easy Go” (1970)
- “La La La (If I Had You)” (1970)
His debut album, Here Comes Bobby, spent 48 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 10. By age 30, he had starred in three TV series, a rare feat at the time.
A Radical Career Change: From Pop Star to Paramedic
Exhausted by the grind of fame, Sherman stepped away from entertainment in the late 1970s. His life took an unexpected turn when he became a certified EMT, eventually training LAPD recruits in CPR and first aid—donating his salary back to the department.
“I carry medical equipment in my car,” Sherman told the St. Petersburg Times in 1997. “There’s no better feeling than helping someone in need.”
Remarkably, he delivered five babies in emergency situations, including one on a sidewalk where the mother named her newborn “Roberta” after him.
Legacy of Service
Sherman’s second act earned him prestigious honors, including:
- LAPD Reserve Officer of the Year (1999)
- FBI Exceptional Service Award
- Congressional recognition for his public service
In later years, he joined the Teen Idols Tour with fellow ’60s stars and co-founded the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation, supporting education and healthcare in Ghana.
Final Days
Even in retirement, Sherman remained a beloved figure. “He stayed strong for me until the end—brave, gentle, and full of light,” Poublon wrote. He is survived by his wife and two sons, Christopher and Tyler.
Why Bobby Sherman Mattered
- Bridged generations from Ricky Nelson to Justin Bieber in teen idol culture
- Proved celebrities could reinvent themselves for meaningful second acts
- Saved lives long after his pop star days ended
As Sherman once reflected: “I wouldn’t change a thing—except maybe to relish the fun a little more.” His dual legacy as both entertainer and lifesaver ensures he’ll be remembered far beyond his bubblegum pop roots.
