Bobby Sherman, the quintessential easygoing teen idol who captured hearts across the 1960s and 70s as both a singer and actor, has passed away at the age of 81.
Known for his boy-next-door charm and catchy pop hits, Sherman rose to fame at a young age, becoming one of the era’s most recognizable and beloved figures in entertainment before later dedicating himself to a remarkable career in public service.
Rise to Stardom: From TV to Teen Idol
Born in 1943, Sherman began his music career in 1962, quickly parlaying his talents into television appearances. He became a familiar face on popular shows like Shindig! and American Bandstand, and even made a guest appearance on The Monkees.
His major acting breakthrough arrived in 1968 when he was cast in the ABC comedy western series “Here Come the Brides.” Sherman played the role of Jeremy Bolt, a bashful 19th-century Seattle lumberjack. Although the show ran for only two seasons (1968-1970), it was more than enough to skyrocket him into the stratosphere of teen idolatry. His immense popularity was underscored by the sheer volume of fan mail he received – reportedly an astonishing 25,000 pieces weekly, making him the recipient of the most fan mail on the entire ABC network by 1970.
Music Success: Chart-Topping Hits and Gold Records
While “Here Come the Brides” solidified his visual appeal, Sherman’s music career exploded concurrently. Throughout his career, he released twenty-three singles and ten studio albums, five of which earned Gold certification from the RIAA.
His first major hit, “Little Woman,” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969 and became his signature song, selling over a million copies and earning RIAA Gold certification. He quickly followed this success with other chart-toppers that defined his sound and the era, including:
“La La La (If I Had You)” (peaked at No. 9 on Billboard Hot 100)
“Easy Come, Easy Go” (peaked at No. 9 on Billboard Hot 100)
“Julie, Do Ya Love Me” (peaked at No. 5 on Billboard Hot 100)
By the end of 1972, his discography boasted seven gold singles, one platinum single, and 10 gold albums, a testament to his rapid rise in the music world. Other popular tracks included the playful “The Drum,” the heartfelt ballad “Jennifer,” and his earlier cover of “I’m Into Something Good.” His easygoing vocal style and catchy tunes perfectly embodied the bubblegum pop sound cherished by his young audience.
The Teen Idol Phenomenon
Beyond the charts and screens, Bobby Sherman was a true teen idol phenomenon of the 60s and 70s. He graced the covers of popular magazines aimed at adolescent girls, like Tiger Beat*, countless times. His enduring appeal was formally recognized in 2005 when TV Guide ranked him No. 8 on their list of the 25 greatest teen idols, placing him ahead of contemporaries like Davy Jones and Troy Donahue. His cultural impact was such that even Marge Simpson confessed a crush on him in a memorable episode of the long-running animated series “The Simpsons.”
Despite the intense fame at a young age, Sherman once commented that his rapid ascent meant he “didn’t really have time to have an ego,” reflecting the “easygoing” demeanor that endeared him to millions.
A New Path: From Pop Star to Public Service
In a remarkable and inspiring career shift, Bobby Sherman began to step away from the entertainment spotlight in the mid-1970s. A guest appearance on the drama series “Emergency!” in 1974 proved surprisingly influential, reportedly inspiring him to pursue a career in public service.
He became a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) and later volunteered with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), teaching vital first aid and CPR skills. His dedication led him to become a technical Reserve Police Officer with the LAPD in the 1990s, serving with distinction until 2017 and achieving the rank of Captain. He was honored as LAPD’s Reserve Officer of the Year in 1999. Demonstrating his deep commitment to helping others, he also served as a deputy sheriff in San Bernardino County until 2010. This transition from pop star to first responder showcased a profound dedication to community well-being.
Later Years
After approximately fifteen years away from performing, Sherman made a return to the stage, participating in the 1998 Teen Idol Tour, marking his first live performance in twenty-five years and reconnecting with the fans who adored him.
Bobby Sherman passed away at the age of 81. His death was announced by his wife, Brigitte Poublon, on Tuesday morning via Instagram. She had previously shared in March that Mr. Sherman had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.
Bobby Sherman’s legacy spans across television, music, and dedicated public service. He will be remembered as the friendly face and voice who defined the teen idol era for a generation and later served his community with distinction.
