Bobby Sherman, Teen Idol Who Became a Dedicated EMT, Dies at 81
Bobby Sherman, the clean-cut heartthrob who captivated a generation as a teen idol in the 1960s and ’70s before dedicating decades to public service as a certified emergency medical technician and instructor, has died. He passed away on Tuesday at the age of 81.
His death was announced by his wife, Brigitte Poublon, who shared through family friend John Stamos that Sherman passed away while holding her hand. Earlier this year, Sherman had revealed he was battling Stage 4 cancer.
From Teen Magazine Covers to Billboard Charts
With a winsome smile, distinctive sky-blue eyes, and fashionable shaggy hair, Sherman quickly became a defining face of the late 1960s and early 1970s pop culture scene. His wholesome image adorned the covers of ubiquitous youth magazines like Tiger Beat and Sixteen, making him a staple on teenage bedroom walls across the country. His face was licensed for merchandise ranging from lunchboxes to cereal boxes, solidifying his status as a youth icon.
Sherman’s appeal during a time of social turbulence was significant; his smiling visage was noted by The Tulsa World as a “reassuring totem” for teenage girls amidst the backdrop of riots, war protests, and changing social norms. He earned a prominent place in the lineage of American teen idols, ranking No. 8 on TV Guide’s list of “TV’s 25 Greatest Teen Idols,” a line stretching from Ricky Nelson to David Cassidy and beyond.
His musical career produced significant success on the Billboard charts with his signature bubblegum pop sound. He landed four Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100:
“Little Woman”
“Julie, Do Ya Love Me”
“Easy Come, Easy Go”
“La La La (If I Had You)”
Sherman also released six albums that charted on the Billboard 200, including “Here Comes Bobby,” which spent an impressive 48 weeks on the chart, peaking at No. 10. His debut single, “Little Woman,” went gold in 1969, fueling his recording career alongside his burgeoning television fame.
Television Stardom and Early Career
Sherman’s path to entertainment began unexpectedly after singing at a Hollywood party in 1964, where his performance caught the attention of stars like Jane Fonda and Natalie Wood. This led to representation and an early break on the ABC rock ‘n’ roll showcase “Shindig!”
His visibility soared with television acting roles. He starred in the popular comedy-adventure series “Here Come the Brides” (1968-70), set in 1870s Seattle, playing the young logger Jeremy Bolt. He also sang the show’s theme song, “Seattle.” Following this, he starred in “Getting Together” (1971), a spinoff of “The Partridge Family.” This prolific run made him the first performer to star in three television series before the age of 30. His film credits included appearances in “Wild In Streets,” “He is My Brother,” and “Get Crazy.”
A Remarkable Pivot to Public Service
After years living a demanding celebrity life with a “frantic schedule” that left little time for home, Sherman made a conscious decision to step back from the relentless pace of show business. He embarked on a profoundly different and impactful second career driven by a long-standing interest in medicine and helping others.
This passion grew from being the primary first-aid provider for his sons and taking Red Cross courses in basic first aid and CPR. In 1988, Sherman became a certified medical emergency technician (EMT) and dedicated instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department. He taught vital first aid and CPR skills to police recruits, notably donating his salary from this role back to the department.
He also served as a reserve deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, providing security at the courthouse. As a paramedic, Sherman estimated he helped deliver five babies in unexpected locations – including one sidewalk birth where the grateful mother named her daughter Roberta after learning his first name. Reflecting on this work, Sherman told the St. Petersburg Times, “There’s not a better feeling than the one you get from helping somebody out.”
Recognition and Lasting Legacy
Sherman’s dedication to public service earned him significant recognition, including being named LAPD’s Reserve Officer of the Year in 1999, receiving the FBI’s Exceptional Service Award, and the “Twice a Citizen” Award from the Los Angeles County Reserve Foundation. His commitment was formally acknowledged on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004.
While his life’s focus shifted, Sherman occasionally returned to his musical roots. He participated in the popular 1990s-era “Teen Idols Tour” alongside contemporaries like Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones of The Monkees and Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits, where he was still met with enthusiastic fans.
Beyond his service in the U.S., Sherman, alongside his wife, co-founded the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation in Ghana, which supports education, health, and welfare programs for children in need.
Reflecting on his varied life journey in a 1997 interview, Sherman said he wouldn’t change a thing, describing his intense celebrity years as “the best of times,” even if he wished he had relished the fun more despite the hard work.
Bobby Sherman is survived by his wife, Brigitte Poublon, and his two sons, Christopher and Tyler, from his first marriage. His wife’s final message described him as “brave, gentle, and full of light,” remaining strong for her even in his final days. He leaves behind a unique legacy as both a cultural icon who brightened the rooms of millions of teenagers and a dedicated public servant who directly saved lives.
