Bobby Sherman, the pop idol who once made teenage hearts race in the late ’60s and early ’70s, has passed away at 81 after a tough battle with stage 4 kidney cancer. His wife, Brigitte Poublon, shared the sad news on Instagram, remembering him as brave, gentle, and still cracking jokes right up to the end.
Most folks remember Bobby for his role on Here Come the Brides and catchy hits like Julie ” and, Do Ya Love Me, but his story didn’t end when the spotlight faded; he went on to become an EMT and a true-life hero.
Bobby Sherman’s Rise to Fame on TV and in Music
Bobby Sherman wasn’t just another pretty face on TV. He first stole the spotlight playing Jeremy Bolt, the shy lumberjack with a sweet smile, on ABC’s Here Comes the Brides (1968–1970). The show only ran two seasons, but it was enough to launch him into full-blown teen idol status. He was getting up to 25,000 fan letters a week at one point. (Yep, that’s pre-Instagram fame for you.)
Before long, he was popping up everywhere, on musical variety shows like Shindig! and sitcoms like Getting Together. But it was his move into music that sealed his place in pop history. With his soft vocals and that mop of boy-next-door hair, Bobby quickly became a chart-topping star of the bubblegum pop era.
His biggest hits? You might still recognize a few:
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Little Woman – shot to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100
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Julie, Do Ya Love Me – reached No. 5
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Easy Come, Easy Go
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La La La (If I Had You)
His album Here Comes Bobby went gold and lingered on the charts for weeks, making him one of the most recognizable voices (and faces) of the era.
Beyond the Posters and Pop Songs
At the peak of his fame, Bobby Sherman’s face was everywhere, from Tiger Beat to 16 Magazine, often right beside other teen legends like David Cassidy and Davy Jones. Bobby Sherman was the kind of star who made middle school lockers into shrines.
Years later, TV Guide even ranked him No. 8 on their list of “TV’s 25 Greatest Teen Idols.” But for fans, he was more than just a face on a magazine cover; he represented a moment in time, a sweeter, more innocent slice of pop culture that still feels nostalgic today.
A Second Act That Truly Mattered
Then came the plot twist no one saw coming. In the late 1970s, just as most stars were chasing comebacks or Vegas residencies, Bobby Sherman quietly walked away. He trained as a certified emergency medical technician (EMT), eventually working with the LAPD. He didn’t just clock in—he taught CPR, trained recruits, and donated his salary. No PR stunt. No flash. Just service.
Later, he became a reserve deputy sheriff. For someone who once had girls screaming his name in concert halls, his second act was humbler—but, arguably, more powerful.
He didn’t just save lives—he inspired people in a whole new way.
A Legacy That Goes Beyond the Spotlight
In her tribute, Brigitte Poublon called Bobby someone who “brought light to everyone he met.” And really, that seems spot-on. From gold records to emergency rescue calls, Sherman left behind a life filled with heart.
We often define greatness by charts, awards, or celebrity status. But Bobby Sherman showed us another version of it—one rooted in compassion, service, and showing up when it counts.
So yeah, maybe Julie did love him. And decades later, it’s safe to say a whole lot of people still do.
