After a long battle with Stage 4 cancer, a beloved 1960s and 1970s pop icon and dedicated public servant has passed away at 81.
Bobby Sherman left Hollywood at the height of his popularity to serve his community, becoming an emergency medical technician and police instructor who saved countless lives.
Sherman’s wife, Brigitte Poublon, announced his death, while actor John Stamos shared the news on Instagram on behalf of the family.
The former teen heartthrob died peacefully holding his wife’s hand after their 29-year marriage.
Sherman rose to fame with bubblegum pop hits like “Little Woman” and “Julie, Do Ya Love Me,” scoring four Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and six albums on the Billboard 200 chart.
His face adorned countless teen magazines, lunchboxes, and posters as he captivated a generation of young fans.
Despite his star status, Sherman walked away from fame to dedicate himself to public service.
He became a certified medical emergency technician and instructor for the LAPD, even serving as a reserve deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Sherman’s commitment to service earned him numerous accolades, including LAPD’s Reserve Officer of the Year and the FBI’s Exceptional Service Award.
In 2004, his service was even recognized in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Former Representative Howard McKeon praised Sherman during a speech on the House floor:
“Bobby is a stellar example of the statement ‘to protect and serve.’ We can only say a simple and heartfelt thank you to Bobby Sherman and to all the men and women who courageously protect and serve the citizens of America.”
Together with his wife, Sherman co-founded the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation in Ghana, providing meals to hundreds of children daily.
Their foundation established a five-and-a-half-acre musical village with soup kitchens serving up to 500 meals daily to those in need.
“I was brought up in a fairly strict family. Law and order were important. Respect your fellow neighbor, remember other people’s feelings. I was the kind of boy who didn’t do things just to be mischievous,” Sherman once explained about his upbringing.
His widow shared heartfelt words about her husband’s character:
“To those who truly knew him, Bobby was something much more. He was a man of service. He traded sold-out concerts and magazine covers for the back of an ambulance, becoming an EMT and a trainer with the LAPD. He saved lives. He showed us what real heroism looks like — quiet, selfless, and deeply human.”
Sherman is survived by his wife and two sons, Christopher and Tyler, from his previous marriage to Patti Carnel.
In his final days, he found joy in reading fan letters and maintained his characteristic good humor.
