‘60s teen idol Bobby Sherman dead at 81

News.com.au

14 hours ago

Former heart-throb Bobby Sherman has died.
His wife, Brigitte Poublon, and dear friend, John Stamos, confirmed his death on Tuesday, June 24, following a short battle with cancer, New York Post reports.
Sherman, who skyrocketed to fame in the 1960s as an actor and musician, was 81.
'It is with the heaviest heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Bobby Sherman,' Poublon's message, which was posted by Stamos on behalf of the widow, read. 'Bobby left this world holding my hand — just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace through all 29 beautiful years of marriage. I was his Cinderella, and he was my prince charming.'
The tribute also revealed how Sherman spent his final days.
'As he rested, I read him fan letters from all over the world — words of love and gratitude that lifted his spirits and reminded him of how deeply he was cherished. He soaked up every word with that familiar sparkle in his eye. And yes, he still found time to crack well-timed jokes — Bobby had a wonderful, wicked sense of humor [sic]. It never left him,' his wife continued.
Sherman's wife announced the singer had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in March.
'To all of Bobby Sherman's cherished fans, as many of you know, Bobby has been retired for some time and is no longer able to participate in cameos, sign autographs or make appearances,' Poublon shared on social media at the time. 'It is with a heavy heart that we share Bobby has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.'
'During this challenging time, we kindly ask for your understanding and respect for our privacy,' Poublon continued. 'Thank you so much for still remembering him. We really appreciate it.'
Weeks later, she revealed Sherman's cancer had 'spread everywhere.'
'He was doing crossword puzzles with me in the last few days. And then all of a sudden Saturday, he turned around and … he's just sleeping more and his body's not working anymore. It's not. Everything's shutting down,' she announced in April.
Poublon also shared that the singer was receiving special care at home.
'His last words from the hospital last night were, 'Brig, I just want to go home,'' she revealed, adding that 'he can barely sign his name' and wanted 'to be left in peace' to spend his remaining days with his family and five dogs.
During that time, she even advised Stamos, who Sherman considered his 'best friend,' to send the singer a personal message via video 'because I told him I don't recommend him come into the room where Bobby's at right now.'
The Full House actor met the singer at Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children's Foundation, an organisation the couple founded that provides meals and education to children in Ghana, a few years ago, 'and we've been best friends ever [since],' Poublon explained.
Sherman — real name Robert Cabot Sherman Jr. — had an unbelievable career, which kicked off when Jane Fonda and Natalie Wood discovered him singing 'Happy Birthday' at a party hosted by Rebel Without a Cause s tar Sal Mineo.
Both Fonda and Wood fell 'in love with Bobby' at the party and helped him get an agent, Poublon said.
The exchange led to his first television gig on the ABC series Shindig! where he was a house singer and cast member.
But it was the 1968 breakout role of Jeremy Bolt in ABC's Here Come the Brides that 'put Bobby on the map,' his wife shared.
The shaggy-haired star was considered a celebrity crush for many teens in the '60s and '70, rivalled only by Donny Osmond and David Cassidy.
Sherman brought joy to millions during his career, which also included the release of 10 albums, with hits including Little Woman, Easy Come, Easy Go, La La La (If I Had You) and Julie, Do Ya Love Me.
All four singles reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved gold-selling status.
Sherman's other acting credits included Fantasy Island, Murder, She Wrote and The Love Boat. His last television appearance was on a 1997 episode of Frasier, in which he played himself.
He later decided to switch gears, leaving the entertainment industry to be a man of service as an EMT and a technical reserve police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department.
In 1999, the hit maker was named LAPD Reserve Officer of the Year.
'He saved lives. He showed us what real heroism looks like — quiet, selfless and deeply human,' his wife said while announcing his death.
'He lived with integrity, gave without hesitation, and loved with his whole heart. And though our family feels his loss profoundly, we also feel the warmth of his legacy — his voice, his laughter, his music, his mission,' Poublon added.
He was previously married to Patti Carnel, with whom he shared two sons, Christopher Noel Sherman and Tyler Carnel Sherman, from 1971 to 1979.
He wed Poublon, who was a fan, in 2011 after meeting at her 40th birthday bash.
Sherman leaves behind Poublon, his sons and six grandchildren.