Legendary teen idol, singer from 60s and 70s dies at 81
A celebrated entertainer who soared to fame in the 1960s and 1970s as a teen idol, beloved by fans for his music and television roles, has passed away at the age of 81.
Bobby Sherman's death was announced by his wife, who shared a heartfelt tribute: 'He left this world holding my hand—just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace.' The star had recently revealed he was facing Stage 4 cancer.
Known for his charming smile and signature shaggy hairstyle, the performer became a household name with bubblegum pop hits such as Little Woman and Julie, Do Ya Love Me. LOS ANGELES - MARCH 13: American singer, Bobby Sherman, at a recording session in Los Angeles, California, March 13, 1967. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) CBS Photo Archive Credit: CBS Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images
His face graced the covers of popular teen magazines and appeared on lunchboxes, posters, and cereal boxes.
He ranked at number 8 of TV Guide's top teen idols and was part of a lineage of heartthrobs that included Ricky Nelson, David Cassidy, and later, Justin Bieber.
Sherman notched four Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart: Little Woman, Julie, Do Ya Love Me, Easy Come, Easy Go, and La La La (If I Had You).
He also released six albums that charted on the Billboard 200, with Here Comes Bobby standing out after spending 48 weeks on the album chart and reaching No. 10. His rise to fame began when he joined the cast of the ABC rock 'n' roll program Shindig! in the mid-1960s. Later, he landed starring roles in the television series Here Come the Brides (1968–70) and Getting Together (1971).
His breakthrough came after a chance Hollywood party, where he was spotted by major stars and invited to join a leading rock 'n' roll TV show. This led to starring roles in two hit television series and a successful recording career that earned him a gold record for his first single. Unspecified - 1970: Bobby Sherman hosting the ABC tv special 'The Bobby Sherman Special'. (Photo by Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) Walt Disney Television Photo Archives Credit: Walt Disney Television Photo Archives / Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
After stepping away from the spotlight, he pursued a passion for helping others, becoming a certified medical emergency technician and instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department.
He donated his salary and was honoured for his dedication, receiving awards from the LAPD, FBI, and Los Angeles County Reserve Foundation. He also served as a reserve deputy sheriff and was known for helping deliver babies in emergency situations.
His commitment to service extended globally, as he co-founded a children's foundation in Ghana, providing education and health programs for children in need. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Reflecting on his life, he once said, 'I don't think I'd change a thing, except to maybe be a little bit more aware of it, because I probably could've relished the fun of it a little more. It was a lot of work. It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears. But it was the best of times.'
His legacy is remembered not only for his music and acting, but for his kindness, courage, and tireless dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
'Even in his final days, he stayed strong for me. That's who he was—brave, gentle, and full of light,' his wife said.
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