Former 1960s and 1970s heartthrob Bobby Sherman dead at 81 after cancer diagnosis

Former actor, singer, and teen idol Bobby Sherman is dead at age 81, the New York Post reported. The “Little Woman” singer passed away just after being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in March. 

Sherman had long been retired when his wife, Brigitte Poublon, announced the diagnosis on Facebook. “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 wrote on March 25.

“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. Thank you so much for still remembering him. We really appreciate it,” she wrote.

A tragic loss

Poublon enlisted the help of John Stamos, whom Sherman considered a “best friend,” after her husband’s short battle with cancer.  The “Full House” actor became friends with the couple through work with their charity, Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation.

Stamos shared Poublon’s message about Sherman’s death on his Instagram. “It is with the heaviest heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Bobby Sherman,” read Poublon’s message that was posted by Stamos.

“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,” Poublon’s message went on.

The late star’s wife described Sherman’s final days leading up to his peaceful passing. “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,” Poublon recalled.

“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. It never left him,” his wife added.

Dynamic career

Besides his loving wife and loyal best friend, Sherman was adored by fans who fell in love with him through his television and music career. Born Robert Cabot Sherman Jr., Sherman began his rise to fame in the 1960s after being discovered by Jane Fonda and Natalie Wood.

He was singing “Happy Birthday” at a party thrown by Wood’s “Rebel Without a Cause” co-star Sal Mineo. Poublon said Fonda and Wood fell “in love with Bobby” instantly and helped him get signed to an agent.

Sherman would go on to get his first break on the ABC program “Shindig!” as a cast member and singer. However, it was his 1968 role as Jeremy Bolt on ABC’s Western television series “Here Come the Brides” that truly made him a star.

Other acting roles included appearances on “Murder, She Wrote,” “The Love Boat,” and “Fantasy Island.” Sherman also had four Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits with “Julie, Do Ya Love Me,” “La La La (If I Had You),” “Little Woman,” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

With so many years in show business, touching the lives of so many, Sherman’s passing is a tragedy. However, it seemed he led a good life and was loved by many, which is all that anyone could hope for.