What Happened to This ’70s Teen Idol Who Left Hollywood to Save Lives?

In the ’60s and ’70s, he was a beloved teen idol, captivating audiences with his acting and musical talents. His songs climbed the charts and he became a fixture on television, his popularity skyrocketing.

He earned the nickname “Bubble Gum Kid” due to his catchy pop hits that fans couldn’t get enough of. But surprisingly, he walked away from the spotlight at the height of his fame. Decades later, he found a different calling, one that would save lives and change his own forever.

The Rise of a Teen Idol

His journey to stardom began in the mid-’60s when he became the house singer on the popular TV music show “Shindig!” (1964-1966). After the show ended, he made guest appearances on series like “The Monkees,” “Honey West,” and “The FBI.”

But it wasn’t until he landed a starring role on “Here Come the Brides” (1968-1970) that he became a household name. Playing the lovable Jeremy Bolt, he quickly captured the hearts of fans, cementing his status as a teen idol.

Riding the wave of his TV success, he launched a music career that took off with hits like “Julie, Do Ya Love Me?” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.” The songs dominated the charts, earning him 11 gold records and racking up millions in sales.

During this period of rising fame, he married Patti Carnel in 1971, and the couple soon welcomed two sons, Christopher and Tyler. Balancing the demands of a thriving career and family life wasn’t easy, but he managed to maintain his popularity through the ’70s.

In 1971, he starred in an episode of “The Partridge Family,” which served as a pilot for his own spin-off, “Getting Together.” Unfortunately, the series struggled against strong competition and lasted only half a season.

Even after the cancellation, he continued his momentum, joining the Teen Idol Tour alongside stars like Peter Noone and Davy Jones. In the late ’70s, he branched out into commercial films, started a deluxe airplane charter service, and rented out his recording studio to other artists.

The Grueling Demands of Fame

While his career seemed glamorous from the outside, the reality behind the scenes was far from easy. During his time on “Here Come the Brides,” he juggled a punishing schedule, filming the series five days a week.

By the time his spinoff, “Getting Together,” aired in 1971, his workload had only intensified. The show’s filming demands, combined with his music career, left him exhausted.

He opened up about his relentless routine. “I’d film five days a week, get on a plane on a Friday night and go someplace for matinee and evening shows Saturday and Sunday, then get on a plane and go back to the studio to start filming again,” he revealed.

It was a nonstop cycle that left him physically drained and emotionally spent. He admitted to feeling lost in the chaos, frequently unsure of his surroundings. “I was disoriented — I never knew where I was, always had to be reminded,” he confessed.

Despite the exhaustion, he looked back fondly on his time spent performing, acknowledging the fans who made it worthwhile. “I must say I had the best of times because the concerts were great, the fans were great. It was the proverbial love-in, but it just zapped so much out of me,” he admitted.

A Life-Changing Decision

By the mid-’80s, it was clear that something had to give. Rather than continuing down the same path, he decided to step away from the spotlight and take control of his life. Without officially retiring, he quietly withdrew from the Hollywood scene.

He built a recording studio in his garage, where he spent time composing scores for films and television shows. Occasionally, he made guest appearances on popular series like “The Love Boat,” but the pressure of a full-time entertainment career was behind him.

Instead, he focused on projects he could enjoy at his own pace. “I made a decision to give myself a break and do stuff I wanted to do,” he explained. It was during this period of reflection that he found a new passion—emergency medicine.

A New Career in Emergency Services

Trading the Hollywood spotlight for a medical kit, he found a new calling in emergency response. In the early ’80s, he took on the rigorous training to become an emergency medical technician (EMT) in Los Angeles.

His talent for first aid, initially sparked by a basic CPR course, quickly turned into a passion for helping others. He shared how his interest began at home. “As kids grow up, they fall, scrape their knees, get bloody noses,” he said.

He explained that his ex-wife was uncomfortable with blood, especially when it came to their own children. Taking a basic first aid class seemed like a practical step, and he soon realized he had a knack for it.

His instincts kicked in whenever he saw someone in need. “If I’d be driving down the street and there was an accident with no medical help on hand, I’d get out and, since I usually had some stuff with me, I’d help,” he recalled.

With additional training, he advanced from EMT to EMTD, adding defibrillation skills to his repertoire. His dedication caught the attention of the Los Angeles Police Department, and in 1992, he was invited to join their training academy.

He was sworn in as a police officer and became the LAPD’s senior emergency training officer, teaching officers life-saving skills. For him, teaching these skills became a new kind of fulfillment. He found great satisfaction in knowing that his work was making a difference.

Over the years, he even delivered babies while on duty, demonstrating his commitment to helping others. He often emphasized the importance of first aid training, believing it could truly save lives. “It’s tremendously rewarding,” he stated.

Family Life and Founding a Charity

By the time Bobby Sherman began his new career in emergency services in the early ’80s, his first marriage to Carnel had already ended. Following their divorce in 1979, he dedicated much of his time to his two sons, Christopher and Tyler. He found joy in being a hands-on father, balancing his professional commitments with time spent with his children.

Years later, in 2011, he found love again and married Brigitte Poublon. Together, they shared a passion for giving back, which led to the creation of the Bobby Sherman Volunteer EMT Foundation. The organization became a way for him to continue his lifesaving work beyond his police duties.

Through the foundation, he started offering medical support at community and charity events throughout Southern California. In addition to their medical foundation, they launched the Brigitte & Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation, focusing on educational programs for underprivileged youth.

His wife once shared during a Facebook Live session in 2018 that they cherished spending time together, especially around the holidays, when they could enjoy family traditions and create new memories.

On July 22, 2024, he celebrated his 81st birthday, with his wife. Decades after stepping away from the spotlight, he remains at peace with his decision.

He looks back fondly on his time as a ’70s teen idol, grateful for the opportunities and the fans who propelled him to stardom. “God bless the fans,” he said. “They made me a teen idol, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”