Former Teen Idol Bobby Sherman Calls Paramedic Career A 'Labor Of Love'

Aug 18, 2022 by apost team

Singer and former teen heartthrob Bobby Sherman is best known for his hit singles "Little Woman" and "Julie, Do Ya Love Me," as well as countless others. A talented singer-songwriter, Sherman went gold and then platinum multiple times in the 1960s and 1970s before branching out into a brief acting career. 

At perhaps the height of his popularity, Sherman was cast in the comedy western "Here Come the Brides," playing the simple but bashful Jeremy Bolt. Sherman also made appearances on "American Bandstand" as well as "Where the Action is" and "The Partridge Family. " Sherman continued making guest appearances into the 1980s when years of fatigue led him to pick another path. 

Between singing and acting, Sherman had begun to be worn down by the constant travel and crazy schedule. Recalling his non-stop life in front of the mic, Sherman revealed to the Washington Post, "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." While the endless jet-setting might sound glamorous, Sherman suggested it was more destabilizing than it was glitzy. Remembering what it was like to shuttle from show to show, Sherman commented, "It was so hectic for three years that I didn't know what home was." 

He continued, "I was disoriented – I never knew where I was, always had to be reminded." As challenging as this pop star's life sounded, Sherman remained grateful for the experience. 

Sherman admitted, "But, in all honesty, I must say I had the best of times because the concerts were great, the fans were great." Given the decade he was popular in, Sherman also conceded, "It was the proverbial love-in, but it just zapped so much out of me."

He then retired from the stage, taking time to focus on his family and build a new career. Somewhat through necessity, he found himself drawn towards medicine. 

He had married Patti Carnel in 1971 and had two sons, Christopher and Tyler. The children, in a way, sparked Sherman's drive to pursue formal medical training. Explaining this unlikely origin story, Sherman said, "As kids grow up, they fall down, scrape their knees, get bloody noses." He continued, touching on how the rambunctious young boys needed occasional care, "(Carnel) was very squeamish when it came to blood, especially our kids' blood, so it was kind of up to me. I took a basic first aid-CPR class, just in case, and found I had a knack for it." 

Having sparked an interest and received some training, Sherman found himself drawn to helping in whatever situation arose. Remembering those early days, Sherman said, "Eventually, if I'd be driving down the street and there was an accident and there was no medical help on hand, I'd get out and, since I usually had some stuff with me, I'd help."

Sherman eventually went back to school to pursue a more complete education, earning his EMT (emergency medical technician) qualification. He then again returned to his studies and graduated with his EMTD qualification. 

apost.com

Sherman then worked as an instructor, helping others gain a better understanding of how to help in emergency situations. 

Afterward, Sherman joined the Los Angeles Police Department as a sworn police officer in 1992, additionally acting as the LAPD's chief medical training officer. Commenting on his career with the police, Sherman said, "It's a labor of love to be able to teach these officers how to patch people up." He continued, touching on how rewarding the work can be, saying, "There's not a better feeling in the world than knowing these people are out there, helping someone out, saving someone's life."

Having graduated far beyond his own boy's skinned knees, Sherman was able to assist in all manner of situations, helping even on rare occasions to deliver babies in the field. Having seen how even a basic knowledge of medicine can help in these situations, Sherman was a big supporter of others receiving similar training. In urging others, he said, "It's tremendously rewarding, which is why I always say in concert that everyone should take the time to learn first aid and CPR, because it works."

After his LAPD career, Sherman returned to the stage in the 1990s as part of "The Teen Idol Tour." Commenting on the nostalgia of those performances, Sherman recalled "the wholesomeness of the show." Remembering his adoring crowd, he said touchingly, "They sing along and it's amazing – they remember the lyrics better than I do, sometimes. It's wonderful. Everybody, including myself, gets transported back to a much more happier time."

What's your favorite Bobby Sherman song? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family, and any "Here Come the Brides" fans!