16 Magazine - October 1970

My Secret Love List

The dictionary defines love as "...unselfish concern that freely accepts another and seeks their good; attraction, affection and tenderness shared by lovers; to feel passion, devotion and tenderness for another".  Poets have described love in many ways - "Love will stand when all else falls"; "The greatest happiness in life is to know that you are loved, loved for yourself"; and "Love is to place your happiness into the hands of another".  The Bible describes love as the greatest of all possible virtues saying that if a man has all goodness, but still fails to find love - then he has nothing.

With all these thoughts running through my mind, I recently sat down and tried to write down my very own "Love List".  At first, I was a bit confused - but soon I just stopped thinking with my mind and started listening with my heart.  And this is what I discovered.

MY FAMILY - The three people at the top of my "Love List" are my mom Juanita, my dad Robert, and my older sister Darlene.  Needless to say, I love each and every one of my relatives - but these three people have always been there when I needed them.  They've taught me right from wrong and have given me love and advice, they have always encourages me to pursue my dreams - no matter how impossible these dreams may have seemed at the time.   They've helped me to grow up - and most important of all, they have shown me what life and love are all about!

I have groovy folks who are totally in love with each other!  My sister Darlene is married to a great guy and they have four beautiful children.  With these two marriages as examples to follow - I know exactly the kind of future I hope to have.  It's because of these people that I truly want to settle down and raise a family of my own - someday.  You see, they've taught me that total happiness (no matter what other success you may achieve) is loving someone and having that person believe in you and love you in return.  However, they've also shown me that the most important thing isn't just getting married - it's waiting until I find the right person to share my life with!

Showing love isn't always easy, but I feel that it's important to let people know you care.  No matter how busy I may be, wherever I go or whatever I do - I always keep in close contact with my parents and Darlene.  My sister and her family live in Maryland, so I don't get to see them as often as I'd like to.  We talk to each other quite a bit, however, and my mom keeps me up-to-date on everything concerning Darlene and her family.  Darlene knows that I love her and that I think about her - and that's what counts!  My folks live in nearby Van Nuys, California, so I visit them quite a lot.  In fact, many of my evenings are spent at my parents' home - and we've even double-dated!  My mom and dad love to come along with me and a date - and I truly enjoy being with them!

WARD SYLVESTER - The person who has helped me most with my career is my manager, Ward Sylvester.  He works 24 hours a day and really cares what happens to Bobby Sherman!  But in addition to all this, and the reason Ward is so special to me, is that he's also one of the best friends a guy could have!  Ward has done many things above and beyond the call of duty, and he knows (or at least now he does) that if he ever needs a favor from me - I'll always be there.  To me, that's what true friendship is all about!

THE CAST AND CREW OF BRIDES - What can I say?  You know how I feel about all the wonderful people who were connected with Here Come The Brides.  I love them all!  Bridget Hanley, Robert Brown, David Soul, Joan Blondell, Susan Tolsky, Mark Lenard, Henry Beckman, Patti Cohoon, Eric Chase - everyone - as well as all the people who worked "behind the scenes" on the show.  I believe Brides was special because of the "togetherness" on our set.  It wasn't just a job to any of us - it was like being with our "second family"!  I know we'll all miss our days at the Columbia-Screen Gems ranch now that Brides is no more - but you can bet we'll keep in touch with each other for years and years to come!

BRIDGET HANLEY - I know I've included Bridget in the above paragraph, but in addition to her being "Candy" to my "Jeremy" - Bridget has become a very dear and extra-special person to me!   She's like a second sister - one of the greatest people I've ever met.   Bridget is constantly doing thoughtful things for other people.  She really cares about everything she does and everyone around her.  Bridget loves to read her mail and she spends hours each day writing letters back to fans.  She even takes the time to pass some of these letters on to me.  All I can say is that Bridget Hanley is not only a beautiful person inside and out - but she's a very talented actress as well!

YOU - Last, but by no means least, in my heart and on my secret "Love List" is the way I feel about each and every one of you!  You've given me so much.  When I'm in a strange city, feeling lost and lonely - you show me that I'm welcome.  You do this in many ways - sometimes by waving or smiling, and especially by coming to my shows and cheering me on.  When I'm in a quiet or a sullen mood - I read your cards and letters, and you put a smile back on my face and cheer me up.  I could go on forever, just listing all the reasons why I love you, but I think you already know how very much you mean to me.  You keep me going - and everything I do, I have you in mind.  I only hope that I make you as happy as you've made me!  And that no matter what the years ahead may bring, I hope you'll always remember me - and love me - as I shall always love you.