Tiger Beat - December 1970 (typed by Cindy M.)

An In-depth Talk With Bobby Sherman

Outside, the August heat was stifling. Inside Bobby's dressing room at the NBC-TV Studios where he was taping the "The Don Knotts Show," it was cool and comfortable, Bobby was relieved to have a few minutes to just sit and talk. His schedule has been impossible lately, being home only two or three days out of each week. Other days were spent doing concerts around the nation or traveling to and from them.

It was during a break in filming that Bobby finally had a chance to talk to Tiger Beat's Editor, Ann Moses, about his present, his future and about the many questions his fans have asking through their letters to Tiger Beat.

TiGER BEAT: IS THERE A TASK YOU'D LIKE TO UNDERTAKE IF YOU HAD MORE TIME?
BOBBY: There are several but I hardly give them any time just thinking about them because I know it will be a long time in the future before I can actually get to them. One is that I'd like to spend more time in my recording studio in the capacity of producer. I like working with other performers, singers and writers, and it gives me a different means of expressing my creative energies, which are always working full steam.

TiGER BEAT: HAVE YOUR FANS CHANGED SINCE YOUR SHOW WAS CANCELLED?
BOBBY: If anything, they have become more enthusiastic! It's like they can sense that I'm worried as to whether or not they will remain my supporters. And since they can sense this, they seem to be over-enthusiastic to let me know that they will still care. And let me tell you, that's a fabulous feeling! The only time this enthusiasm is harmful is when too many of the fans rush the stage and the security guards have to stop the show. This really saddens me, because I know how much the fans have paid to see me and when I can't give a complete show, I feel like I haven't fulfilled my part of the bargain. Another sad thing is that I have absolutely nothing to say about it! It's completely the decision of the security force to stop the show early, so all I can do is hope that the fans are aware of this and they show their appreciation by clapping and shouting and screaming, but not by rushing the stage.

TiGER BEAT: YOUR LIFE TODAY - IS IT PLEASANT OR DOES IT GET ON YOUR NERVES?
BOBBY: That's a tough one to answer. Sometimes when I think about the way my life is going, the word pleasant just isn't strong enough. Sometimes it's indescribable it's so fantastic! I feel like that when I'm with my fans, when I'm really getting something accomplished in the recording studio, and when I'm working out future acting commitments with my manager. I think, "Why me?" I wonder how many good things can happen to just one person!

But then, there are other times when my life today does get on my nerves. When I've got to catch a plane and there are connecting flights. I have to leave hours ahead of time to get to some city and sit in my hotel room alone, when I could be at home celebrating my mother's birthday or something like that. This comes up again and again and although I accept it as part of my profession, I can't help but let it get on my nerves just a little bit.

TiGER BEAT: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE MOST UNIQUE AND INTERESTING THING ON TV TODAY?
BOBBY: I don't get to watch TV as much as I'd like to. Most situation comedies I could care less about. I did catch the new "Flip Wilson Show" and I thought it was very original for that type of format. Another favorite of mine is "The David Frost Show." I think David Frost is one of the best interviewers on TV today and I always find his show fascinating no matter who the guests are. One other show which I think is a gas is "Sesame Street" - I know it's supposed to be for children, but each time I turn it on, I'm amazed at the things they're talking about.

TiGER BEAT: WE KNOW THAT YOUR MAIN AMBITION IS TO BE A FINE ACTOR, BUT ISN'T THERE SOME DEEP, HIDDEN AMBITION THAT NO ONE WOULD GUESS AS BEING A PART OF BOBBY SHERMAN?
BOBBY: It's funny you should ask that, because I was thinking about this just the other day. You know I studied psychology in college and it's always been like a hobby to me. I was thinking the other day that if for some reason I couldn't act anymore - whether it be that I wasn't in demand or that I wasn't physically able to act anymore - I'd like to work with young people. I still don't have all the things clear as to where or in what capacity, but what I do know is that in the past two years the young generation has taken on a new meaning in my life. Meeting so many of my fans as I have, I've really come to learn so much about the young people of this country and I can't think of anything more rewarding than to work closely with them. Like I said, I don't know exactly how, but maybe in one of the many self-help centers around the country that deal with drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, things like that. There are so many young people that need help and there is a great need for most people to help them. I hope a time will come that I can contribute something.

TiGER BEAT: WHEN YOU'RE ON STAGE YOU LOOK LIKE YOU'RE ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE - AS YOU STAND THERE PERFORMING, WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND?
BOBBY: Wow! I've never really analyzed it! I do know that once I'm on the stage it's sort of a natural thing that takes over. I don't have to concentrate on what I'm singing or where I want to move or anything like that - just the excitement of the moment moves me through my show. Since I've rehearsed, everything I do is second nature, so that when I am on the stage, my mind wanders to the audience, the faces I can see and the hands - I do see many fans and I try to look into as many faces as I can.

TIGER BEAT: WHAT ABOUT MARRIAGE? IS IT IN THE NEAR FUTURE FOR YOU?
BOBBY: No! First of all, I wouldn't even begin to think about marriage in my present situation. I would be with my fans more than I would be with my wife! I have to be on the road so much and I'm just not ready to give that up. When I do get married, I want to be home with my wife and family and not traveling around the country. Also, one prerequisite to marriage is to have two people in love with each other and who want to spend their life together. Since I don't feel that way about any of the girls I have met, I don't see how anyone can say I'm going to be getting married soon. It's all quite absurd, wouldn't you agree?

TiGER BEAT: WHAT IS ONE SPECIAL LESSON YOUR PARENTS HAVE GIVEN YOU THAT YOU TREASURE AND/OR FOLLOW THE MOST?
BOBBY: They taught me what it's like to have a happy home full of love. And from my parents' example I will know how to have the same sort of home when I have my own family, someday. My parents are human, they have disagreements and they did when I was growing up too, but they always discussed things, never shouted at each other or fought. That gives a child a wonderful sense of security, it did to me, and I'll never forget that! Also, my sister Darlene and I were always very important to our parents, but they knew when to let go. Because they let us have our freedom as we grew, then we probably spent more time with them, out of love and wanting to, than if we had been forced to. We both have a wonderful relationship with our parents and it's something I treasure now and always will.