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.
A beloved teenage heartthrob of the ’60s and ’70s, adored for his charm and chart-topping hits, left Hollywood at his peak. Surprisingly, his true passion lay beyond showbiz. What could prompt such an unprecedented move? 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.
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. 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 dis