Who Is Patti Carnel? Her Life, Family, and Story Explained

Have you ever wondered what happens to the people who marry the biggest stars? Their lives often become a fascinating mix of glamour and real-world struggle. One such person is Patti Carnel. You might have heard her name pop up in conversations about 1960s heartthrob Bobby Sherman or the famous detective duo Starsky & Hutch.

But who is she beyond these famous last names? Her life is a compelling story of young love, difficult choices, resilience, and finally, peace away from the Hollywood spotlight. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about her, from her early days to where she is now.

The Girl Who Knocked on a Star’s Door

Before she was linked to famous names, Patti Carnel was just a regular young woman in California. Born in 1952, she grew up with interests that were creative and people-focused. She had a passion for dance, training as a ballet dancer for six years, which shows a dedicated and artistic spirit. She also studied interior decoration and psychology at San Fernando Valley Junior College. These subjects hint at a person who always wanted to understand others and create beauty, a trait that would define her life just as much as her famous marriages.

Her entry into the world of fame was not through a formal audition but through a classic, fun story. As a teenager, her friend Diane lived in the same apartment building as Bobby Sherman, who was already becoming a huge pop star. Diane kept telling Patti about him, but Patti wasn’t initially interested.

In a moment of youthful mischief, they cooked up a plan. They knocked on his door with a silly excuse about being locked out and needing to use the phone. The plan worked. Bobby invited them up the next day. He started dating Diane first, but eventually, his attention turned to Patti. Their first official date was a quiet dinner with his parents at a restaurant called Charlie Brown’s—hardly the wild rock-star life one might expect

Life as Mrs. Bobby Sherman

On October 12, 1971, at just 19 years old, Patti married Bobby Sherman . It was a fairy-tale wedding for a teen idol and his sweetheart. At the time, Bobby was at the peak of his fame, known for hits like “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” and his role on the TV show Here Come the Brides .

The couple quickly started a family, welcoming two sons: Christopher and Tyler. For Patti, life became a balancing act. She was a new mother trying to raise a family while being married to one of the most sought-after men in America. She once mentioned in an interview that going out in public was nearly impossible because Bobby would get “mauled” by fans, so they spent most of their time at home or with family.

The pressures of fame are intense. The constant travel, the public scrutiny, and the demands of a career can strain any relationship. Despite having two young children, the marriage began to feel the weight of this pressure. After eight years, the couple divorced in 1979. Even though their marriage ended, they remained respectful and focused on co-parenting their sons.

A Second Chapter with David Soul

Life after divorce is always a fresh start. For Patti Carnel, it led to another surprising connection to Hollywood. In a twist of fate, she began a relationship with David Soul, the actor famous for playing Hutch in the hit series Starsky & Hutch . Here is the interesting part: David Soul and Bobby Sherman had been close friends and co-stars on the show Here Come the Brides, where they played brothers.

Patti married David Soul in 1980. They went on to have three children together. On the surface, it seemed like she had found love again within the same Hollywood circle. However, this chapter of her life was much more difficult than the first.

David Soul struggled with severe alcoholism. In 1982, when Patti was seven months pregnant with their second child, a violent incident occurred. David, in a drunken rage, attacked her, breaking bones in her hand . Police were called, and the event made ugly headlines. It was a traumatic experience that tested her strength to its limits. Years later, David Soul expressed deep remorse for his actions, admitting it was a moment that changed his life and led him to seek help for his anger and drinking.

Patti showed incredible courage by leaving the marriage to protect herself and her children. They divorced in 1986. Reflecting on that painful time after DaDavid Soul diedn 2024, she chose grace over bitterness. She said she preferred to remember the good, focusing on the three wonderful sons they had together, and thanked God for them.

Career and a Life Away from the Spotlight

It is easy to define Patti Carnel solely by her marriages, but she has always been her own person. With her background in psychology and design, she has worked in fields that help and heal. She has been described as an interior decorator, a trained psychologist, and even a professional dancer. These careers show a woman who values creativity and emotional well-being.

Unlike many who cling to fame, Patti actively stepped away from it. After her divorce from David Soul, she chose a quiet life dedicated to raising her five children. She wanted them to have a normal upbringing, away from the cameras and gossip magazines. This decision to prioritize family over fame speaks volumes about her character. Her estimated net worth is around $700,000, a modest sum compared to Hollywood standards, but it reflects a life lived on her own terms, not for fortune .

Where is Patti Carnel Sherman Today?

One of the most common questions people ask is, is Patti Carnel still alive? Yes, she is. And she is doing well.

After years of being linked to famous men, she has found lasting happiness. In 2024, she quietly married her long-time partner, Micki Callan. The wedding was a small, private affair, exactly the kind of event she prefers. Today, she goes by Patti Carnel Sherman in some contexts, honoring the different parts of her journey, but she lives far from the Hollywood hustle.

She is now in her early 70s and enjoying a peaceful retirement. Her life is centered around her family—her five children and her husband. She occasionally attends family events but mostly stays out of the public eye. Her story has come full circle: from a young girl curious about a singer, to a wife and mother navigating fame and hardship, and finally to a woman who has found peace and privacy on her own terms.

Key Points in Patti Carnel’s Life

• Birth Year: 1952

• First Marriage: Bobby Sherman (1971–1979), two sons.

• Second Marriage: David Soul (1980–1986), three children.

• Third Marriage: Micki Callan (2024–present)

• Professions: Dancer, interior decorator, trained psychologist.

• Current Status: Alive, retired, and living a private life.

Final Thoughts

The story of Patti Carnel is not just a celebrity tabloid recap. It is a real-life story of growth. She entered the world of fame as a teenager, navigated the highs of being a teen idol’s wife and the lows of surviving a toxic relationship, and emerged with her integrity intact. Built a career, raised a large family, and eventually found true partnership away from the flashing lights.

She reminds us that the most successful stories are not always the loudest. Sometimes, they are the ones lived quietly, with courage and grace, far from the spotlight.

FAQs

Is there a Patti Carnel Wikipedia page?
While there is no stand-alone Patti Carnel Wikipedia page dedicated solely to her, she is frequently mentioned on the pages of Bobby Sherman and David Soul. Most of the detailed information about her life comes from interviews and news articles written about her famous ex-husbands.

What happened to Patti Carnel’s children?
Patti is the mother of five children. With Bobby Sherman, she had two sons, Christopher and Tyler. With David Soul, she had three children. She has always worked hard to keep her life private, so specific details about her career or personal life are not widely known, which is exactly how she wants it.

Did Patti Carnel speak out about David Soul?
Yes, but with dignity. After their tumultuous marriage and his passing, she chose to take the high road. In a statement, she acknowledged the difficulties of the past but focused on the positive legacy of their three sons, showing forgiveness and grace.