Brigitte Poublon’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and identity. Known widely as the wife of late American singer Bobby Sherman, Brigitte’s personal journey is deeply tied to her roots. Born in Indonesia and raised in the United States, her ethnicity is a blend of cultures that shaped her early life and later inspired her humanitarian work. So, what exactly is Brigitte Poublon’s ethnicity? In short, she is of Asian American descent, with her family originally hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia. But that’s just the beginning.

Her background includes being a political refugee who arrived in the U.S. in the 1960s, eventually settling in South Central Los Angeles. This experience not only shaped her worldview but also fueled her passion for helping others. Her story is more than just about heritage—it’s about how identity can lead to purpose and action.

Brigitte’s journey from a young immigrant to the co-founder of the Brigitte Bardot Sherman Children’s Foundation (BBSCF) shows how her ethnic background influenced her life choices. Her roots in Indonesia and upbringing in the U.S. gave her a unique perspective on poverty, education, and community support. That, in turn, inspired her to create lasting change in Ghana and beyond.

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Table of Contents

• Brigitte Poublon Biography
• Understanding Brigitte Poublon’s Ethnicity
• Early Life and Migration to the U.S.
• Her Humanitarian Work and the BBSCF
• Frequently Asked Questions

Brigitte Poublon: A Glimpse into Her Life

Brigitte Poublon is not just known for being the wife of late singer Bobby Sherman, but for her own impactful contributions to society. She was born on November 4, 1970, in Belgium, though her family background traces back to Indonesia. She moved to the United States in the 1960s as a political refugee, eventually building a life in Los Angeles. Brigitte married Bobby Sherman in the early 2000s, and the two remained together for over a decade until Bobby’s passing in June 2025.

Her life story is one of quiet strength and determination. While she kept much of her personal life private, her work through the Brigitte Bardot Sherman Children’s Foundation speaks volumes about her character and values.

Brigitte Poublon Bio at a Glance

Understanding Brigitte Poublon’s Ethnicity

Brigitte Poublon’s ethnicity is often described as Asian American, with her family originating from Jakarta, Indonesia. Though she was born in Belgium, her cultural roots are Indonesian, which plays a significant role in her identity. Her family left Indonesia during a period of political unrest, settling in the U.S. in the 1960s.

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Being a child of political refugees shaped her early experiences. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, she faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture while holding on to her heritage. Her Asian American identity is a reflection of both her ancestry and her life in the U.S.

So, how did this background influence her later work? The answer lies in her compassion and drive to help communities in need—especially those facing poverty and limited access to education. Her personal history gave her a deep understanding of struggle, which later led her to create the BBSCF.

Key Points About Her Ethnic Background

• Her family originally from Jakarta, Indonesia
• Arrived in the U.S. as a political refugee in the 1960s
• Grew up in South Central Los Angeles
• Identifies as Asian American
• Her early life shaped her humanitarian goals

Early Life and Migration to the United States

Brigitte Poublon was born in Belgium, but her roots are deeply tied to Indonesia. Her parents were originally from Jakarta, and due to political instability during the 1960s, the family was forced to flee the country. As a young girl, Brigitte arrived in the U.S. with her family, eventually settling in South Central Los Angeles.

Her teenage years were spent navigating the challenges of immigration—learning a new language, adjusting to a new culture, and growing up in a low-income neighborhood. Despite these obstacles, she remained focused on building a better future for herself and others.

Interestingly, Brigitte first saw Bobby Sherman on “American Bandstand” when she was 13 years old. She thought he was cute, but never imagined they’d one day marry and build a life together. Her early life experiences, shaped by her Indonesian heritage and life in the U.S., played a key role in the person she became.

Timeline of Her Early Life

1. 1960s: Family leaves Jakarta, Indonesia due to political unrest
2. Arrives in the U.S. as a political refugee
3. Settles in South Central Los Angeles
4. Grows up in a low-income household
5. 1970: Born in Belgium, though family background remains Indonesian

Brigitte Poublon’s Humanitarian Work and the BBSCF

Brigitte Poublon’s life took a meaningful turn in 2009 after a visit to Ghana. She was deeply moved by the resilience of the local communities, particularly in Ada, Ghana. Her own experiences growing up in poverty gave her a sense of purpose, and she founded the Brigitte Bardot Sherman Children’s Foundation (BBSCF) in 2011.

The foundation focuses on education, health, and community development in Ghana. Her goal was to provide underprivileged children with access to better opportunities—something she knew all too well from her own childhood. Her work with the foundation continues today, even after the passing of her husband, Bobby Sherman, in 2025.

Her Indonesian roots and life in the U.S. gave her a unique perspective on global issues. She often blends African and American dishes when preparing meals for the foundation’s events, symbolizing her cross-cultural identity and commitment to unity through service.

BBSCF’s Main Focus Areas

• Education for underprivileged children
• Healthcare access in rural communities
• Women’s empowerment programs
• Community development in Ada, Ghana

Her work has touched thousands of lives, proving that one person’s background and experiences can lead to meaningful change on a global scale. Learn more about her humanitarian efforts and how you can support her mission.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brigitte Poublon Ethnicity

What is Brigitte Poublon’s ethnicity?
Brigitte Poublon is of Asian American descent, with her family originally from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Was Brigitte Poublon born in Indonesia?
No, she was born in Belgium, but her family background is Indonesian. She moved to the U.S. in the 1960s as a political refugee.

How did Brigitte Poublon’s background influence her work?
Her early life as a refugee and her upbringing in a low-income neighborhood in Los Angeles inspired her to start the Brigitte Bardot Sherman Children’s Foundation to help children in Ghana.

If you're interested in the intersection of heritage, identity, and humanitarian action, you might also want to read more about how cultural backgrounds shape philanthropy.