Jerry Douglas, best known for his starring role on soap opera The Young and the Restless, has died at the age of 88.
In 1982, Douglas made his debut on the CBS TV series as John Abbott, the patriarch of the Abbott family, taking over from Brett Halsey.
While the character’s death was depicted on the show in 2006, Douglas continued to make appearances as hallucinations seen by other characters, his last appearance being in 2016.
The actor’s family has announced that he died on November 9 following a brief illness, with Anthony Morina, executive producer of The Young and the Restless, paying tribute in a statement.
‘On behalf of the entire company of The Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to the Douglas family on the passing of Jerry Douglas,’ he said.
‘Jerry came to Y&R in 1982 with an impressive resume of credits. Our show was lucky to have an actor of his caliber join the Y&R cast and introduce the audience to the iconic Abbott family.
His contribution to the legacy of Y&R as Abbott family patriarch, John Abbott is still felt to this day. He will be sorely missed.’
Throughout his career, Douglas appeared in films including Avalanche, The Godson and Mommie Dearest, and TV series including Melrose Place, Arrested Development, The Rockford Files, and Mission: Impossible.
He would have celebrated his 89th birthday on Friday, November 12.
Several people have paid tribute to the late actor, including TV host Jillian Barberie, who tweeted: ‘Jerry Douglas was one of a kind. Classy, with a wicked sense of humor. My heart goes out to his family. Love you Kym,’ referencing Douglas’ widow, TV host Kym Douglas.
Douglas’ The Young and the Restless co-tar Kate Linder also wrote: ‘I had the pleasure of working with #JerryDouglas for #manyyears @YRInsider #yr my heart and thoughts are with Kym and the entire Douglas family. #rip #youwillbesorelymissed.’
