'The Young And The Restless' Star Jerry Douglas Dies At Age 88
Longtime soap actor Jerry Douglas has passed away at age 88.
His family confirmed that Douglas died in Los Angeles on November 9, just three days shy of his 89th birthday. His representative revealed to People that the actor died from “ a brief illness,” although no further details about a cause of death have been disclosed.
Douglas was most famous for his reign on the daytime show The Young and the Restless, where he played the role of patriarch John Abbott for over 25 years.
He first joined the CBS soap opera cast in 1982, where his character lived in a fictional setting called Genoa City until he was killed off in 2006. Douglas continued to be on the show years later, appearing as a ghost visiting his on-screen children before his last cameo in 2016.
Douglas was also on multiple other TV shows, including Cold Case and Melrose Place. He also had an extensive career on the big screen, featured in films including Mommie Dearest, Good Guys Wear Black and JFK.
The Massachusetts native — whose given name was Gerald Rubenstein — was “proud” of his New England upbringing, according to People’s report of the late actor’s obituary.
“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,” wrote Anthony Morina, executive producer of the soap in a statement on Wednesday, November 10.
“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,” Morina concluded.
In the days before his death, Douglas was pictured having an early celebration of his 89th birthday with friends and family, including some cast mates from his working days.
His costar Lauralee Bell posted an Instagram from shindig, writing: “Feel so lucky to have been included in this unbelievably special birthday lunch for Jerry Douglas! Thank you @peterbergmanyr and @eileendavidsonofficial so much! I will cherish this afternoon always.”
Douglas is survived by his wife Kym, sons Jod and Hunter, daughter Avra, as well as two grandchildren.
