Y&R'S JERRY DOUGLAS DEAD AT 88

Jerry Douglas, who played Y&R’s John Abbott for over 30 years, passed away after a brief illness on November 9 at the age of 88, just shy of his 89th birthday.

Born in Chelsea, MA on November 12, 1932, Douglas didn’t pursue an acting career until after graduating from Brandeis University where he earned a B.S. degree in Economics. Over the span of his long career, Douglas appeared in numerous feature films, including Oliver Stone’s JFK, Avalanche, The Godson, The Back-up Bride and Mommie Dearest, as well as guest-starred on classic television series like THE ROCKFORD FILES, POLICE STORY, HUNTER, THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO, MANNIX, BARNABY JONES, POLICE WOMAN, THE ROOKIES, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, COLD CASE, MELROSE PLACE and ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT.

Douglas was the second actor to play John Abbott, the respected founder/CEO of Jabot Cosmetics and beloved single father of Ashley, Jack and Traci, when he joined Y&R in 1982. The character passed away in 2006 but made sporadic appearances until 2016 as a spirit who would offer guidance when his children were at a questionable crossroads. “Jerry came to Y&R in 1982 with an impressive resume of credits,” said Executive Producer Anthony Morina in a statement. “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.”