Photo: Robert Voets/CBS Photo Archive via Getty
Jerry Douglas, best known for his long-running role onThe Young and the Restless, has died, PEOPLE confirms. He was 88.
Douglas died on Tuesday after “a brief illness,” according to his representative, just days shy of his birthday on Nov. 12.
After he graduated, he began pursuing acting. He joined the cast ofThe Young and the Restlessin 1982, playing the role of John Abbott — patriarch of the Abbott family and wealthy chairman of Jabot Cosmetics.
Douglas stayed with the CBS daytime soap opera for more than 30 years. After his character died in 2006, he continued to appear as Abbott’s spirit, who would appear to guide other characters through tough times. He last appeared in 2016.
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“On behalf of the entire company ofThe Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to the Douglas family on the passing of Jerry Douglas,” Anthony Morina, executive producer ofThe Young and the Restless, wrote in a statement on Wednesday.Morina continued, “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.”
Everett
Douglas' career spanned six decades. In addition toThe Young and the Restless, he appeared in numerous other television shows includingCold Case, Melrose Place, The Christmas Wish, CrashandArrested Development.
He also had an extensive filmography, includingJFK, Avalanche, The Godson, Head Over Spurs in Love, and Mommie Dearest.
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Douglas was also a seasoned stage actor and singer. In 2007, he released a collection of jazz music with the albumThe Best Is Yet to Come.
source: people.com
