Entertainment Tonight reported that Anthony Morina, executive producer of the show, released a statement saying: “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.”
Please join us in sending our condolences to the family of Jerry Douglas, known for his long-running role as the iconic John Abbott on the The Young and the Restless. He will be greatly missed by the Y&R family. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7Kihvgqiel
Douglas was born Jerry Rubenstein on Nov. 12, 1932, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He started acting after he graduated from Brandeis University, Deadline reported.
His first onscreen appearance was in the 1961 film “Blast of Silence” where he played a gangster. He also appeared in episodes of “The Untouchables,” “The Donna Reed Show” and “The Outer Limits.”
But he is most well known for his 39 years on “The Young and the Restless.” According to his IMDB biography, he appeared in 862 episodes of the show.
He died on Tuesday after a brief illness and leaves behind a wife, Kym Douglas, two sons, a daughter, grandchildren and nieces, according to Deadline.
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Through the years THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS cast shot, 2004: First row, left to right, seated: Jess Walton (blue top), Michelle Stafford, Sharon Case, Joshua Morrow, Camryn Grimes. Second row, left to right: Joan van Arkand Jerry Douglas (standing), Jeanne Cooper (yellow jacket), Eileen Davidson (red dress)and Don Diamont (seated), Lauralee Bell and Doug Davidson (standing). Third row, left to right, standing on platform: Peter Bergman (black suit), Melody Thomas Scott, Eric Braeden, Christel Khalil (flowered dress), Victoria Rowell, Kristoff St. John. Fourth row, left to right: Bryton (white shirt), Kate Linder, Ashley Bashioum, Michael Graziadei, Keith Hamilton Cobb, Thad Luckinbill (red top), Lauren Woodland, John Enos (black jacket), David "Shark" Fralick, Laura Bryan Birn, Christian LeBlanc (striped shirt), Tracey Bregman, Greg Rikaart. Fifth row, left to right: Asia Ray Smith (standing), Tonya Lee Williams, Susan Walters, Patty Weaver. (Photo by Tony Esparza/CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Through the years Jerry Douglas stars as John Abbott on the CBS daytime drama THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, broadcast weekdays on the CBS Television Network. (Photo by Monty Brinton/CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Through the years John Abbott (Jerry Douglas) attends the wedding of Lauren Fenmore and Michael Baldwin on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Friday, Dec. 9 and Monday Dec. 12 (12:30-1:30 PM ET, 11:00AM-12:00 Noon PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Photo by Robert Voets/CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Through the years Actress Judith Chapman and actor Jerry Douglas pose for photographers during their visit to Naval Base Ventura County as part of "The Spirit of America Tour" on September 11, 2005 in Port Hueneme, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images). (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Through the years (L - R) Actresses Kate Linder, Judith Chapman and Jerry Douglas pose for photographers during their visit to Naval Base Ventura County as part of "The Spirit of America Tour" on September 11, 2005 in Port Hueneme, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images). (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Through the years (L - R) Commander Paul Grossgold, actor Jerry Douglas and Command Master Chief Ronald "L" Van Dyck pose for photographers at Naval Base Ventura County as part of "The Spirit of America Tour" on September 11, 2005 in Port Hueneme, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images). (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Through the years (L - R) Head writer.co-executive producer Jack Smith actor Jerry Douglas and Commander Paul Grossgold and Command Master Ronald "L" Van Dyck pose for photographers at the Naval Base Ventura County as part of "The Spirit of America Tour" on September 11, 2005 in Port Hueneme, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images). (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Jerry Douglas Jerry Douglas, who starred on "The Young and the Restless" has died at the age of 88. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Through the years Actor Jerry Douglas attends a party celebrating The Young and the Restless being the number one rated daytime drama for eighteen years on Stage 41 of CBS Television City January 8, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images) (Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
Through the years Judith Chapman, Jerry Douglas and Melody Thomas Scott (Photo by Alexandra Wyman/WireImage) (Alexandra Wyman/WireImage)
Through the years Actress Judith Chapman (L), actor Jerry Douglas (C), and actress Melody Thomas Scott attend a party celebrating The Young and the Restless being the number one rated daytime drama for eighteen years on Stage 41 of CBS Television City January 8, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images) (Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
Through the years (L-R)Actor Eric Braeden, CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler and actors Peter Bergman, Jeanne Cooper and Jerry Douglas attend the "The Young & The Restless" 40th anniversary cake-cutting ceremony at CBS Television City on March 26, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage) (Amanda Edwards/WireImage)
Through the years Actress Tracey E. Bregman (L) and actor Jerry Douglas pose at 'The Young & The Restless' 40th anniversary cake-cutting ceremony at CBS Television City on March 26, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images) (Mark Davis/Getty Images)
Through the years (L-R) "The Young and the Restless" actors Marla Adams, Beth Maitland, Eileen Davidson, Peter Bergman and Jerry Douglas visit Hallmark's "Home & Family" at Universal Studios Hollywood on March 28, 2018 in Universal City, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images) (David Livingston/Getty Images)
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