Jerry Douglas

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Jerry Douglas (ex-John, Y&R)

Vital Statistics

The 411

For over two decades, Jerry Douglas reigned in Genoa City as Abbott patriarch John Abbott. Born Gerald Rubenstein and raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Douglas went to Brandeis University to earn a degree in economics. Eight months into law school in Manhattan, he gave up the books and started auditioning. However, his lack of training frustrated him, and he eventually moved then-wife Arlene and daughter Avra to California.

Settling in the San Fernando Valley, Douglas sold insurance by day, and took acting classes at night. Although he still struggled, he received encouragement after appearing in the play John Brown's Body. A critic said he was terrific, which inspired him to hire an agent.

For several years, Douglas appeared on TV shows like MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, often playing the villain. At the same time, his wife decided to move herself and their children (son Jod was born after migrating to California) up to Carmel. In an attempt to save his marriage, Douglas quit acting and followed her. Despite this, the couple eventually divorced and Douglas returned to L.A. to continue pursuing his career. Soon after, he found himself embroiled in a custody battle for his children, which he won.

Today Douglas is happily remarried to Kymberly, who he met at a Muscular Dystrophy Association event. Though she is over 20 years his junior, they've been married for over 20 years and have a son together, Hunter.

Et Cetera

—Before acting, Douglas was a saloon singer in Massachusetts.
—Used to run an acting workshop for prison inmates, where they acted out scenes from Y&R.

Career Highlights

TV Roles
MELROSE PLACE (Mr. Demarr, 1999)
HUNTER (Mike, 1989)
THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO (Jack, 1982)
BARNABY JONES (Paul, 1980)
THE ROCKFORD FILES (Al, 1979)
THE INCREDIBLE HULK (Frank, 1979)
THE ROCKFORD FILES (Hugh, 1978)
BARNABY JONES (Lee, 1977)
THE BIONIC WOMAN (Connors, 1976)
S.W.A.Y. (The Swinger, 1975)
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE (Daniel, 1972)
MANNIX (Mitch, 1971)
BONANZA (Jeremiah, 1967)
DRAGNET 1967 (Eugene, 1967)
GUNSMOKE (Clark, 1965)
THE OUTER LIMITS (Tom, 1963)
EMPIRE (LeRoy, 1963)
Fim Roles
The Godson (Freddie, 1998)
JFK (Board Room Man, 1991)
Mommie Dearest (Radio Interviewer, 1981)
Avalanche (Phil, 1978)
Gunn (Dave, 1967)
Blast of Silence (Gangster, 1961)

Memorable Quotes

"I'm all for it! I go for younger women. Of course, you adopt a kid every time you get involved, but I think I'm a closet Henry Higgins." — on May/December romances, Soap Opera Weekly, 11/9/82

"Any actor worth his salt wants to work. When it's a great role like I have, you'd have to be an idiot to leave. I've worked in television and features, and there's nothing magic out there." — on staying put professionally, Digest, 7/19/94

"He's raised children. I've raised children. Jod, my older son, is writing for Rolling Stone. He's brilliant. My daughter is married with a child, so I'm a grandfather now, just as John is." — on parallels between himself and his character, Digest, 12/31/02

Official Web Site

www.jerrydouglasmusic.com

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