Young and the Restless Cast Honors Jerry Douglas With Heartfelt Tributes

The Young and the Restless cast and former cast members sweetly remembered their co-star Jerry Douglas who died at the age of 88, just two days shy of his 89th birthday. Douglas portrayed John Abbott for over 30 years on the soap before his character died in 2006. He continued to appear as John’s ghost for many years.

Young and the Restless Cast Honors Jerry Douglas

Upon hearing the news that their former co-star and friend, Jerry Douglas, died, several cast members took to social media to express their condolences to his family while sharing sweet remembrances honoring him.

His former on-screen wife, Jess Walton (Jill Abbott), shared a flashback photo of her and Jerry as Jill and John Abbott alongside their baby son, Billy Abbott. Walton, who recently lost her husband, John James, sent her best wishes to the family. “Rest in peace, my dear TV husband Jerry Douglas. Thank you for the laughter all those years. Much much love to you and your beautiful family Kim and Hunter, and everyone,” she wrote.

Ashley Abbott portrayer, Eileen Davidson, shared a series of photos of Douglas as John alongside herself and other members of the Abbott family both in character and as themselves at events throughout the years. “One of a kind. I owe him so much, and I will love him forever,” she captioned the post.

Melissa Ordway portrays John Abbott’s granddaughter, Abby Chancellor, on the soap. In her Instagram stories, she shared a photo of Douglas smiling, sending her condolences to his family. She also wrote, “grateful to play this legend’s granddaughter” across the top.

Lauralee Bell, who portrays Christine Williams and whose parents created Y&R, also shared her thoughts on Instagram along with several wonderful pictures. First, she sent her love to his grieving family. Then she wrote a bit about knowing Douglas and the character he embodied on the soap.

“We all loved Jerry so much! I was lucky enough to know Jerry since I was young. At times he felt like a father figure (maybe because we all wanted John Abbott as our father), and sometimes he’d remind me of my dad, but more often with all the events we’ve had, filled with laughs, he was the kindest man and the sweetest friend, and I will miss him so much!” Bell wrote, in part.

Along with her condolences, Tracey Bregman (Lauren Fenmore Baldwin) shared several pictures of herself with Douglas, writing, “I’m so glad we had this time together. I am heartbroken at the loss of my friend who was like family to me.”

Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) shared a photo of Douglas smiling, along with her love. “This guy. Sending my love and prayers to his beautiful family Jerry is missed.”

Esther Valentine actress, Kate Linder, shared a photo of herself and several cast members with Douglas at an event. She captioned it, “I had the pleasure of working with [Jerry Douglas] for many years @YRInsider my heart and thoughts are with Kym and the entire Douglas family.”

Jordi Vilasasuo (Rey Rosales) retweeted Y&R’s announcement that Douglas passed, offering words of support. Bryton James (Devon Hamilton) also retweeted Y&R, and he offered his condolences to Douglas’s family.

Doug Davidson, who portrayed Paul Williams on the CBS daytime drama, shared a picture of himself laughing alongside his longtime Y&R castmate. With it, he wrote, “God bless you, Jerry. Deepest condolences and prayers to Kym and Hunter. I believe that we will have more laughs to come. Rest In Peace.”

Former Cane Ashby actor, Daniel Goddard, tweeted, “RIP the great and wonderfully charming Jerry Douglas. You were pure class. Condolences & prayers to your family and loved ones.”

Soap Hub sends its deepest condolences to the Y&R family on the loss of Jerry Douglas as well as to his family, friends, and longtime fans.

The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Genoa City, check out all the latest that’s been posted on Y&R spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.