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Who is Jerry Douglas’s wife? How love blossomed with Kym Douglas in a 1983 interview

‘The Young and the Restless’ star died on November 9, 2021, following a brief illness

Jerry Douglas, who was best known for portraying the role of John Abbott on CBS’ ‘The Young and the Restless’ for more than 30 years, died on Tuesday, November 9. According to his family, the actor died in Los Angeles after a brief illness. He was 88. The late actor is survived by his wife of 37 years Kym Douglas, sons Jod and Hunter, daughter Avra, two grandchildren, and nieces including Kirby Rubenstein and Solo Rubenstein.

The unfortunate news was shared by his family on Wednesday, November 10, as reported by TMZ. Jerry Douglas appeared in more than 900 episodes on 'Young & Restless'. He had joined the cast in March 1982 and he was last seen on the show in 2006 after his character was killed off. Speaking of celebrity deaths, we recently lost ‘Below Deck’ star Captain Mark Howard. The 'Deliverance' star Ned Beatty too left us for the heavenly abode. Other celebrities that we lost in the last few months include Chick Vennera, DMX, Jay Black, legendary comedian Mort Sahl, Jeanette Maus and many others
 
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Who is Jerry Douglas’ wife?

Jerry Douglas was first married to actress Arlene Martel and they had two children together. Jerry later married Kym Douglas whose real name is Kymberly Bankier in 1985. Kym is a TV host and a best-selling author. She is also a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle expert. Kym is best known for her appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Kym is also an actress and she was part of the soap opera, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’. Her Instagram bio tells us that is also a cancer survivor.

Jerry and Kym met in 1983 when the latter asked him if she could interview him on and he obliged only after she agreed to go on a dinner date with him. Jerry was born as Jerry Rubenstein on November 12, 1932, in Chelsea, MA, Douglas. Apart from ‘The Young and the Restless’, the actor also worked in other big TV shows like ‘Cold Case’, Melrose Place’, ‘Arrested Development’, ‘Mission: Impossible’, ‘The Incredible Hulk’ and ‘The F.B.I.’ Speaking on his demise, Anthony Morina, executive producer of The ‘Young and the Restless’, said, “On behalf of the entire company of The Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to the Douglas family on the passing of Jerry Douglas” adding, “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”, as reported by Deadline.

‘Too bad the show got rid of him long before he was ready to go’

Social media users paid their final tributes to the actor on Twitter. “Oh my goodness! Rest in peace. I guess no more ghost visits to the show. It’s too bad the show got rid of him long before he was ready to go. He was wonderful and so was his character”, said one user as another chimed in, “R.I.P..praying you will sense God’s peace in a way that brings rest for you and family.” One shared, “So sad! I’m watching The “Young And The Restless” right now. Such an icon.”
 
The next one posted, “Rest In Peace Jerry Douglas, a great actor.  He was 88 years old.  Sending my condolences to his family.” Another posted, “Jerry Douglas was one of a kind. Classy, with a wicked sense of humor. My heart goes out to his family. Love you Kym.” Meanwhile, one user concluded, “My thoughts & prayers are w/ family of Jerry Douglas (John Abbott, #YR), friends, and colleagues at @cbs@yandr_cbs @yrinsider. I grew up watching the show (Thanks to my Nana) and have fond memories of seeing Jerry on TV.  Requiescat In Pace, Jerry.”