Jess Walton Leads Jerry Douglas Tributes: 'My Dear TV Husband'
Tributes are pouring in for actor Jerry Douglas who has died at the age of 88.
Best known for his role on the soap opera The Young and the Restless, the actor's life and prolific career are being celebrated by those who loved and admired him.
Douglas' co-star and fictional wife on the show, Jess Walton lead the tributes with a touching photograph of the on-screen couple from years ago.
"Rest in peace my dear TV husband Jerry Douglas," she tweeted. "Thank you for the laughter all those years. Much much love to you and your beautiful family Kim and Hunter and everyone."
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 pic.twitter.com/cS478kBr5F
— Jess Walton (@JessWaltonYR) November 11, 2021
Douglas starred as John Abbott, the patriarch of the Abbott family in the long-running CBS drama.
Douglas is survived by his wife of 37 years, television host and author Kym Douglas who shared her heartbreak over the loss of her husband.
"I am broken-hearted I have been with him since I was 22," she tweeted in response to fans sharing their condolences on Twitter.
@askjillian he adored you and loved your sense of freedom. I am broken hearted I have been with him since i was 22. #jerrydouglas https://t.co/HzeCPwAJSe
— Kym Douglas (@kymdouglas) November 11, 2021
The late actor is also survived by sons Jod and Hunter, daughter Avra, and his two grandchildren.
Douglas passed away on November 9 after a short illness, his family confirmed to Deadline.
Anthony Morina, executive producer of The Young and the Restless shared a tribute to the "impressive" actor.

"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," Morina said in a statement to Deadline.
"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."
On Twitter, scores of people have been sharing tributes to Douglas.

"RIP the great and wonderfully charming Jerry Douglas. You were pure class. Condolences & prayers to your family and loved ones," said actor Daniel Goddard.
While another of his co-stars, Kate Linder added: "I had the pleasure of working with #JerryDouglas for #manyyears @YRInsider #yr my heart and thoughts are with Kym and the entire Douglas family. #rip #youwillbesorelymissed."
Presenter Jillian Barberie tweeted: "Jerry Douglas was one of a kind. Classy, with a wicked sense of humor. My heart goes out to his family. Love you Kym."
Jerry Douglas was one of a kind. Classy, with a wicked sense of humor. My heart goes out to his family. Love you Kym ππΌππΌππΌπππ@TMZ https://t.co/RPxZsulni8
— Jillian Barberie (@askjillian) November 11, 2021
In his decades-long career, Douglas also starred in other TV shows like Melrose Place and The Rockford Files.
His movie credits include Avalanche, The Godson and Mommie Dearest.
UPDATE 11/11/21 7:01 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include an additional picture.