Jerry verDorn, Guiding Light and One Life to Live star, dies at 72
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Jerry verDorn, the Emmy-winning actor best known for his longtime role as attorney Ross Marler on the CBS soap opera Guiding Light, died peacefully on May 1 after a months-long cancer illness, his family announced. He was 72.
In lieu of flowers, verDorn's family has asked for donations to be made to the American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, the Actors Fund, or any other charity of choice in the late actor's obituary, which fondly remembers his wit and generosity.
"Jerry's colleagues, friends, and family appreciated his amazing wit and the generosity he always showed, making those who knew him feel welcomed and respected," the tribute reads. "He was a gifted speaker, talented actor, loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, but of all the roles he played in his life, his favorite was that of 'Papa' to his three grandchildren."
Michael Stewart/WireImage Jerry verDorn
Born in South Dakota, verDorn began his career in theater, starring in a production of Eric Bentley's Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? and serving as an understudy in George Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman. CBS casting agents caught verDorn's performances, casting him in Guiding Light as Ross Marler, a role he played between 1979 and 2005. The role earned him seven Daytime Emmy Award nominations and two wins.
In 2005, verDorn joined ABC's One Life to Live, taking over the role of Clint Buchanan from veteran actor Clint Ritchie. After the show ended in 2013, verDorn retired after an amazing 34 years on daytime television.
During and after his career in Hollywood, verDorn helped raise thousands of dollars for American Cancer Society and Autism Speaks. He is survived by his wife Beth, sons and daughters-in-law Jake, Laura, Peter, and Erin; sister Bonnie and brothers Jim and Dan; and grandchildren Benjamin, Nora, and Penelope.
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