Photo: Matthew Peyton/Getty
In addition to starring inGuiding Lightfor over 25 years, verDorn also appeared in the beloved soapOne Life to Live.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked those hoping to honor verDorn’s memory with donations to the American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, the Actors Fund, or another chosen charity. The actor himself raised thousands of dollars for the ACS and Autism Speaks over the course of his life, according to his family.
Everett
Though verDorn star was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, acting was an early passion for the star, his family shared. According to his in memoriam, he spent multiple summers in theater programs before eventually flying across the pond to study his craft at an acting academy in London.
The star also received his undergraduate degree from what is now Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he met Bethea “Beth” Stewart, who he would go on to marry in June 1977. The pair first connected while acting together in a college theater production, his family said.
After tying the knot, the young couple made a big move to New York City, where verDorn was able to secure parts in a few stage productions. He got his chance to act on Broadway, playing the lead in matinees of George Bernard Shaw’sMan and Supermanwhile he was the understudy for George Grizzard.
It was in that understudy role that verDorn first received attention from CBS casting agents looking for the next star ofGuiding Light, according to his family. After officially joining the cast in March 1979, verDorn would go on to garner four Daytime Emmy nominations (and two wins) before leaving the show in 2005.
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verDorn’s retirement from soap operas coincided with the end ofOne Life to Live.
Later in life, according to his family, verDorn found joy inNew York Timescrossword puzzles, long walks with his dog, and being a “Papa” to his three grandchildren.
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“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,” his in memoriam page said.
source: people.com
