On November 28, multiple reports confirmed the passing of Jack Axelrod, the distinguished actor celebrated for his portrayal of Victor Jerome in General Hospital. The 93-year-old actor succumbed to natural causes in Los Angeles.
Axelrod’s presence on the ABC soap spanned 40 episodes from 1987 to 1989, marking a notable chapter in his extensive career. Prior to this, he graced various television series with guest appearances, including Kojak (1977), Hill Street Blues (1984), Dallas (1983), The Judge (1986), Dynasty (1987), Outlaws (1987), and Night Court (1989).
Jack Axelrod (Credits: Getty Images)
In a statement to EW, representative Jennifer Garland shared insights into Axelrod’s final years, emphasizing the absence of immediate family. Garland recounted moments spent outdoors, where Axelrod indulged in his love for sketching, reading news articles, and reciting Shakespearean sonnets.
Post-General Hospital, Axelrod continued to leave his mark in the entertainment industry. Noteworthy roles included Arnie Zimmer in three episodes of Knots Landing (1989-1990), and subsequent guest appearances in Murphy Brown (1992), Everybody Loves Raymond (1999), Boys Meets World (1999), Good vs Evil (1999), Jack & Jill (1999), Dharma & Greg (1999), and Star Trek: Voyager (2000).
The actor secured a recurring role in the 2004 The WB sitcom The Help, portraying Grandpa Eddie alongside a talented ensemble cast. Axelrod later featured in Grey’s Anatomy and My Name Is Earl, showcasing his versatility in drama and comedy.
Axelrod’s television credits extended to a wide array of shows, including The Office, Raising Hope, Hot in Cleveland, Love Bites, Franklin & Bash, Criminal Minds, Animal Practice, Hawaii Five-0, Kirstie, Mulaney, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Ray Donovan, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Baskets, Dice, Station 19, and No Activity. His final television appearance occurred in a 2019 episode of Modern Family, where he portrayed Harvey.
Beyond the small screen, Axelrod left an indelible mark on the silver screen with notable roles in films such as Hancock (2008), Little Fockers (Meet the Parents sequel), Super 8 (2011, directed by J.J. Abrams), and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. His cinematic journey concluded with a role in the 2020 film Bad Therapy, directed by William Teitler and featuring Alicia Silverstone, Rob Corddry, and Michaela Watkins.
