Casting and Conception
The role was originated by Brett Halsey in 1980 for a year. Then, Jerry Douglas took over the role in March 1982. When John died in 2006, Douglas was only out of work for a few months. Maria Arena Bell, the head writer for the series, brought him back as a recurring guest star on September 1, 2006. Since John's death, Douglas has portrayed the role of John Abbott's spirit, and he appears to his children and friends in times of great need. In 2008, Douglas portrayed the role of Alistair Wallingford on the series for three months. Regarding his return as a new character, Douglas said in an interview:
| “ | We decided how to disguise him a bit from my look. We talked about a beard and putting a hat on. We talked about him having a Scottish accent the first couple of days to make him even more grotesque to Jack and Sharon. | ” |
On Alistair Wallingford, Douglas stated:
| “ | He is a devoted stage artist in his own mind. And he is very charming! Now that I have portrayed him for a few weeks, I think he is genuinely a good person with a good heart. He is a bit of a lost soul. He has no roots. It is so fun to come back and play a character that has a little bit of the craziness of Jerry Douglas. The core of John Abbott is in me but I am a bit more playful. | ” |
Following Alistair's departure, Douglas still returns on occasion as the ghost of John.
Read more about this topic: John Abbott (The Young And The Restless)
Famous quotes containing the words casting and/or conception:
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“Consider what effects which might conceivably have practical bearings we conceive the object of our conception to have. Then our conception of these effects is the whole of our conception of the object.”
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