It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of veteran television actor, Jack Axelrod, at the age of 93. Known for his compelling performances on the beloved soap opera General Hospital, Axelrod left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. We remember him not only for his talent on screen but also for his remarkable journey as an architect, educator, and cherished figure in the industry.

Axelrod’s representative, Jennifer Garland, who shared cherished moments with him in his final years, nostalgically recounts their time together. From sketching outdoors to reciting Shakespearean sonnets, Jack Axelrod found solace in the simple pleasures of life.

Born on January 25, 1930, in Los Angeles, Axelrod’s life took many incredible turns. He served as a corporal in the United States Army stationed in Germany, later ventured into architecture studies at the University of California, Berkeley. His passion for both acting and architecture led him to New York City, where he honed his craft under the guidance of renowned actress Uta Hagen.

Axelrod’s talent shone through in various theatrical productions and on the silver screen. From his off-Broadway portrayal of Banquo in Macbeth to his appearance in Woody Allen’s Bananas, he captivated audiences with his versatile performances. His journey in television began with a memorable role in the crime drama Kojak, paving the way for his iconic portrayal of Victor Jerome in General Hospital.

But Jack Axelrod’s impact extends beyond his acting career. He generously shared his knowledge and expertise as a member of the theater faculty at esteemed institutions like the University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, and Penn State. His love for the arts and commitment to education shaped countless aspiring artists

As we bid farewell to this legendary actor, we celebrate his enduring legacy. His final on-screen appearance in the 2020 feature Bad Therapy stands as a testament to his remarkable career that spanned decades. Jack Axelrod’s contributions to the world of entertainment and his everlasting influence on television and theater will forever be etched in our memories.

Los Angeles and Germany hold special significance in Axelrod’s life, serving as the backdrop to his incredible journey. While he may have left this world, his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the annals of entertainment history. As we reflect on the joy he brought to our screens, we honor Jack Axelrod’s memory by enjoying his timeless performances and celebrating the life of a truly remarkable artist.

Actor Jack Axelrod, Best Known for General Hospital and Grey’s Anatomy, Dead at 93

“We spent much time outdoors, where Jack loved to sketch, read news articles and recite Shakespearean sonnets,” Axelrod’s representative, Jennifer Garland, recalled of the actor

Actor Jack Axelrod has died at the age of 93.

His representative, Jennifer Garland, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter and Entertainment Weekly, saying that he died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Nov. 28.

“I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with him in his last years, as he had no immediate family,” Garland said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “We spent much time outdoors, where Jack loved to sketch, read news articles and recite Shakespearean sonnets.”

Axelrod — who is best known for his roles in General Hospital and Grey’s Anatomy — began taking acting courses at the University of California, Berkeley, before becoming a licensed architect in Washington, according to his profile on IMDB. However, his unwavering passion for acting led him to take a six-year acting course with German actress Uta Hagen at drama school Herbert Berghof Studio in New York City.

After graduating, Axelrod would take on acting roles in various theaters while also working as an architect, per IMDB. He built up his acting résumé and eventually got his big break by starring in the 1971 Woody Allen film Bananas.

Axelrod went on to appear in numerous TV series and movies throughout his years as an actor, most notably scoring a recurring role in General Hospital as mob boss Victor Jerome. He also appeared in Grey’s Anatomy — where he played a comatose elderly patient named Charlie Yost — and in My Name Is Earl as the Electrolarynx Guy.

In addition, Axelrod made guest appearances in a long list of shows including Dallas, Dynasty, Boy Meets World, Murphy Brown, Alias, Frasier, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Scrubs, Private Practice, Dexter and Shameless.

He also appeared in several movies including Hancock (2008), Labor Pains (2009), Little Fockers (2010), Fred & Vinnie (2011), Super 8 (2011) and Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011).

He starred in several Broadway and Off Broadway shows, including a 1969 production of Macbeth, where he played Banquo, per EW. He appeared in the play Gandhi, which made its way to Broadway.

Axelrod would go on to share his love of acting with the next generation, serving in the theater departments of several universities over the years including Boston University, Penn State University, Temple University, CalState Northridge & Bakersfield, Cal Arts and Brandeis University, per IMDB. He also was a guest teacher at the Aaron Speiser Acting Studio in Los Angeles prior to his death.