Jerome Courtland

Jerome (Jerry) Courtland -aka Courtland Jourolman Jr. age 85 died at his home in the Santa Clarita Valley on March 1, 2012, surrounded by his family.

Born December 27, 1926 in Knoxville, Tennessee. To Mary Ferguson and Courtland Jourolman Sr.

At the age of seventeen, while attending a Hollywood party with his mother, who was a professional singer, Jerry was invited by Charles Vidor to audition for a screen test at Columbia He was signed to a seven year contract . His first film was "Together Again". He made a few more films at Columbia before being inducted into the Army.

After returning from the service, Jerry soon re-started his career in the entertainment business and began by appearing in the original Broadway production of "Flahoohey".

He acted in films in the 40's, 50's and 60's. He gave Shirley Temple her first screen kiss in "Kiss and Tell". Some of his most notable early recognition was in films, "The Man From Colorado" (1948), "Battleground" (1949), "The Palomino" (1950),"The Barefoot Mailman"(1951), and "Take the High Ground "(1953). We was a licensed pilot and trained in stunt flying.

In 1957 he starred in six episodes of "The Sage of Andy Burnett" and sang the title song in the famous movie "Old Yeller". In the early 60's with dyed blonde hair and beard, he starred in the series "Tales of the Vikings"

His producing career spanned 25+ years at Walt Disney studios and Screen Gems working on early series favorites like, "Here Come the Brides", "The Partridge Family", "The Flying Nun", "Gidget Grows Up" and "The Interns". Movies for TV and the big screen, "Hog Wild", "Escape to Witch Mountain", "Ride a wild Pony", "The Million Dollar Dixie Deliverence", and Return from Witch Mountain". Before leaving Disney in the early 80's Jerry produced the series, "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" and "The Devil in Max Devlin" as well as the animated feature "Pete's Dragon".

Working with Aaron Spelling in the '80's, Jerry was famous for directing Dynasty, Knot's Landing, Falcon Crest, Fantasy Island and Love Boat. He also directed "Hotel" and "The Colby's".

His family moved to the Chicago area in 1997 and Jerry became a professor at Columbia College in Chicago. He taught acting and directing for the camera for 5 years and then retired in Florida where he authored and illustrated children's books, continued his love of drawing, painting and alligator tracking.

He was a voting member of the academy for over 30 years.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marlene Courtland, his 5 children and their spouses; Chris Courtland (Jane), Kristie Goulart (Steve), Jennifer Watring (Mark), Charles Courtland (Wendy), Kurt Courtland (Barbara),11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, and Marlene's 2 children; Shelley Landgraf and her 2 children, and Christian Juttner (Annie) and their 3 children.

A Memorial Service celebrating Jerry's life will be held March 31st. Details TBD