It's the end of the line for long-time The Young and the Restless star Jerry Douglas (John Abbott). Well, sort of. After nearly two-and-a-half decades the soap vet will be exiting the show this week for an unspecified period of time.

Douglas hasn't been fired. His exit is chalked up to a storyline: his on-screen persona will take the fall for the murder of Tom Fisher.

How do you feel about Jerry Douglas' exit from Y&R?  I'm crushed. Douglas is such an integral part of Y&R. He will be missed.   80%   I'm sad that he's leaving, but the storyline fallout from it will be great!   7%   Oh c'mon. He'll be back. Y&R's head writer practically said it herself!   5%   I don't think John Abbott had much purpose. I think it's a wise decision.   3%   Do the crime, do the time. I'm glad John didn't get away with murder.   3%   It doesn't matter to me what the writers do with Douglas' character.   1%   Other   1%     Poll Posted: February 27th, 2006

But some fans are wondering if the top-rated soap can really afford to ditch one of its longest-running cast members. And a cryptic statement from the show's newly-appointed head writer does raise some eyebrows. [Read related story: Behind-the-scenes changes at Y&R]

"Jerry has been, and continues to be, an integral part of the Y&R cast," said Lynn Latham in a statement.

And soapcentral.com has learned that Douglas will only be absent from the Y&R canvas for about a month. The actor is expected to return in April.

Douglas joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in March 1982. Prior to making his first appearance on daytime television, Douglas appeared in numerous feature films, including "Mommy Dearest" and "Good Guys Wear Black."

When contacted by soapcentral.com for comment, CBS declined to comment.

"Y&R does not comment on contracts, rumors or storyline information," a spokesperson responded.

Douglas makes his final appearance - at least for now - on March 1st.

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RELATED INFORMATION

About The Actor: Learn more about actor Jerry Douglas. Who's Who: Read a bio of John Abbott. Family Trees: Scan the many branches of the Abbott family tee. News and More: Return to soapcentral.com's Y&R FrontPage