Jerry Douglas
		An Ideal Husband Jerry Douglas and his character, John, could both write the book on parenting, but they’d have to read one on romance!

	Father Figure THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Jerry Douglas, who has played John Abbott for the last 20 years, reveals that there is much of himself in the Genoa City patriarch. "It has to happen. When you’ve been playing the same part for so many years, the writers start taking bits and pieces of who you are and giving those traits to your character." Indeed, even in the early years, the man and his alter ego had some basics in common: Both were single dads, and both had been part of tough relationships. "I was single for 12 years before I met and married Kymberly." Love & Marriage When it comes to love and romance, it’s been a tough road for Abbott and Douglas, but the Massachusetts-born actor thinks he has the key to getting it right. "No man should marry till he’s 35. We marry way too young. We are economically driven, and we often end up saying ‘I do’ to provide for someone." "Emotionally, intellectually and spiritually, men are just not ready to be good husbands till they hit 35," he continues. "My son is 33, and I told him, ‘You’re getting closer. You’ll get the job you need, be settled, and then you’ll be ready.’" Family Ties Douglas, who will soon celebrate 20 years of wedded bliss with his entertainment-reporter wife, admits he wasn’t ready to be a good husband when he was in his 20s. But when he met Kymberly in a professional capacity (she interviewed him while working at a TV station in Michigan), he knew he was prepared "to be the kind of husband I should have been when I was younger. As a young guy, I still had a bit of a tornado inside, but I was settled when I met Kymberly." More mature men, he notes, bring a good balance to their lives. "They know how to manage their ambition, but also how to take care of their families." The Douglases are also taking good care of their son, Hunter, who recently turned 5. When he speaks of his terrific tyke, Douglas’ blue eyes light up. "He’s the most amazing kid. He keeps me young!" As does his darling 2-year-old granddaughter, Molly Rose. "She’s an absolute hellion and tomboy, and she and Hunter love each other!" On-Screen Scandal Like Douglas, John Abbott has always put his family first, but the actor thinks it’s time his character found a love life. Douglas thinks he knows just the woman: "Wouldn’t it be great if Diane turned to John? It would make sense. He is Kyle’s grandfather, and she could come to him for his help and support, which could turn romantic," he offers. Well, it wouldn’t be the first time John and Jack have fought over the same woman. Douglas laughs, "No, they both fell for Jill, didn’t they? I guess like father, like son."