Jerry Foster Harrell - Cremation Society of Virginia

Jerry Foster Harrell

July 10, 1947 - February 16, 2026

Jerry Foster Harrell, 78, peacefully passed away on February 16, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Jerry was born on July 10, 1947, to William (Bill) and Betty (Bets) Harrell in Morristown, TN. He was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, TN.

After proudly serving in the Vietnam Conflict as a Chinese language interpreter for Air Force Intelligence and earning him the Purple Heart, Jerry returned to Tennessee to begin a career in broadcasting. He worked as a radio DJ and in television at WKPT in Kingsport. It was there that he met and married Jean Owens, and together they welcomed their son, Daniel.

A born entertainer, Jerry walked two creative paths. Behind the microphone and camera, he built a distinguished career as a producer, director, and writer. At the same time, he pursued his lifelong love of performance on stage and television. The family later moved to Richmond, Virginia, where Jerry, already an accomplished magician and ventriloquist, portrayed Ronald McDonald and later Bozo the Clown on WTVR-TV.

In 1975, Jerry moved to Hampton Roads to accept a Senior Producer position at WAVY-TV. There, he created what would become his most beloved and enduring on-screen persona, Doctor Madblood. Originally conceived as a one-time Halloween special, the character became a regional television icon, entertaining audiences for five decades, celebrating his 50th anniversary show last year, after nearly 18 years on WHRO TV.

Throughout his career, Jerry was widely recognized for his many television personas, including Dr. Madblood, Rusty the Rent-to-Own Man, and JJ the Wizard on Fox-33 Kids Club. Beyond his on-screen work, he earned dozens of awards for producing hundreds of documentaries, television programs, commercials, and video presentations for organizations such as March of Dimes, the SPCA, the U.S. Navy, and many others. He retired from Old Dominion University after more than 20 years in the position of Video Production Manager.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Brian and wife Sarah and Daniel and wife Kathy; his brother, Brett and wife Sheila Margaret, his former wife and best friend Kristen, his grandson Ethan and the countless friends, coworkers and admirers he made along the way. In lieu of flowers, Jerry ‘s family asks that donations be made to the SPCA in support of the animal friends he loved so much.

Jerry left this life the way he would have wanted. After a day spent with family and friends, he laid down to take a nap, the curtain closed, and he quietly left the stage.

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Jerry Foster Harrell, 78, peacefully passed away on February 16, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia. Jerry was born on July 10, 1947, to William (Bill) and Betty (Bets) Harrell in Morristown, TN. He was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, TN. After proudly serving in the Vietnam Conflict as a Chinese language interpreter for…

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Thank you for entertaining a generation of monster kids!! You’ll never be forgotten

Dr. Madblood was a fixture on local late night TV. As kids, we enjoyed watching him. He took the rough edge off of the science fiction/ horror genres. Up late at night with Dr. Madblood! To this day I still enjoy horror and science fiction. Jerry was multi-talented. The first 30 seconds of Green Eyed Lady by Sugarloaf will always be Madblood. I enjoyed watching him and his presentations. R.I.P. Madblood

Thank you for all the stories and laughs. I was only 12 when I started to watch you in the 70s. I didn’t have anyone to talk to late at night. But I always knew you would come on if I couldn’t sleep. RIP

CSL at The Ballentine sends it's condolences and prayers to all of the family.

You will be sorely missed Jerry. Thank you for the decades of enjoyment you brought into my life with your great program. You are a local legend and always will be. My condolences to your family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Jerry produced/directed a commercial that I was in for Rices-Nachman’s clothing store about 50 years ago or so. It was cool to meet Dr. Madblood; he was so young at the time, but as a kid I saw him as an old man, ha. Anyway, that was a fun memory for me. Condolences to the family. He lived an interesting and fun-filled life.

As a crew member when "Dr. Madblood" was produced at WTVZ-33, working on the show was one of the absolute highlights of my professional career. R.I.P., Doctor while I listen to "Green Eyed Lady' as I write this...

Sending Prayers for the Family and Friends. I enjoyed Dr. Madblood and looked forward to seeing him every week. He made me Laugh.

We met Jerry Harrell as Dr. Madblood when he graciously accepted our invitation to appear at our humble PTA Fall Festival at Westhaven Elementary School back in the 1970’s. He was such a wonderful entertainer that the children, now in their 50’s, still remember his thrilling performance today! Dr. Madblood received no compensation except our happy gratitude that day. Which told us all we needed to know about Dr. Madblood - he had a big heart and a sincere love of children - that’s what made him great! Rest In Peace until we meet again.💕

Jerry was the nicest, good hearted person. I grew up watching him as Dr. Madblood and always looked forward to seeing him at Monsterfest every year. I had the pleasure of being part of one of his Halloween specials. That will always be a treasured memory. He will be missed and never forgotten.

A True Vintage Thriller. Condolences to his Family and Friends.

I had the opportunity to meet Jerry many times,I attended several Science Fiction conventions he hosted,movie premieres he appeared at,he once gave me a T-shirt,and at appearances he made at the Naro Cinema.I always said hello to him but I wish that I had told him what a huge influence he had on me.He made me a lifelong horror and sci-fi nut,I became the " weird kid" in school with all the monster magazines.I wish I had told Jerry what a beloved figure he was in my life,I was kind of a lonely kid growing up and he made my world a brighter place.God Bless him and his family.

There are no words adequate enough to express how sorry I am. I grew up watching Dr. Madblood. Jerry's unique creativity and sense of humor made the show a success and himself a legend. My condolences to his family, closest friends, and all of his fans. He'll always have a special place in our hearts. Goodnight sweet prince.

To the family, friends, and Dr. Madblood gang, my brother and I send our condolences and are deeply sorry for your loss. Prayers for you abundantly. Mr. Harrell will be truly missed by many. We knew him growing up as Dr. Madblood, enjoying a local friend and his gang even if for only an hour or two, giving us a chance to enjoy their company with lighthearted comedy and fun spooky movies. Thank you, Mr. Harrell/Dr. Madblood and gang, for all you’ve done for us fans!

Thanks for turning us on.

There will be only 1 Dr.Madblood. RIP Doctor.Glad I know you and call you my friend.

Jerry was a big part of my childhood.I absolutely loved him.My children grew up watching him as well.Thank you for 50 years of laughs you will be missed.Prayers to the family and the community.

He was a wonderful human being. My dad was a “car” buddy of his and I always remember being a little awestruck when he’d come over to the house to see my dad. I remember laughs and car talk and a lot of smiling. I pray they are in Heaven under the Mantle of Christ and in no more pain.

As a midwesterner that ended up in Norfolk for college, I remember discovering Dr. Madblood on local TV and being delighted. Many years later, I took a job at ODU, not knowing I would be working in the same building as a celebrity! I didn't work with Jerry directly, but he was always kind to me. Jerry liked spreading joy and could bring out a smile or laugh from anyone he encountered. My best wishes for his family in this difficult time.

thank you for 50 years of horror comedy Halloween will never be the same.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

To the family and friends of Jerry… Dr. Madblood is embedded in my memories. The light in the castle will always shine.

Jerry, YOU are and always will be AWESOME!! We had chatted a number of times about your work as Bozo at WTVR TV and I know you thought it was interesting that a fellow Bozo actor was contacting you to ask about the fun you had as Bozo. Although the world and I too know you as Dr.Madblood your life and career are a testament to a life well lived. I know you as a fellow Bozo actor as well. I will be opening the display I told you about called The BOZEUM in a few weeks. Jerry your work as the fun loving clown will be honored in the files and displayed on the Bozo Wall Of Fame. Thank you for the fun AND for being AWESOME! Thank you :) GOD BLESS all of your fans and your loving family. Tom Holbrook Curator of The BOZEUM

my heart is broken. Sincerest condolences to Jerry Harrell's family, friends, and fans. I was watching the night of the first Madblood show. Many Saturday nights were spent in the company of Dr. Madblood and his friends. They felt like my friends too. Jerry Harrell - Thanks for turning us on.

Thanks for the memories Dr. Madblood. RIP

Loved watching him over the years, truly an awesome guy! Will be greatly missed.

It was truly an honor to work with Jerry on Dr. Madblood. He gave the gift of laughter to so many for so many years. Rest in peace.

Thank you for all the years and memories. You have truly touched so many with your gift of laughter, including me. May you rest in peace.

I will miss Jerry, I watched the original show in the 70's while stationed in Norfolk and was instantly hooked. He was yet another irreplaceable, local legend that will be sorely missed.

Dr. Madblood was a huge part of my HS & college days. Every Monday in 1st period English we recounted the most recent exploit. Mr. Harrell brought me so much joy. His joyful spirit will be missed.

RIP Peace Doctor Madblood, I so looked forward to seeing your show throughout my life and was so glad to meet you many times at Monster Fest.

The world was left a lighter and brighter place because you were in it. I'll always remember you, and am grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing you. Good night Jerry, and thanks for turning us on.

Rest in peace Dr. Madblood. 🙏 My husband watched you growing up and brought the tradition of you and your show to our family and children. We loved going to Monsterfest and being able to see you in person. Thank you for so many wonderful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

thank you for the many years of laughter and smiles and for the amazing dr madblood show it was an honor to be on that so you will be missed

Rest in Peace Doctor Madblood. You made my childhood Saturday Nights special! I will always have my cherished memories. See you on the other side Doc!

What wonderful memories I have growing up watching DOCTOR MADBLOOD with my younger brothers at 1 in the morning. A big part of my childhood. Thank you for those great memories.

Rest well, dear friend. You made a tremendous contribution and you set a wonderful example. You’re loved more than we could have ever possibly expressed.

Rest in peace Jerry!

Thank you for the memories, our condolences to your family.

I was so honored to be an extra for so many years of Dr Madblood. Jerry’s heart was large and generous enough to encompass everyone who flocked to him. Such a light in this dark world.

In memory of Jerry Foster Harrell, Linda Headrick Bryant lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

You will truly be missed, coolest man on TV!!!!

forever my mentor, supporter and a. best riend. You have left a very large hole In my heart and I will fill it with all my precious memories of the times we shared. I treasure you. till we meet again - rest as you have touched many lives and made a huge difference in this world.

Rest in peace ☮️

Jerry was a part of my life from early childhood when my family lived in Richmond during his tenure at Channel 6, and from my early adolescence through current day with his work at WAVY and WHRO. He was an amazing human being and I got to meet him at one of the local SF conventions in SE Virginia several times, and I got to thank him for all his work over the years. I'm grateful that this life had his efforts intersect with my interests. He was a one-of-a-kind human being, and he will be missed. My condolences to his family on his passing.

A magnificent friend and mentor, creative loving spirit, who brought a smile to anyone he met. I will miss my friend and regret that we will not be having regular television studio get-togethers, but the 50 years of memories will always be treasured.

Countless Saturdays that I stayed up after SNL to watch Dr. Madblood. My condolences to his family & friends. RIP to a very talented man with a big heart. ❤️

My sincere condolences to the family, and a heartfelt thanks for allowing Jerry to entertain us all of these years. I've been a Dr, Madblood fan from the very beginning. God bless you Jerry, and thank you for the fun and the memories. Rest in peace sir.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.