ACTOR GERALD (JERRY) CASTILLO DIES IN HIS HOUSTON HOME

An actor with long career in film, TV and on stage, Castillo dies at age 90.

Veteran stage and screen actor, Gerald Castillo, died Thursday, May 4, 2023, in Houston, Texas. He was 90 years old.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on December 23, 1932, Gerald (known as Jerry to family and friends), studied acting and stage direction at the prestigious Goodman Theater in the 1960’s.

He went on to perform on stages around the country, with actors such as Rita Moreno, Sherman Hemsley, Jessica Tandy, James Broderick and Jeanne Crain. It was Hemsley (“The Jeffersons”) who convinced Jerry to move to Los Angeles and pursue a film and television career.

That move proved to be good advice. Moving from the stage to the screen, Jerry worked in dozens of movies, television shows and commercials throughout his long career.

Comfortable in both comedic and dramatic roles, he often played a tough guy in films. Jerry was best known in films such as “Delta Force II” (1990) as DEA Director George Fogarty, “Kinjite” (1989) as Captain Tovar and “Death Wish IV” (1987) as Lieutenant Higuera. Other notable films include “State of Emergency” (1994), “Through Naked Eyes” (1983), and “Above Suspicion” (1995). He continued to act in TV and film through 2012.

To fans of the TV show “Saved by the Bell,” (1989-1992) he was known as Major Slater. He also received a following from his recurring role as Judge Davis Wagner in “General Hospital” (1992-1994).

Jerry guest starred in a variety of TV roles on shows such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2000), “Hill Street Blues” (1987), “M*A*S*H” (1982), “Dallas” (1981, 1989), “Knots Landing” (1990), “The Jefferson’s” (1978-1979), “Night Court” (1987), “Simon and Simon” (1986, 1988), and many others.

Once semi-retired, Jerry continued to perform on stage and in film. But his passion had become that of a stage director. Working in numerous theaters across Los Angeles and in Ventura County, California, he had a constant home at the Santa Paula Theater Center (SPTC). He took on challenging and sometimes original plays, often to outstanding reviews and awards, including from LA Weekly. In the paper’s review, Maryl Jo Fox stated, “Directed by Gerald Castillo, …the show develops an uncompromising, rough honesty that lingers.” 

 Included among the numerous plays he directed at SPTC were “Steel Magnolias,” “The Lion in Winter,” “Diary of Anne Frank,” and “Glen Garry Glen Ross.”

Many of the actors he worked with remember him as a charismatic and insightful director who would jingle the change in his pocket while he pondered a scene, then leap onto the stage to work out the blocking or whisper in an actor’s ear.

“He was thoroughly beloved by actors, designers, and technical crew in theater because of his kindness, artistic acumen, and support,” stated Leslie Nichols, producer and board member for Santa Paula Theater. “Getting into a "Jerry show" meant you would be learning new skills and having a lot of fun. He helped provide professional solidity and grow SPTC into the much-respected theater we are today.”

Never taking for granted the extraordinary life he was gifted, Jerry was passionate about his work, but mostly about his family and friends. In 2013 he moved to Houston, Texas with his wife to be closer to her family. His death was preceded by his only child, his daughter, Lisa Palmere (from his first marriage), in 2022. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life for 36 years, Dayna Quinn-Castillo, his grandson Brian Palmere, granddaughter Stephanie Palmere, great grandson Allen Palmere, and his twin brother, Bernie Castillo. A private memorial is being planned.

If you would like to help Dayna cover expenses for a memorial and during her transition from caregiver to rebuilding her life, you can donate here: https://gofund.me/dc853f91.

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