PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Jerry Harrell, the creator and host of the long-running local comedy horror program “Doctor Madblood,” has died. Harrell began his career hosting the weekly show in 1975 on WAVY-TV 10.
According to his obituary, “Harrell peacefully passed away” on Feb. 16 in Norfolk at the age of 78.
The program, originally titled “Doctor Madblood’s Movie,” started as a one-time experiment before becoming a staple of late-night television in Hampton Roads. Harrell portrayed the character for five decades, moving the production from local broadcast to cable and eventually to WHRO Public Media.
WHRO has posted Doctor Madblood specials from over the years on its WHRO Plus page. You can stream them now, at this link.…