Today in SCV History March 1, 2012, Jerome “Jerry” Courtland – a longtime television actor and director who later made his home in Valencia – died peacefully at his Santa Clarita residence at the age of 85 due to heart disease.

Born Courtland Jourolman Jr. on Dec. 27, 1926, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Courtland was discovered by a talent scout at just 17 years old and signed to a seven-year contract with Columbia Pictures. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Following the war, Courtland returned to Hollywood, starring opposite Shirley Temple in the 1945 Columbia Pictures film Kiss and Tell. By the 1950s and 1960s, he transitioned into television, where he became a familiar face in Westerns – many of which were filmed right here in the Santa Clarita Valley – including appearances in The Rifleman, Death Valley Days and The Virginian.

Courtland later moved behind the camera, making his directorial debut in 1968 with episodes of The Flying Nun. His directing career reached new heights in the 1980s after teaming up with legendary television producer Aaron Spelling, directing episodes of hit primetime dramas including Dynasty, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat and The Colbys.

He also co-produced Disney’s 1977 partially animated musical Pete’s Dragon, which was filmed in part at Golden Oak Ranch in Placerita Canyon, one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s most iconic filming locations.

Courtland’s final television work came in the early 1990s, with guest appearances on L.A. Law and Knots Landing.

He was married three times, including to actress Polly Bergen. Courtland is survived by his third wife, Marlene; his children; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two half-sisters.

A memorial service was held March 31, 2012.

To read yesterday’s Today in SCV History, click HERE.

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