Hampton Roads has lost a legend. With the passing of Jerry Harrell—forever cherished as Dr. Madblood—we say goodbye to a towering figure in local television, a gifted educator, and a beloved architect of childhood memories across generations of Virginia horror fans.
When Dr. Madblood first emerged from the shadows in November 1975 on WAVY-TV, few could have imagined the cultural institution he would become. For fifty remarkable years, he brought quirky, off-the-cuff humor and delightfully unpredictable magic into living rooms across Norfolk and beyond. His show was more than late-night horror hosting—it was a shared ritual, a mischievous wink to the audience, and a celebration of creativity that felt both homemade and larger than life.
Dr. Madblood’s genius was never about polished perfection. It was about heart. It was about letting the camera roll and letting the chips fall where they may. In that fearless spontaneity, he gave countless viewers permission to be bold, weird, inventive, and joyful. His annual Halloween specials on WHRO became treasured seasonal traditions, uniting families and fans in laughter, playful frights, and a uniquely Virginian sense of community.
But Jerry Harrell’s magic reached far beyond the cape and makeup. At Old Dominion University, he mentored and inspired generations of filmmakers, storytellers, and students. He taught not just technique, but spirit—the courage to create, the importance of authenticity, and the power of local voices. His influence can be seen in countless careers launched and dreams nurtured under his guidance.
For many of us, Dr. Madblood is inseparable from the warm glow of childhood nostalgia: staying up late, laughing at improvised antics, and feeling part of something special happening right in our own backyard. He made horror fun. He made creativity accessible. Most of all, he made people feel included.
To his family, friends, colleagues, and devoted fans, we send love and peace. Virginia has lost a legend, but his spirit lives on in every aspiring filmmaker he encouraged, every Halloween tradition he shaped, and every fan who still smiles at the memory of his mischievous grin.
Rest in peace, Doc. Thank you for fifty unforgettable years.