Beloved 'Doctor Madblood' performer Jerry Harrell dies at 78

The iconic mad scientist character entertained Hampton Roads audiences for 50 years on local TV.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Jerry F. Harrell, the creator and performer of the beloved 'Doctor Madblood' character who delighted television audiences in Hampton Roads for 50 years, died in his sleep at his Norfolk home on Monday at the age of 78. Harrell invented the eccentric mad scientist character in 1975 and it spawned a popular weekly TV series that at one point surpassed even 'The Johnny Carson Show' in local ratings.

Why it matters

Harrell's 'Doctor Madblood' character became a regional icon, entertaining generations of viewers in Hampton Roads with his quirky persona and hosting classic horror movies. The show's success helped launch the careers of many local performers and production crew, and Harrell's legacy will be remembered as that of a generous, talented entertainer who left an indelible mark on the local community.

The details

Harrell first created the 'Doctor Madblood' character in 1975 for a one-time Halloween TV special on WAVY-TV 10 in Norfolk. But the character proved so popular with viewers that it turned into a weekly series that aired immediately following 'Saturday Night Live.' The show featured Harrell hosting classic horror 'B-movies' and swapping corny jokes with a supporting cast of characters, including a talking brain sidekick voiced by his longtime friend and collaborator. At the height of its popularity in the late 1970s, 'Doctor Madblood' had higher local ratings than even 'The Johnny Carson Show'.

  • Harrell created the 'Doctor Madblood' character in 1975.
  • The original 'Doctor Madblood' TV special aired in October 1975.
  • The 'Doctor Madblood' series ran weekly on WAVY-TV 10 in the late 1970s.
  • Harrell retired from Old Dominion University in 2024 at age 74.
  • Harrell passed away in his sleep at his Norfolk home on Monday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Jerry F. Harrell

The creator and performer of the iconic 'Doctor Madblood' character who entertained Hampton Roads audiences for 50 years on local television.

Brain

The talking brain sidekick character voiced by Harrell's longtime friend and collaborator, portrayed as a roughly soccer ball-sized prop made of gray household cleaning sponges that lived in a fish tank.

Daniel Harrell

Jerry Harrell's son, who followed in his father's footsteps and is the current director of TV engineering at WHRO Public Media.

WAVY-TV 10

The local Norfolk television station that aired the original 'Doctor Madblood' TV special in 1975 and then the weekly series in the late 1970s.

Video Wizards

Jerry Harrell's own production company that he founded in the early 1980s to create and distribute new 'Doctor Madblood' content around the country.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to grasp that he's not here. He's still here in our hearts and our minds and our talents he helped us build.”

— Adams, Harrell's longtime friend and collaborator

“He really was very giving. He helped a lot of people get their start and further their career, including me. We did some really funny stuff. Yeah, we had a blast.”

— Mike Arlo, Hampton Roads radio personality and regular contributor to the 'Doctor Madblood' series

What’s next

The family is planning a public memorial service to celebrate Harrell's life and legacy in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Jerry Harrell's iconic 'Doctor Madblood' character became a beloved part of the cultural fabric of Hampton Roads, entertaining generations of viewers and helping launch the careers of many local performers and production crew. His generous spirit and creative talents left an indelible mark on the community that will not soon be forgotten.