Jordan Clarke
ON SOAP OPERA DIGEST AND WEEKLY ONLINE
SOAP STAR STATS
Jordan Clarke (Billy, GL)
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Jordan Clarke (Billy, GL)
— PGP
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Vital Statistics
- Birthday:
- July 21
- Years On Show:
- 1982-87; 1989-93; 1996-present
- Marital Status:
- Married to wife Valerie since 1982
- Children:
- Daughter Chelsea, born in 1983
The 411
Born in Rochester, NY, Jordan Clarke was raised on a horse farm. After high school, he enrolled in Cornell University, where he double-majored in philosophy and government. At Cornell, he also participated in several plays and took arts courses, which prompted his post-graduate move to New York City.
While taking classes at NYU, Clarke started landing leads in plays and commercials. Then, he was cast on GUIDING LIGHT as a gynecologist named Tim Ryan. For the next two years he played Dr. Ryan, but then left to try for success in LA.
In California, Clarke landed a multitude of guest spots on shows like THE WALTONS and THREE'S COMPANY. During that time, Clarke married his wife, Valerie. Not long after, he was offered the role of Billy on GL and eagerly accepted it since his wife was pregnant.
Back in New York, Clarke's daughter was born and named Chelsea after the area of Manhattan where GL's studio was then located. He was on the show for the next five years until he was surprisingly fired, despite the popularity of Billy.
Two years later, GL changed its mind and asked Clarke to return, to the delight of Clarke's fans. He remained on the show until 1993, when he decided to take time off to focus on his personal life. Three years later, GL invited Clarke back for Vanessa's 1996 funeral and he has remained with the show ever since.
TRIVIA
—Clarke also raised his wife's daughter, Laura.
—DYNASTY alum Geoffrey Scott (ex-Mark) stepped in for Clarke from 1993-94 to wrap up Billy's storyline.
—Clarke's favorite storyline of Billy's was when his alter ego courted Vanessa.
Career Highlights
Other Soap Roles
GUIDING LIGHT (Tim) 1974-76
TV Roles
LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT (Bernie, 2005)
A WEDDING STORY: JOSH AND REVA (Billy, 2002)
THE COSBY MYSTERIES (Gordon, 1995)
LAW & ORDER (Mr. Parker, 1995)
THE KENNEDYS OF MASSACHUSETTS (James Reedy, 1990)
MIAMI VICE (Mac, 1989)
SPENCER: FOR HIRE (Brad, 1987)
KNIGHT RIDER (Ferris, 1983)
THE EXECUTIONER'S SONG (Johnny, 1982)
THREE'S COMPANY (Bill, 1980)
CHARLESTON (Gregg, 1979)
CHiPs (Croyden, 1979)
THE WALTONS (Son Slater, 1979)
FOREVER (Theo, 1978)
FANTASY ISLAND (Tommy, 1978)
M*A*S*H (Saunders, 1978)
Film Roles
White Squall (Charles, 1996)
Safe Passage (Coach,1994)
Memorable Quotes
"I have sisters, aunts and daughters, but no brothers, uncles or sons. That made me a feminist pretty early. I got it beaten into me." — On his childhood, Soap Opera Digest, 4/14/98
"I got cast on GUIDING LIGHT as a brilliant, young gynecologist named Tim Ryan. My storyline was a toxemia pregnancy. I stayed there for two years, and then the next thing I know, they're turning me into a neurosurgeon, so I left the show and went out to L.A." — On leaving GL the first time, Digest, 4/14/98
"I can tell you that my life is about my kids. That's it. I love being a dad. It's the best." — On his family, Digest, 4/14/98
Official Web Site
www.jordanclarke.com
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