Jay Pickett Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Wikipedia, Cause Of Death

Jay Pickett was a prolific and accomplished actor, producer, and writer who worked in various theatrical productions, films, and television shows.

He was best known for his roles as Frank Scanlon Jr. in Port Charles, Detective David Harper in General Hospital, and Sheriff Cody McCall in Soda Springs.

He was also the co-writer and co-producer of Treasure Valley, a film he was working on when he tragically passed away in 2021.

Profile

• Full name: Jay H. Pickett
• Date of birth: February 10, 1961
• Age: 62 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Spokane, Washington, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Actor, producer, writer
• Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Parents: Richard and Joyce Pickett
• Siblings: 4
• Spouse: Elena Marie Bates (m. 1986)
• Children: Maegan, Michaela, and Tyler Pickett
• Relationship status: Married
• Net worth: $5 million

Early Life & Education

Jay Pickett, who would have turned 62 in 2023, was born on February 10, 1961, in Spokane, Washington, to Richard and Joyce Pickett. He grew up in Caldwell, Idaho, with four siblings: Dee, Rich, Ginna, and Jan.

He developed a passion for acting and sports. He attended Vallivue High School, where he was active in drama, football, and wrestling.

He graduated in 1979 and enrolled at Boise State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in acting in 1982.

He then moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue his acting career and further his education. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles, obtaining a Master of Fine Arts in acting in 1986.

Personal Life

Jay Pickett married Elena Marie Bates, a fellow actor and producer, in 1986. They met while studying at UCLA and fell in love.

They had three children: Maegan, Michaela, and Tyler. They lived on a ranch in Moorpark, California, where they raised horses and dogs.

Jay Pickett was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was also a skilled horse rider and a Dallas Cowboys fan.

He was a devout Christian who attended the Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch, California.

Career

Jay Pickett began his acting career in the mid-1980s, appearing in theatrical productions such as The Rainmaker, The Cherry Orchard, and The Lion in Winter.

He made his film debut in 1988, playing a minor role in Rush Week, a horror comedy.

He then appeared in several television shows, such as Matlock, China Beach, Mr. Belvedere, and Jake and the Fatman.

He also starred in the 1990 horror film Rumpelstiltskin, playing the lead role of Russell Stewart.

In 1991, he landed his first major role in television, playing Dr. Chip Lakin in Days of Our Lives, a popular soap opera. He stayed on the show for two years, until 1993.

He then joined another soap opera, Port Charles, in 1997, playing Frank Scanlon Jr., a paramedic and later a doctor.

He was one of the show’s original cast members, a spin-off of General Hospital. He remained on Port Charles until its cancellation in 2003. He received two Soap Opera Digest Award nominations for his performance.

In 2006, he returned to General Hospital, playing Detective David Harper, a recurring role. He also appeared in several other television shows, such as NCIS, Dexter, Queen Sugar, and True Detective.

He also ventured into film production and writing, co-producing and co-writing Soda Springs, a 2012 drama film in which he starred as Sheriff Cody McCall.

He also co-wrote and co-produced Treasure Valley, a western film he was working on at his death. He played the lead role of Jack Braun, a rancher who discovers a mysterious treasure on his land.

Death

Jay Pickett died of a heart attack on July 30, 2021, at the age of 60. He was preparing to film a scene for Treasure Valley near Oreana, Idaho when he suddenly collapsed.

He was surrounded by his co-stars and crew members, who tried to revive him, but to no avail. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His death was announced by his friend and co-producer Jim Heffel, who paid tribute to him on Facebook. He wrote, “Jay died sitting on a horse ready to rope a steer in the movie Treasure Valley in Idaho. The way of a true cowboy.” His death was also confirmed by his wife, Elena, who thanked everyone for their love and support.

She wrote, “Many of you have heard about the tragedy two days ago. Jay Pickett, our husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, passed away very unexpectedly. Jay died doing what he loved acting, riding horses, making movies. And he was magnificent.”

Social Media

Jay Pickett had the following social media accounts:

• Instagram handle: @jaypickett
• Twitter handle: @jaypickett

Filmography

• Rush Week
• Matlock
• China Beach
• Mr. Belvedere
• Jake and the Fatman
• Rumpelstiltskin
• Perry Mason: The Case of the Maligned Mobster
• Days of Our Lives
• Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
• A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Grimacing Governor
• Abandoned and Deceived