The Soap Yard

Emmy winner Jordan Clarke (ex-Billy Lewis) is recovering from a mild stroke, according to a message on the actor's official web site.


"Jordan was working on Venice the web series when he had a mild stroke between LA and NYC," the statement read. "His prognosis is good and he's expected to fully recover."


A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bursts. The resulting blockage prevents blood and oxygen from being provided to that part of the brain, where the tissue subsequently begins to die. The part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain can't work properly.


The 59-year-old Clarke first aired on Guiding Light in 1974, but not in the role for which most fans will recognize him.


"I had my first job on Guiding Light in 1974 playing an OB-GYN named Tim Ryan for two years," Clarke told soapcentral.com. "I came back as Billy Lewis in '83, and I've been Billy for almost 22 years, so that's very nice, very nice."


In 2006, the actor earned his first Daytime Emmy nomination -- and win -- for Outstanding Supporting Actor.