Ron Hale dead at 78: General Hospital star passes away six years after announcing acting retirement

Ron Hale dead at 78: General Hospital star passes away six years after announcing acting retirement

As a lifestyle expert, I find myself deeply saddened by the passing of Ron Hale, a true icon in the world of soap operas and beyond. With five decades of experience under his belt, he left an indelible mark on the industry, captivating audiences with his performances as Mike Corbin on General Hospital and Dr. Roger Coleridge on Ryan’s Hope.


Veteran actor Ron Hale, renowned for his role as Mike Corbin in the soap opera General Hospital on ABC, has passed away at the age of 78.

The Michigan-born actor’s family confirmed Wednesday that he passed away on August 27, 2024.

No cause of death has been revealed.

After retiring from acting in 2018 following a five-decade career, Hale now resides in St. George, South Carolina.

According to his obituary, he leaves behind his nieces and nephews: Lori Brown (formerly known as Janet Brabham), Max Brabham, Erin Wilson (maiden name Laurens), and Marc Brown (wife Betsy).

Ron Hale dead at 78: General Hospital star passes away six years after announcing acting retirement

From 1995 to 2011, Hale portrayed Mike Corbin, the father of mob boss Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital. After his retirement, another actor named Max Gail took over the role.

Additionally, he graced the screen on ABC’s Ryan’s Hope from 1975 to 1989, sharing it with Nancy Addison and Michael Levin.

The half-hour TV show depicted the ups and downs experienced by the Ryan family, who are of Irish-American descent and live in New York City, according to IMDb.

In 1979 and 1980, Hale received two nominations for the Daytime Emmy Awards in the category of outstanding supporting actor, thanks to his portrayal of Dr. Roger Coleridge.

During his long tenure at General Hospital, Hale also found time to act in the ABC drama Port Charles, a series that aired from 1997 to 2000, spanning over three seasons.

His first-ever soap opera role was in CBS’ Search for Tomorrow back in 1969. 

Born on January 2, 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hale’s love of acting came about at a young age.

He went on to attend the liberal arts college, Furman University, in Greenville, South Carolina.

As a connoisseur of the stage, I often find myself gracing the boards of the Trustus Theatre, a vibrant performing arts venue nestled in the heart of South Carolina. This cherished space was brought to life by none other than my esteemed relatives, Jim and Kay Thigpen – a testament to their passion for the arts.

Ron Hale dead at 78: General Hospital star passes away six years after announcing acting retirement
Ron Hale dead at 78: General Hospital star passes away six years after announcing acting retirement
Ron Hale dead at 78: General Hospital star passes away six years after announcing acting retirement

Following many successful stage performances, Hale first appeared on television in 1968, taking on a part in the police crime drama titled N.Y.P.D.

He’s also appeared in hit shows like Matlock (1989) and MacGyver (1990).

Despite primarily being recognized for his television roles, Hale additionally acted in the critically-acclaimed 1976 movie “All the President’s Men,” alongside well-known actors such as Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.

In the year 2017, Hale played his final acting role. This was seen in the movie ‘The Ghost and the Whale’, where he worked with Tippi Hedren.

A full year had passed when the successful actor told Soaps in Depth that he had indeed bid farewell to Hollywood, concluding a career spanning over half a century in show business.

In terms of his personal affairs, Hale tied the knot with Dood Hale, thereby stepping into the role of a father figure to her three adolescent kids from a previous union.

They remained married until Dood’s untimely death in 1989. Hale never remarried. 

Following the announcement of Hale’s demise on Wednesday, actor Billy Warlock expressed his tribute through X (previously known as Twitter).

Ron Hale dead at 78: General Hospital star passes away six years after announcing acting retirement
Ron Hale dead at 78: General Hospital star passes away six years after announcing acting retirement
Ron Hale dead at 78: General Hospital star passes away six years after announcing acting retirement
Ron Hale dead at 78: General Hospital star passes away six years after announcing acting retirement

The 63-year-old described Hale as ‘an amazing talent’ and ‘friend.’

With deep sadness, we bid farewell to yet another remarkable individual, Warlock, who was well-known for his captivating performances in Baywatch and Happy Days, he started.

‘My dear friend Ron Hale has passed away. Ron was an amazing talent and an even better friend. I will miss you.’

Fan after fan filled Warlock’s social media with sympathy messages, recalling Hale’s outstanding acting roles in Ryan’s Hope and General Hospital.

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2024-10-03 07:34

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