General Hospital and Ryan’s Hope alum Ron Hale has died at age 78

ABC; CRAIG SJODIN/ABC

Ron Hale has died at the age of 78. The popular actor is best known to daytime fans for his work as the complex Roger Coleridge Ryan’s hopea role he played throughout the series from 1975 to 1989 and in which he also originated the role of Sonny Corinthos’ father, Mike Corbin General Hospitalwhere he performed from 1995-2010. At the time of his death he was living in St. George, South Carolina.

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Hale was born on January 2, 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to James Ray Thigpen Sr. and Elinor Jane Doerr Thigpen. The former Ronald Hale Thigpen attended Furman University and, after moving to New York, enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After completing his training there in 1967, he made his Broadway debut as Sailor in 1969 The time of your life. In 1971 he played Gerard in Abeland and Heloise.

Hale (l.) as Ryan’Roger von s Hope, pictured with Bernard Barrow as Johnny and Ilene Kristen as Delia.

The actor’s daytime career began with the role of Walt Driscoll Look for tomorrow in 1969. Dr. Jim Abbott playing Love is a great thing followed in 1973 before taking on the role of the handsome villain Roger as part of the original cast of Ryan’s hopewhere he worked with many leading actresses, most notably Ilene Kristen’s Delia and Cali Timmins’ Maggie. He also had a brief romance with EJ Ryan, played by Ex and Future Guiding light Lead actor Maureen Garrett (ex-Holly Norris Lindsey Reade); In this pairing, Roger was exceptionally the one being played. When she found out about her co-star’s death, Garrett opened up about it Digest“I remember Ron fondly. I’m so sorry to hear that.”

Hale was nominated for, and received, the 1979 and 1980 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor Soap Opera Digest Nominated for the 1986 award for Favorite Villain, everything for his work Ryan’s hope.

In 1995, he joined GH as Sonny’s father, Mike Corbin, who wanted to mend his relationship with his estranged son. Mike had a gambling problem and although they improved their relationship, Sonny had to bail him out from time to time when his debts became too high. During its run, GH also introduced Mike’s adult daughter, Courtney Matthews. Mike eventually left town when Hale decided to retire. (In 2018, the show decided to bring Mike back, so Barney Miller Star Max Gail took over the role until the character died of Alzheimer’s in 2020.)

When asked who he would like to bring back to the show, Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) responded. Digest in 2012: “Out of everyone from the past, Ron Hale as Mike. I visited him when he received a star on the Walk of Fame in Palm Springs. Ron is one of the best actors I know. We’ve been friends for a long time and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. It was great to see him in his world. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

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Hale as General Hospitalis Mike with his son Maurice Benard (Sonny), who appears on screen.

In addition to his daytime appearances, Hale appeared on prime-time shows such as Matlock And MacGyverand in films like All the president’s men with Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford; In this Oscar-winning film he played Watergate burglar Frank Sturgis.

Billy Warlock (ex-AJ Quartermaine, GH) reacted to the news on his official X account (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday evening, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that we have lost another great player. My dear friend Ron Hale has passed away. Ron was an incredible talent and an even better friend. I’ll miss you.” GH’s Jon Lindstrom (Kevin) shared Warlock’s post and added: “My deepest condolences, Billy. I loved the guy. I could count on him to show up at a High Lonesome show or some other gig. Always supportive. My fondest memory is being on a flight with him from Los Angeles to New York and Richard Simmons sitting in front of us. Yes, we all had a lot of fun! REST IN PEACE”

Hale’s niece Lori Brown shared the following on Facebook back in August: “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my uncle Ron Hale Thigpen. He passed away unexpectedly on August 27 at his home in St. George, SC. ​​He was a wonderful person and we will miss him very much. May he rest in peace.”

General HospitalThe official X account released the following statement: “The entire General Hospital family is saddened by the news of the passing of Ron Hale. We would like to express our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time. He was an incredible actor and an unforgettable colleague. May he rest in peace.”