By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-03 15:53:28 | Updated at 2024-10-06 02:35:55
2 days ago
Tributes have flooded in for 'dear friend' and 'amazing talent' Ron Hale, who died aged 78 at his South Carolina home.
The Michigan-born actor, a soap veteran best known for playing Mike Corbin on ABC's General Hospital, passed away on August 27, his family confirmed last night.
'My dear friend Ron Hale has passed away. Ron was an amazing talent and an even better friend. I will miss you,' wrote fellow General Hospital star Jon Lindstrom.
Days of Our Lives actor Billy Warlock took to social media to share his heartbreak at the news, writing, 'It's with a heavy heart that we've lost another great one.'
Alongside his role in General Hospital, Ronald Hale Thigpen played Dr Roger Coleridge on Ryan's Hope, and was nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards.
Ron Hale (left) with the late Stuart Damon at the 33rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Hale starred as mob boss Sonny Corinthos' father Mike Corbin on General Hospital from 1995 to 2011; seen with co-star Jackie Zeman in 2007
Ron Hale — a soap opera veteran best known for playing Mike Corbin on ABC's General Hospital — has died at age 78
Billy Warlock led tributes for the late Ron Hale, revealed to have died on Wednesday
In a statement, the official Twitter/X account for General Hospital added: "The entire General Hospital Family is saddened to hear of Ron Hale’s passing.
'We would like to extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time. He was an incredible actor and an unforgettable colleague. May he rest in peace."
The actor is survived by his nieces and nephews, Lori Brown (Janet Brabham), Max Brabham, Erin Wilson (Laurens) and, Marc Brown (Betsy), as per his obituary.
Fans of the show shared their fond memories and support for the family.
Mary Reilly said: 'So sad to hear he was a terrific actor. My prayers for his family. May he rest in peace.'
Rachel Foley added: 'I'm so saddened to hear this news. He was an incredible actor and I loved him as the OG Mike. Prayers to his family and loved ones.'
TV producer Michael Fairman wrote: 'We lost another....Ron was such a wonderful actor. Loved him on both Ryan's Hope and GH.'
Alan Locher, in PR, wrote: 'Sad to hear this news about Ron Hale! I spoke to Ron back in 2020 when I was planning to do my first Ryan’s Hope reunion.
'He was such a nice guy and a talent! Can we stop losing all these beloved talents please?!'
No cause of death has been revealed.
Hale was living in St. George, South Carolina after retiring from acting in 2018 after five-decades in the industry.
Hale starred as mob boss Sonny Corinthos' father Mike Corbin on General Hospital from 1995 to 2011. In wake of his retirement, Hale was replaced by actor Max Gail.
He also famously appeared on ABC's Ryan's Hope from 1975 to 1989 with Nancy Addison and Michael Levin.
The half-hour drama followed 'the trials and tribulations of The Ryans, an Irish-American family in New York City,' as per IMDb.
Hale's portrayal of Dr. Roger Coleridge earned him two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for best supporting actor in 1979 and 1980.
During his lengthy General Hospital stint, Hale was also busy starring n the ABC drama Port Charles, which ran for three seasons from 1997 to 2000.
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.
He frequently performed in plays at the Trustus Theatre, a performing arts theatre in South Carolina started by Hale's brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Kay Thigpen.
Fans flooded Warlock's feed with condolences as they reflected on Hale's memorable performances in Ryan's Hope and General Hospital
He also famously appeared on ABC's Ryan's Hope from 1975 to 1989 with Nancy Addison and Michael Levin; seen with Ilene Kristen in 1976
During his lengthy General Hospital stint, Hale was also busy starring n the ABC drama Port Charles, which ran for three seasons from 1997 to 2000; seen with co-star Jay Pickett (left) in 2000
Hale is a two-time Daytime Emmy nominee; seen with Leslie Charleson at the Daytime Emmys in 2005
After years of dominating the stage, Hale made his TV debut in 1968 with a role on the police crime drama N.Y.P.D.
He's also appeared in hit shows like Matlock (1989) and MacGyver (1990).
Though he's best known for his work on TV, Hale nabbed a role in the acclaimed 1976 film All the President's Men with A-listers Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.
Hale's final acting role was in 2017 when he appeared alongside Tippi Hedren in the film, The Ghost and the Whale.
One year later, the accomplished star confirmed to Soaps In Depth that he'd officially retired from Hollywood after 50 years in the business.
As for his personal life, Hale married wife Dood Hale in 1972 and became a stepfather to her three teen children from a prior relationship.
They remained married until Dood's untimely death in 1989. He never remarried.
