Ron Hale, a soap opera veteran best known for playing Mike Corbin on ABC’s General Hospital, has died at age 78.
The family of the Michigan-born actor confirmed on Wednesday that he died on August 27, 2024.
No cause of death has been revealed.
Hale lived in St. George, South Carolina, after retiring from acting in 2018 after five decades in the industry.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Lori Brown (Janet Brabham), Max Brabham, Erin Wilson (Laurens) and Marc Brown (Betsy), according to his obituary.
Ron Hale, a soap opera veteran best known for playing Mike Corbin on ABC’s General Hospital, has died at age 78.
Hale played mob boss Sonny Corinthos’ father, Mike Corbin, on General Hospital from 1995 to 2011. Following his retirement, Hale was replaced by actor Max Gail.
He also 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,” according to 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 long stint on General Hospital, Hale was also busy starring on the ABC drama Port Charles, which ran for three seasons from 1997 to 2000.
Her first soap opera role was on CBS’s Search for Tomorrow in 1969.
Born on January 2, 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hale’s love of acting emerged at an early age.
He then attended the liberal arts college, Furman University, in Greenville, South Carolina.
He frequently performed in plays at the Trustus Theatre, a performing arts theater in South Carolina started by Hale’s brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Kay Thigpen.
Hale played mob boss Sonny Corinthos’ father, Mike Corbin, on General Hospital from 1995 to 2011; seen with co-star Jackie Zeman in 2007
He also 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 long stint on General Hospital, Hale was also busy starring on the ABC drama Port Charles, which ran for three seasons from 1997 to 2000; seen with co-star Jay Pickett (left) in 2000
After years of dominating the stage, Hale made his television debut in 1968 with a role on the crime drama NYPD.
He also appeared in hit shows such as Matlock (1989) and MacGyver (1990).
Although he is best known for his television work, Hale landed a role in the acclaimed 1976 film All the President’s Men with famed Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.
Hale’s last acting role was in 2017 when he appeared alongside Tippi Hedren in the film The Ghost and the Whale.
A year later, the accomplished star confirmed Soaps in depth who had officially retired from Hollywood after 50 years in the business.
As for her personal life, Hale married Dood Hale in 1972 and became a stepfather to her three teenage children from a previous relationship.
They remained married until Dood’s untimely death in 1989. He never remarried.
Hours after Hale’s death was reported on Wednesday, actor Billy Warlock took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute.
Hale is a two-time Daytime Emmy nominee; seen with Leslie Charleson at the Daytime Emmys in 2005
Hours after Hale’s death was reported on Wednesday, actor Billy Warlock took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute.
Fans flooded Warlock’s broadcast with condolences as they reflected on Hale’s memorable performances on Ryan’s Hope and General Hospital.
The 63-year-old described Hale as “an incredible talent” and “a friend.”
“It is with great sadness that we have lost another great character,” began Warlock, known for his roles in Baywatch and Happy Days.
‘My dear friend Ron Hale has passed away. Ron was an incredible talent and an even better friend. I’ll miss you.’
Fans flooded Warlock’s broadcast with condolences as they reflected on Hale’s memorable performances on Ryan’s Hope and General Hospital.