Ron Hale, the legendary soap opera star best known for his role on ABC’s General Hospital, passed away on August 27, 2024, at the age of 78. The beloved actor, who brought iconic characters to life on screen for over five decades, died in St. George, South Carolina, where he had retired after a long and distinguished career in the entertainment industry.
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Hale is most fondly remembered for his portrayal of Mike Corbin, the father of mob boss Sonny Corinthos, on General Hospital, a role he played from 1995 until his retirement in 2010. His character, Mike, became a fan favorite, particularly during intense storylines where he grappled with his tumultuous relationship with his son. Hale’s nuanced performance earned him admiration from both his colleagues and his dedicated fan base. The General Hospital family paid tribute to him on social media, expressing their sadness and condolences:
“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.”
Before his memorable time on General Hospital, Hale had a long-running role as Dr. Roger Coleridge on another soap opera, Ryan’s Hope, from 1975 until 1989. His work on these shows established him as a consistent and respected presence in the soap opera world. Additionally, he also appeared in numerous stage productions at South Carolina’s Trustus Theatre, co-founded by his brother and sister-in-law, further demonstrating his diverse talents as an actor.
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Outside of television, Hale also had a notable appearance in the 1976 political thriller All the President’s Men, in which he portrayed Frank Sturgis, one of the Watergate burglars. Hale shared the screen with Hollywood heavyweights Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in the critically acclaimed film about The Washington Post’s investigative reporting on the Watergate scandal.
Throughout his career, Ron Hale touched the lives of many, both within the entertainment industry and beyond. Fans and fellow actors alike have shared heartfelt tributes on social media, reflecting on his impact as an actor and colleague. One fan tweeted, “RIP Ron Hale. RH’s Mike Corbin went toe to toe with angry Sonny when he had Daddy issues. He was a great actor and my condolences to all his family, colleagues, and fans.”
Hale’s cause of death has not been disclosed. His family, in lieu of flowers, has asked that fans plant a tree in his memory as a lasting tribute to his legacy. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Lori Brown (Janet Brabham), Max Brabham, Erin Wilson (Laurens), and Marc Brown (Betsy). His contributions to the world of acting, particularly within the soap opera genre, will be remembered and cherished by his many fans and loved ones.
