Ron Hale, born Ronald Hale Thigpen, the actor best known for his work on General Hospital, died at the age of 78 on August 27 at his home in St. George, South Carolina. The cause of death remains unclear. His passing marks the end of a career that spanned over four decades in daytime television.
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Following the news of his passing, the General Hospital account on X posted a tribute:
"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."
A look at Ron Hale's career in film and television
Ron Hale first stepped into the world of television with his debut in an episode of N.Y.P.D. in 1968. Just one year later, he played a role on CBS’ Search for Tomorrow. The latter was his first soap opera role, as The Hollywood Reporter pointed out.
Although Ron Hale's most well-known role is perhaps Mike Corbin, whom he portrayed from 1995 to 2010 on General Hospital, he was also recognized for his work on Port Charles from 1997 to 2000. Additionally, he had a long stint on Ryan’s Hope from 1975 to 1989 as Dr. Roger Coleridge.
He received two Daytime Emmy Awards for his performances and one Soap Opera Digest Award nomination. In 2010, he announced his retirement from General Hospital to pursue other ventures. He told We Love Soaps at the time:
"It’s been 45 years since I unpacked my one suitcase in New York City and went to my first class at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I have been so blessed with my career. Nobody appreciates it more than I do. But that took a lot of hard work and dedication.”
He continued, noting that he still had a lot of energy to discover something new.
"I’m not saying I’m burnt out, it’s just time to move on. The years are getting by, and I still have a tremendous amount of energy. I love to travel, I love to play golf, I’d love to get out on a small tractor and clear up half an acre of land and plant it and watch stuff grow. It’s very idyllic, but I can make it happen.”
In the film world, Hale lent his talents to several films, including the 1976 biographical political thriller All the President’s Men, Me, Natalie (1969), Trial by Jury (1994), The Lord Protector (1996), Sunstorm (2001), and The Ghost and the Whale (2017).
According to his obituary, Ron Hale is survived by his nieces and nephews, Lori Brown (Janet Brabham), Max Brabham, Erin Wilson (Laurens), and Marc Brown (Betsy).
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