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'General Hospital' star dies at age 78

'General Hospital' star dies at age 78

“General Hospital” and “Ryan's Hope” star Ron Hale has died. He was 78.

Hale, who lived in St. George, South Carolina, died Aug. 27, according to his obituary.

A cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

Ron Hale at General Hospital Fan Day in 2002. WireImage

Hale was famous for his role as Mike Corbin on General Hospital. The show paid tribute to Hale on social media following his death.

“The entire General Hospital family is saddened by the news of the passing of Ron Hale,” the soap opera series wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

“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,” the statement continued.

“General Hospital” tribute to Ron Hale. @GeneralHospital/X

Hale's former co-star Billy Warlock, who played Frankie Brady, also honored Hale in “X.”

“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 will miss you,” Warlock’s tweet read.

Billy Warlock's tweet about Ron Hale's death. @BillyWarlock/X

Hale was born on January 2, 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Furman University in Greenville, SC and graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York in 1967.

The late star made his screen debut in a 1968 episode of “NYPD.” His first soap opera role was on CBS's “Search for Tomorrow” in 1969.

From 1975 to 1989, Hale starred on the ABC soap opera Ryan's Hope as Dr. Roger Coleridge.

Ron Hale on “Ryan’s Hope.” General entertainment content from Disney via Getty Images
Ron Hale on Ryan's Hope in 1976. General entertainment content from Disney via Getty Images

His performance earned him two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He was also nominated for the Soap Opera Digest Award.

Ron Hale on “Ryan’s Hope.” General entertainment content from Disney via Getty Images

Hale began his recurring role on “General Hospital” as the father of gangster Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) in 1995. He appeared on the series until 2010 and also appeared in the spin-off “Port Charles” from 1997 to 2000.

Anthony Geary, Ron Hale and BB King film “General Hospital.” ABC
Ron Hale, Maurice Bernard on “General Hospital.” General entertainment content from Disney via Getty Images
Ron Hale, Jackie Zeman in “General Hospital” in 2007. ABC

His other acting credits included the films “Me, Natalie”, “All the President's Men” and “Trial by Jury” as well as the series “Matlock” and “MacGyver”.

Hale's last acting role was in the 2017 film The Ghost and the Wale.

Jay Pickett, Ron Hale in “Port Charles” in 2000. General entertainment content from Disney via Getty Images
Ron Hale, Debbi Morgan on “Port Charles.” General entertainment content from Disney via Getty Images

Although Hale had a long career in Hollywood, he always knew how to separate his real life from his job.

“You have to be a human being before you can be an actor,” he said in a March 1976 interview.

Hale is survived by his nieces Lori and Erin and nephews Max and Marc.

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