Renowned soap opera actor Ron Hale, famous for his performances in “General Hospital” and “Ryan’s Hope,” died at his St. George, South Carolina home on August 27, 2024. He was 78.
Born Ronald Hale Thigpen, he enthralled soap opera fans for over four decades with his portrayals of some of the genre’s most unforgettable roles.
Hale’s career in showbiz started in 1968 with a minor part on the show “N.Y.P.D.,” which paved the way for his breakthrough role as Dr. Roger Coleridge on “Ryan’s Hope.” Over the course of 900 episodes, Hale breathed life into the multifaceted, occasionally ruthless Dr. Coleridge, a character deeply rooted in a wealthy, drama-ridden family.
“He was a wonderful human and will be missed dearly,” stated his niece, Lori Brown, noting that Hale’s influence, both on and off set, was unforgettable.
Hale later joined the cast of “General Hospital,” portraying Mike Corbin, the alienated father of mob boss Sonny Corinthos, from 1995 until his retirement in 2010. A statement released by the show conveyed the cast and crew’s grief over Hale’s passing: “The entire ‘General Hospital’ Family is saddened to hear of Ron Hale’s passing. He was an incredible actor and an unforgettable colleague.”
Beyond his extensive television career, Hale made appearances in several films, including the political thriller “All the President’s Men.” He portrayed Frank Sturgis, one of the Watergate burglars, sharing screen time with industry icons Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford. Hale was recognized as a versatile actor, adept at embodying both heroic and villainous roles with equal prowess.
Hale also engaged in theater, regularly performing at the Trustus Theatre in Columbia, South Carolina, co-founded by his brother, Jim Thigpen. Hale took great pride in supporting his brother’s theater and featured in numerous productions.
Throughout his career, Hale’s performances earned him several awards, including two Daytime Emmy nominations for his role as Dr. Coleridge. His rapport with co-stars and his professional dedication left an enduring impact on those he worked with.
Former “General Hospital” co-star Billy Warlock expressed his profound grief on social media, mourning the loss of a remarkable talent and a dear friend. Warlock noted it was deeply painful to lose someone as exceptional as Hale, and acknowledged both Hale’s exceptional acting skills and the deep friendship they shared. He stated that Hale’s absence will be deeply felt, both personally and within the industry.
Hale is survived by his nieces and nephews: Lori Brown, Max Brabham, Erin Wilson, and Marc Brown, who remember him as a kind and supportive uncle. His family emphasized that despite his celebrity status, he remained down-to-earth and was cherished by those around him.