Ron Hale, a soap opera veteran best known for his role as Mike Corbin on ABC’s General Hospital, has died at the age of 78.
The Michigan-born actor’s family confirmed Wednesday that he passed away on August 27, 2024.
No cause of death has been revealed.
Hale lived in St. George, South Carolina after retiring 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 his role as Mike Corbin on ABC’s General Hospital — has died at the age of 78
Hale played mob boss Sonny Corinthos’ father, Mike Corbin, on General Hospital from 1995 to 2011. After his retirement, Hale was replaced by actor Max Gail.
He also famously 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 in the ABC drama Port Charles, which ran for three seasons from 1997 to 2000.
His very first soap opera role was in CBS’ Search for Tomorrow in 1969.
Born on January 2, 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hale’s love for acting began at an early age.
He then attended the liberal arts college, Furman University, in Greenville, South Carolina.
He regularly appeared in plays at the Trustus Theater, a performing arts theater in South Carolina founded 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 famously 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 in the ABC drama Port Charles, which ran for three seasons from 1997 to 2000; seen with co-star Jay Pickett in 2000
After years of dominating the stage, Hale made his TV debut in 1968 with a role in the police crime drama NYPD.
He also appeared in hit shows such as Matlock (1989) and MacGyver (1990).
Although best known for his work on TV, Hale also starred in the critically acclaimed 1976 film All the President’s Men, starring top stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.
Hale’s last ever acting role was in 2017, when he appeared alongside Tippi Hedren in the film The Ghost and the Whale.
A year later, the talented star confirmed to Soaps in Depth that he had officially retired from Hollywood after 50 years in the business.
As for his personal life, Hale married wife Dood Hale and became stepfather to her three teenage children from a previous relationship.
They remained married until Dood’s untimely death in 1989. Hale never remarried.
Hours after Hale’s death was reported 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 Wednesday, actor Billy Warlock took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute
Fans flooded Warlock’s feed 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 amazing talent” and “friend.”
It is with heavy hearts that we have lost another great one,” began Warlock – known for his roles in Baywatch and Happy Days.
“My dear friend Ron Hale has passed away. Ron was an amazing talent and an even better friend. I’ll miss you.’
Fans flooded Warlock’s feed with condolences as they reflected on Hale’s memorable performances on Ryan’s Hope and General Hospital.