Ron Hale, the beloved former star of ‘General Hospital,’ passes away at 78
Ron Hale, a retired star of soap operas, has passed away at the age of 78.
Known for his roles as Mike Corbin on “General Hospital” and Dr. Rodger Coleridge on “Ryan’s Hope,” Hale died on August 27 in his home located in St. George, South Carolina, as per an online memorial. His passing was widely reported on Wednesday night.
Legally named Ronald Hale Thigpen, Hale shared with Soaps In Depth in an exclusive 2018 interview that he had decided to retire and had already filmed his final scenes for “GH.” He portrayed Sonny Corinthos’ father in the fictional setting of Port Charles from 1995 until 2010.
Hale featured as Roger Coleridge for over 900 episodes in the ABC soap opera “Ryan’s Hope,” where he was part of the cast throughout the show’s entire run from 1975 to 1989.
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, he also played the role of Watergate burglar Frank Sturgis in the 1976 film “All the President’s Men,” which depicted The Washington Post’s investigation into the Watergate scandal involving Richard Nixon. He starred alongside renowned actors Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford in this Academy Award-nominated film.
His other prominent work includes roles in movies like “The Lord Protector” and guest appearances in television series such as “Search For Tomorrow,” “Matlock,” and “MacGyver.”
According to his obituary, Hale was a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He was born in Grand Rapids to the late James Ray Thigpen Sr. and Elinor Jane Doerr Thigpen. He also performed in several plays at the Trustus Theatre in Columbia, South Carolina, which his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Kay Thigpen, established.
Hale is survived by his nieces and nephews: Lori Brown (Janet Brabham), Max Brabham, Erin Wilson (Laurens), and Marc Brown (Betsy), as mentioned in the online obituary.
Shortly before his passing, Hale’s former co-stars from “General Hospital” made headlines. Kelly Monaco, who has played Sam McCall on “GH” since 2003, is set to make her final appearance as the character this fall, as confirmed by YSL News on Tuesday.
