General Hospital star Ron Hale dies aged 78
The actor starred as Mike Corbin on General Hospital
Ron Hale pictured with Jay Pickett
Veteran soap actor Ron Hale, famed for his role as Mike Corbin on ABC’s General Hospital, has sadly passed away at the age of 78. The news was confirmed by his family on Wednesday, October 2, revealing that the Michigan-born star died on Tuesday, August 27, although no cause of death has been disclosed.
Mr Hale, who retired from acting in 2018, was best known for his portrayal of mob boss Mike Corbin on General Hospital from 1995 to 2011. Upon his retirement, the role was taken over by actor Max Gail. Hale also had a notable stint on ABC’s Ryan’s Hope from 1975 to 1989. Following his retirement, he resided in St. George, South Carolina.
He leaves behind his nieces and nephews. Hale was married to Dood Hale, becoming a stepfather to her three teenage children from a previous relationship. They remained married until Dood’s death in 1989, and Hale never remarried, reports OK!. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
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Tributes have poured in for the actor on social media. One fan wrote: “Oh, no Ron Hale! My goodness, when it rains it pours and it always starts pouring this time of the year. He’ll always be Roger from RH to me.”
Another added: “There is no doubt that Ron Hale was brilliant on General Hospital , but some of us will always regard his time on #RyansHope with the great Ilene Kristin as his true claim to soap fame. He was such an enormous talent. #RIPRonHale.”
His friend and co-star Billy Warlock, who played AJ Quartermaine, shared the news, writing: “It’s with a heavy heart that we’ve lost another great one. My dear friend Ron Hale has passed away. Ron was an amazing talent and an even better friend. I will miss you.”
Mr Hale began his soap opera career in 1969 with a role on Search for Tomorrow. He was also a regular performer at the Trustus Theatre in South Carolina, which was founded by his brother and sister-in-law.
During his 16-year stint on General Hospital, he also appeared in the spin-off series Port Charles, which aired from 1997 to 2000. His final acting role was in The Ghost and the Whale, after which he announced his retirement from acting in 2020, following a 50-year career. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.
