General Hospital star Ron Hale, dead at 78

Friends and family mourn the loss of a soap opera legend.

Ron Halewho was best known for his long roles in the shows Ryan's hope And General HospitalHe died on August 27, his family said. He was 78.

According to an online obituary, Hale — who was originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan — was living in St. George, South Carolina, at the time of his death. His cause of death was not reported.

He played Dr. for 14 years. Roger Coleridge Ryan's hopea role that earned him two Daytime Emmy Award nominations in 1979 and 1980. He also received an award for “Outstanding Villain in a Daytime Series” at the 1986 Soap Opera Digest Awards.

Hale, whose full name was Ronald Hale ThigpenHe continued to play Mark Corbin General Hospital from 1995 to 2010 and the spin-off of the series, Port Charles. Ultimately, Max Gail took on the role from 2018 to 2021.

“The whole General Hospital The family is saddened to hear of Ron Hale's passing,” the show's official X account wrote on October 3. “We would like to extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.” He was an incredible actor and an unforgettable colleague. May he rest in peace.”