As a long-time soap opera enthusiast who has witnessed the rise and fall of many beloved characters, I am saddened to learn about the passing of Ron Hale. Known for his iconic roles on “Ryan’s Hope” and “General Hospital,” Hale was more than just a talented actor; he was a staple in the world of daytime dramas.
I’m deeply saddened to share that I lost a cherished part of my TV-watching years: Ron Hale, the talented actor who brought Roger Coleridge to life for 14 years on “Ryan’s Hope” and Mike Corbin on “General Hospital” for an even longer span. Sadly, he left us at the age of 78.
Hale, who lived in St. George, South Carolina, died Aug. 27, his family announced.
Back in the ’70s and ’80s, I was deeply immersed in the TV show “Ryan’s Hope,” playing the role of Coleridge, a doctor from a prominent family who had some heated conflicts with the Ryan clan. During my time on the show, I was fortunate enough to win two Daytime Emmys for Supporting Actor in 1979 and ’80. Over the course of the series, I shared the screen with some amazing actors like Delia Reid (played by Ilene Kristen/Randall Edwards), Maggie Shelby (Cali Timmins), and even rekindled my relationship with Delia after a brief separation.
Initially, Max Gail portrayed Hale, who is Sonny Corinthos’s father, on General Hospital from 1995 to 2010, and he also appeared on the spinoff show Port Charles between 1997 and 2000. More recently, he reprised his role from 2018 until 2021.
Ronald Hale Thigpen, born on the 2nd of January, 1946, hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He furthered his education at Furman University, and at the age of 19, he moved to New York. In 1967, he completed his studies at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
In 1968, he first appeared on the screen in an episode of ABC’s “N.Y.P.D.”. A year later, he started his run on a soap opera for CBS, titled “Search for Tomorrow”. Furthermore, in the same year, he also made his Broadway debut in William Saroyan’s play, “The Time of Your Life”.
In All the President’s Men (1976), he portrayed Watergate burglar Frank Sturgis.
Hale’s resume also featured credits such as “Trial by Jury” (1994), episodes from the shows “Matlock” and “MacGyver”, and plays staged at Columbia, South Carolina’s Trustus Theatre – a theater that was founded by his deceased brother, Jim Thigpen Jr., and his late sister-in-law, Kay Thigpen.
Survivors include his nieces, Lori and Erin, and nephews Max and Marc.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-03 06:25