Ron Hale, a beloved figure in the world of soap operas, has passed away at the age of 78. Born Ronald Hale Thigpen, Hale was best known for his iconic roles on two of ABC’s most treasured daytime dramas.
He portrayed Roger Coleridge on *Ryan’s Hope* for the entirety of its run from 1975 to 1989 and later captivated audiences as Mike Corbin, the father of mobster Sonny Corinthos, on “General Hospital” from 1995 to 2010.
His passing on August 27 was confirmed through an obituary, though no official cause of death has been revealed. The news of his death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike.
A touching statement from the “General Hospital” team was shared on social media: “The entire “General Hospital” family is saddened to hear of Ron Hale’s passing. He was an incredible actor and an unforgettable colleague. May he rest in peace.”
Billy Warlock, a fellow soap star who starred in “Days of Our Lives”, expressed his sadness on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “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.”
Hale’s television career began in the late 1960s, with his debut in an episode of ABC’s “N.Y.P.D” in 1968. He soon found his calling in daytime television, starring in CBS’ “Search for Tomorrow” in 1969, which marked his first soap opera role. But it was his portrayal of Dr. Roger Coleridge on “Ryan’s Hope” that made him a household name, and his Emmy nominations in 1979 and 1980 cemented his status as a daytime television legend.
Beyond the soap opera world, Hale’s talents extended to the silver screen. He played Frank Sturgis, one of the Watergate burglars, in the critically acclaimed film “All The President’s Men” in 1976. His versatility as an actor was further displayed in the 1994 courtroom drama “Trial by Jury”, where he appeared as a bailiff.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hale attended Furman University before diving into his acting career. Before hitting it big on TV, he honed his craft in theater, performing in plays at the Trustus Theatre in Columbia, South Carolina. His ability to embody a wide range of characters on both stage and screen left an indelible mark on his colleagues and fans.
Hale leaves behind a legacy of powerful performances and unforgettable characters. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, including Lori Brown, Max Brabham, Erin Wilson, and Marc Brown.
While the soap world mourns the loss of this talented actor, his memory lives on through the roles that touched so many lives across decades of storytelling.
