Another soap actor passes: American actor Ron Hale dies at 78

Death of another soap actor

It hasn't been long since the American soap opera lover had to mourn the loss of 'Days of Our Lives' star Drake Hogestyn, and now there's the news that actor Ron Hale has died at age 78. He was known for his roles in 'Ryan's Hope' and 'General Hospital'.

Who was Ron Hale?

Ron Hale was considered one of America’s best-recognised soap actors. His death was reported by many entertainment outlets, such as Entertainment Weekly, on October 3, although he had passed much earlier, on August 27, 2024.

Early life

Ron Hale was born Ronald Hale Thigpen on January 2, 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the United States. According to his official obituary by the Bryant Funeral Home, he had attended Furman University and was a member of the prestigious Screen Actors Guild.

Acting in the family

Ron Hale’s obituary by the Bryant Funeral Home also states that he had been involved with acting in several plays at Trustus Theatre, which is located in Columbia. The theatre itself was founded by his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Kay Thigpen.

Becoming a soap actor

Eventually, Ron Hale moved from theater onto the screens and started a career in soap opera. According to the LA Times, he had landed his first TV role in 1968 on the show ‘N.Y.P.D.’, and then got his first soap role a year later.

'Search for Tomorrow'

Ron Hale’s first soap appearance was on the show 'Search for Tomorrow'. The LA Times adds that he continued to play small roles until he landed his big break with 'Ryan’s Hope'.

'Ryan's Hope' became a hit

Ron Hale hit stardom with his appearance in 'Ryan's Hope' in 1975. He played the role of Roger Coleridge for the entire time of the show, which lasted for 13 years until 1989.

Award nominations

Ron Hale's work as Roger Coleridge in 'Ryan's Hope' earned him many prestigious nominations, which included nominations for Daytime Emmys in 1979 and 1980, and for the 1986 Soap Opera Digest Awards.

General Hospital

Other than his work on 'Ryan’s Hope', Ron Hale was also known for his role of Mike Corbin in 'General Hospital.'

Retirement

TMZ reports that Ron Hale decided his time in acting was up in 2010 and announced his retirement at that time. Even so, he appeared in two more roles, in 'Easy' (2016) and 'The Ghost and the Whale' (2017).

Tributes from colleagues

When it was reported on October 3 that Ron Hale had passed, many of the actor's ex-colleagues, such as the team of 'General Hospital', posted several tributes commemorating him. The cause of his death at age 78 has remained unknown.

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