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Notable for his stints in renowned soap operas such as General Hospital and Ryan’s Hope, Emmy-nominated star Ron Hale recently passed away at the age of 78. The news of his demise was unwrapped by an obituary from St. George, South Carolina, which revealed that the actor died on August 27, but the reason behind his death is yet to be made public.

Ron Hale | Credit: General Hospital/ABC

Although the actor’s career was mostly defined by his portrayal of Mike Corbin in General Hospital, to Hale, working onscreen never came close to performing on stage.

Ron Hale Always Preferred Theatre Over the Other Two Mediums A still from Ryan’s Hope | Credit: ABC

While Ron Hale’s decades-long stay in showbiz saw him landing several flicks and TV shows, with his last acting gig being in 2017’s The Ghost and The Whale, the actor always held theatre close to his heart.

‘General Hospital’ (Gh) spoilers reveal that long-time viewers may remember Ron Hale, who played Mike Corbin on Gh. He was the first actor to play mob boss Sonny Corinthos’s (Maurice Benard) father.

‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: Hale Gave A Compassionate Portrayal Of Mike Corbin

When Mike was first introduced, he was the friendly bartender at Luke’s club. Unbeknownst to Luke Spencer (Tony Geary), he hired Sonny’s long-lost father.

Mike left Adela and Sonny as a young boy, thinking his family would be better off without him. However, after a period of time, Adela marries a cop named Deke, who constantly beat Adela and Sonny.

Mike left his family due to his gambling and alcohol addiction. When Sonny discovered he was the father who left him and his mother to deal with his abusive stepfather, he was livid and wanted nothing to do with Mike.

Not only was he...

In addition to Lucas returning, General Hospital spoilers for Friday, October 4, focus on bad behavior, constant reassurances, and all-important advice-giving.

Welcome Back, Dr. Lucas Jones

Lucas finally returns to Port Charles, and unlike the last few years, he’ll stick around. While he did attend Bobbie’s (the late Jacklyn Zeman) funeral last January, Lucas has been away from Port Charles for quite a while. And things have changed in his absence.

Brad (Perry Shen) is back working at the hospital, although his return is extremely controversial. Just ask Portia (Brook Kerr). Who will Lucas run into first? There’s a good bet that one of his first run-ins will be with his ex. They are no longer married, thanks to Brad’s bad, illegal, heartbreaking, and toxic choices. Will tension surface in their initial exchanges? And what has Lucas been up to since he’s been gone? Is there someone in his life?...

It has been a tough few years in the world of soaps.

General Hospital has been hit particularly hard, with several cast members passing in a short amount of time.

Ron Hale is the latest General Hospital star to pass away. From 1995 until 2010, he played Mike Corbin, Sonny (Maurice Benard), and Courtney’s (Alicia Leigh Willis) father.

He was an ABC soap vet through and through. Ron was on Ryan’s Hope for its entire run before moving to General Hospital and appearing on the spin-off half-hour series Port Charles.

Despite playing Mike Corbin for nearly two decades, he wasn’t the final actor to play the role. Max Gail stepped into the role in 2018 and played Mike until General Hospital wrote his death.

His death was announced via an online obituary, revealing Ron passed away on August 27 at 78. Details about his passing weren’t made public, and he is survived by his nieces and nephews.

Soap opera veteran Ron Hale, who portrayed Roger Coleridge on Ryan’s Hope and Mike Corbin on General Hospital, has died. He was 78. Hale passed away on August 27, 2024, according to an obituary at BryantFuneral.org. A cause of death was not provided. Born on January 2, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hale made his first on-screen appearance in the CBS soap opera Search for Tomorrow in 1951. His soap work would continue with appearances in Love is a Many Splendored Thing in 1973 before landing his first major role as Roger Coleridge in ABC’s Ryan’s Hope. Ryan’s Hope ran from July 7, 1975, to January 13, 1989, and revolved around the trials and tribulations within a large Irish-American family in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Hale earned three Daytime Emmy nominations for his performance. Following the end of Ryan’s Hope, Hale would continue to make appearances in various classic TV shows, such as Matlock and MacGyver,...

We’ve learned some very sad news from the world of daytime dramas:

Ron Hale — who portrayed Roger Coleridge on ABC’s Ryan’s Hope for the duration of its run, as well as the dad of mobster Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital — passed away back on August 27, according to an obituary.

He was 78 years old.

(Adam Larkey /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty)

No cause of death has been announced.

“The entire General Hospital Family is saddened to hear of Ron Hale’s passing,” reads a statement on the official General Hospital Twitter account.

“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.”

Television viewers became familiar with Hale as Dr. Roger Coleridge on Ryan’s Hope from 1975 to 1989.

From there, the actor starred on General Hospital from 1995 to 2010; along with this show’s spin-off series,...

Veteran actor Ron Hale, known for his decades-long career in daytime television soap operas, died on August 27 in St. George, South Carolina. He was 78 years old. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Hale began his career in 1975 playing Dr. Roger Coleridge on the ABC soap opera “Ryan’s Hope.” He stayed with the show for its entire 14-year run, earning Emmy nominations for his supporting role in 1979 and 1980. After “Ryan’s Hope” concluded, Hale joined the cast of “General Hospital” in 1995. He played the character of Mike Corbin, the father of central character Sonny Corinthos, until retiring from acting in 2010.

Throughout his more than 40-year career, Hale acted in over 200 episodes of “General Hospital” and its spin-off “Port Charles.” He also guest starred on popular television shows like “Matlock” and “MacGyver” in the 1980s and 1990s. One of Hale’s earliest major film roles came in the 1976 political thriller “All the President’s Men,...

Ron Hale, known for his role as Dr. Roger Coleridge on the ABC soap opera “Ryan’s Hope,” has died. He was 78.

Hale, who lived in St. George, S.C. died Aug. 27, his family announced. A cause of death was not disclosed.

Hale played Roger Coleridge in more than 900 episodes of “Ryan’s Hope” from 1975 to 1989. He received Daytime Emmy nominations in 1979 and 1980 for his performance as the fictional doctor.

Hale went on to play Mike Corbin on “General Hospital” from 1995 to 2010 and also appeared as the character on the daytime soap opera’s spinoff series, “Port Charles,” from 1997 to 2000. He made guest appearances on television series such as “N.Y.P.D.,” “Search for Tomorrow,” “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” “Matlock,” “MacGyver,” “Rodney” and “Easy.”

On the film side, Hale portrayed Watergate burglar Frank Sturgis in the 1976 biographical political thriller, “All the President’s Men,” starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. His other film...

Ron Hale, who starred as Roger Coleridge during the entire 14-year run of Ryan’s Hope and had an even longer stretch as Mike Corbin on another ABC soap opera, General Hospital, has died. He was 78.

Hale, who lived in St. George, South Carolina, died Aug. 27, his family announced.

Hale worked on Ryan’s Hope from 1975-89 and received supporting actor Daytime Emmys in 1979 and ’80. As Coleridge, a doctor from a well-do-do family who often clashed with the Ryan clan, he was married to Delia Reid (Ilene Kristen/Randall Edwards), Maggie Shelby (Cali Timmins) and then Delia again.

Hale then recurred as Corbin, the father of mob boss Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard), on General Hospital from 1995-2010, and he showed up on the G.H. spinoff Port Charles from 1997-2000 as well. (Max Gail played the character from 2018-21.)

Ronald Hale Thigpen was born on Jan. 2, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Furman University,...

Ron Hale, an actor that General Hospital fans will remember as Mike Corbin, has sadly passed away.

According to reporting by Deadline, the actor died at the age of 78 on August 27 in St. George, South Carolina.

Keep reading to find out more…

Ron made his General Hospital debut in 1995 and stayed with the beloved sudser until 2010. He also appeared in the spinoff series Port Charles in 1997. His character was the father of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard).

The actor also appeared on Ryan’s Hope in the ’70s and ’80s. He received multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Dr. Roger Coleridge on the show.

“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,” General Hospital and Days of Our Lives alum Billy Warlock wrote...

Actor Ron Hale, who co-starred on Ryan’s Hope before playing Sonny Corinthos’ dad Mike Corbin on General Hospital, has died at the age of 78.

Hale passed away on Aug. 27, according to an official notice from the local funeral home in his hometown of St. George, South Carolina. No cause of death has been officially released.

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Hale was one of the original cast...

Some sad news for General Hospital (Gh) fans. Actor Ron Hale, who once played Mike Corbin, passed away on August 27, 2024, according to an obituary. He was 78 years old.

Hale was also a part of Ryan’s Hope and played Dr. Rodger Coleridge on the soap.

General Hospital Alum Ron Hale’s Port Charles Legacy

Hale played the role of mob boss, Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) father, on and off, from 1995 to 2010. He also had a run on the soap’s sister show, Port Charles, playing the same character in 1997.

Fans may recall that actor Max Gail was recast in the role from 2018 to 2021. Sadly, the Mike Corbin character passed away from dementia in 2021.

In addition, Hale was on Ryan’s Hope from 1975 to 1989 and was nominated for two Daytime Emmy awards in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor during his time on the show.

General Hospital Alum Ron Hale – More...

Best known for his portrayal as Dr. Roger Coleridge on ABC’s “Ryan’s Hope,” and later Mike Corbin on “General Hospital” and spinoff soap “Port Charles,” actor Ron Hale has died. He was just 78 years old.

Born Ronald Hale Thigpen on January 2, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hale died on Tuesday, August 27, according to an official obituary. He had been living in St. George, South Carolina. A cause of death has not been announced.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we’ve lost another great one,” said Hale’s former “General Hospital” co-star Billy Warlock (ex-aj Quartermaine) on X (formerly Twitter) announcing the late actor’s passing. “My dear friend Ron Hale has passed away. Ron was an amazing talent and an even better friend. I will miss you.”

In a Facebook post, Hale’s niece, Lori Brown, said, “It is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of my uncle Ron Hale Thigpen.

Ron Hale, who is best known for his role as Mike Corbin on ABC‘s General Hospital and Port Charles, died August 27 in St. George, Sc. He was 78.

Hale, a Michigan native, starred on General Hospital from 1995 to 2010 and Port Charles from 1997-2000. He also played Dr. Roger Coleridge on Ryan’s Hope from 1975 to 1989 and had a brief stint on Search for Tomorrow.

He received two Daytime Emmy nominations in 1979 and 1980 for Ryan’s Hope.

Outside the soap world, he played Frank Sturgis on All the President’s Men and had guest spots on TV shows like Matlock and MacGyver. His most recent role was in 2017’s The Ghost and the Whale.

According to a St. George, Sc obit, Hale attended Furman University and appeared in plays with Columbia’s Trustus Theatre, which was started by his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Kay Thigpen.

Hale is survived by his nieces and nephews...

General Hospital and Ryan’s Hope alum Ron Hale Thigpen has died. The actor, who portrayed Mike Corbin, Sonny Corinthos’ father, was 78 years old when he passed. The Daytime Emmy nominated actor also portrayed Dr. Roger Coleridge on Rh.

Rest In Peace

According to an obituary, Hale passed away on August 27, 2024, and lived in St. George. “Ronald was born on January 2, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan a son of the late James Ray Thigpen, Sr. and Elinor Jane Doerr Thigpen. He attended Furman University and was an actor of stage, television and movies. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He appeared in many plays with Columbia’s Trustus Theatre which was started by his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Kay Thigpen. He also starred in soap operas, Ryan’s Hope as Dr. Rodger Coleridge and on General Hospital as Mike Corbin,” read the obit.

“Surviving are his nieces and nephews,...

Ron Hale (Ronald Hale Thigpen) has died at the age of 78 on August 27th. According to his niece, Lori Brown, on Facebook, “It is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of my uncle Ron Hale Thigpen. He died unexpectedly at his home in St George, Sc, on August 27. He was a […]

The post Ron Hale Passed Away appeared first on Soap Opera News.

"Barney Miller" may not be one of the most talked-about sitcoms of the '70s these days, but perhaps it should be. The NYPD-set show was in some ways the "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" of its time, a socially conscious, funny series that set its action squarely in the precinct where members of the public came to ask the authorities for help -- or get arrested by them.

Like most shows about cops, it has its inherent biases, and some parts of the show have aged poorly. But "Barney Miller" is also surprisingly progressive at times. As TV historian Matt Baume writes in his queer sitcom history "Hi Honey, I'm Homo," the show broke new ground for gay characters on TV, facing off against network censors to portray New York's Greenwich Village neighborhood (post-Stonewall!) with authenticity and diversity.

Only two seasons of "Barney Miller" are currently available to rent digitally in the U.

General Hospital alum Max Gail’s wife has sadly been diagnosed with breast cancer. This all comes while she is caring for her husband while he is undergoing a mystery procedure. So, how did the couple break the tragic news? Keep reading for more details.

General Hospital Max Gail’s Wife Diagnosed With Cancer

Mike Corbin had been an integral part of General Hospital as Sonny Corinthos’ father. He had been played by Ron Hale for fifteen years but they had a very up-and-down relationship. Hale exited the series but then the character was recast with Max Gail stepping into the role. This time, Mike had a different story to tell as he had Alzheimer’s and Sonny had to try to reconcile with a man he struggled with for so many years. They made new memories together as Mike began his transition. The storyline was so incredibly powerful that...

1974: The first Daytime Emmys ceremony was held in New York.

1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.

1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.

2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne Cooper tribute episode."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.

1970: On Dark Shadows, Maggie Collins was trying to preserve her marriage to Quentin (David Selby) unaware his first wife, Angelique, had...

The role of Mike Corbin on “General Hospital” was played by Ron Hale for 16 years from 1995 until the actor retired in 2011. So when the character came back for a highly touted Alzheimer’s storyline in 2018 Hale was replaced by veteran character actor Max Gail. Now Gail is nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Daytime Emmys, which marks the actor’s first bid at these awards and the first bid for any actor playing Mike. Gail also has a couple of Primetime Emmy nominations under his belt for his supporting performance in the comedy series “Barney Miller” (1979-1980). Will he finally take home the gold for the first time in his career?

The nominees and winners for the Daytime Emmys were determined based on sample performance reels from each actor, which were viewed and voted on by blue ribbon panels. Find out all about what Gail submitted to Emmy judges below.

1978: Ryan's Hope's Pat called Delia on her miscarriage deception.

1987: Days of our Lives' Patch made chili.

2007: All My Children's Zoe performed.

2009: Drew Garrett debuted as Michael on General Hospital."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1959: NBC Radio soap The Woman in My House aired its final episode after an eight year run. One Man's Family creator Carlton E. Morse produced Wimh about the Carter family of Miami.

Carlton E. Morse1959: Carlton E. Morse's long-running One Man's Family ended its run on NBC after 27 years.

1983: All My Children's Verla Grubbs told Phoebe about her father.

1985: Todd arrived in Salem. on Days of our Lives.

1990: Bo Brady returned to Days of our Lives.

1991: Another World's Kathleen unintentionally interrupted

Cass & Frankie's wedding."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Peyton Place, Ann Howard (Susan Oliver) hired Steven Cord (James Douglas) to investigate Chris's fall from the bluff years earlier, convinced she had nothing to do with it.

1967: On Dark Shadows, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) spoke to the portrait of Josette,...

1973: CBS aired the final episodes of Where the Heart Is and Love is a Many Splendored Thing.

1987: The Bold and the Beautiful premiered on CBS.

2004: All My Children and One Life to Live came together for a baby switch storyline."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1955: On Valiant Lady, Mickey wanted an explanation from Bonny.

1955: On The Inner Flame, Portia's former law partner offered her bail money for Walter.

1955: On the Brighter Days, Charlie Garrett told Reverend Dennis how the Garrett Bakery...

1979: One Life to Live's Karen Wolek confessed her past on the

witness stand in one of the most memorable scenes in soap opera

history."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1927: William J. Bell, iconic soap opera writer and producer who co-created The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful, was born. He died on April 29, 2005 at age 78. To read some early articles on Bell and his wife Lee Phillip, click here and here.

1966: On Another World, Lee Randolph (Gaye Huston) informed Pat Matthews...

1954: A daytime TV version of One Man's Family premiered on NBC.

1984: Knots Landing's Cathy screamed as Gary was "murdered".

1988: General Hospital's State Commissioner of Police arrived in Port Charles.

1996: Another World used its popular "You Take Me Away To (Another World)" theme song for the last time."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1954: Daytime soap opera One Man's Family premiered on NBC-tv. The series began as a popular radio serial in 1932, created by Carlton E. Morse. The first TV version aired in primetime...

1950: Charita Bauer debuted as Guiding Light's new Bert.

1977: Ryan's Hope's Delia told Pat she was pregnant with his baby.

1986: Days of our Lives' Bo confessed to treason.

1987: Santa Barbara's Richard left a bomb with Cruz."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1950: Charita Bauer assumed the role of Bert Bauer on The Guiding Light radio program (Ann Shepard was the original radio Bert). She would continue to play the character as the show premiered on television two years later and until December 1984, just before her death.

1968: Angelique's bat continued to spy on Dark Shdows' Barnabas.

1974: Y&R's Chris and Snapper were married.

1980: Atwt's Barbara remembered a past mystery man.

2005: Gh's Jason and Sam made love for the first time."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Peyton Place, Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) testified in court. After the hearing, Julie Anderson (Kasey Rogers) worried Elliot Carson (Tim O'Connor) would print articles in the newspaper which portrayed her in a negative way, but Constance Mackenzie assured her that would not happen.

1980: Edge of Night's Calvin and Star were married.

1983: General Hospital's Luke was found after an avalanche.

1984: One Life to Live's Asa was not happy with Clint.

2006: Days' Bo and Hope said goodbye to Zack."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, angered and frightened by Angelique Bouchard (Lara Parker), Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) attempted to meet Josette duPres (Kathryn Leigh Scot). Angelique sent a bat to spy on him.

1972: On The Doctors, Dr. Hendryx insisted that he could not find...

1984: One Life to Live's Estelle was full of herself.

1985: Cruz found Eden unconscious and tried to save her on Santa Barbara.

1986: Days of our Lives' Mike met Robin Jacobs.

1989: Delia and Roger were married on Ryan's Hope."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1958: On The Edge of Night, Virginia (Cathleen Cordell) bumped into John H. Phillips (House Jameson) and identified him as "Mr. X". Phillips told Virginia he wanted to keep his identity confidential to avoid making enemies with any of his clients.

1982: The Doctors' Kit and Mike were stranded during a snow storm.

1985: Lujack's spirit visited Beth on Guiding Light.

1996: All My Children's Adam and Liza were married.

2007: General Hospital's Dillon returned and found out about Georgie's death."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."

― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Bebe Spode (Renne Jarrett) came back home and told her father, Martin Spode (Eric Dressler), how much she loved him.

1965: On Peyton Place, Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) met Martin Peyton (George Macready).

1968: On The Doctors,...

1933: The Romance of Helen Trent premiered.

1987: Matthew Ashford debuted as Jack on Days of our Lives.

1985: Guiding Light's Reva almost ran into Josh at Cedars.

2008: All My Children's Reese and Miranda surprised Bianca."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1933: The Romance of Helen Trent debuted over CBS Radio. The show aired 7,222 episodes during its run until June 24, 1960. Created by the husband-and-wife team of Frank and Anne Hummert, Helen Trent was conceived as the epitome of virtue in a world where behavior was usually judged in black-and-white terms. Helen Trent never smoked, drank, or...

1968: Oltl's Jim asked Price to assist with Carla's case.

1980: The Edge of Night's Geraldine interrupted Raven's plans.

1985: Days of our Lives' Patch attacked Hope.

2010: General Hospital's Mike appeared for the final time."The best prophet of the future is the past."

― Lord Byron

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: Joan Crawford made the second of four appearances on The Secret Storm as Joan Borman Kane, substituting for her sick daughter Christina Crawford.

1968: On One Life to Live, Joe (Lee Patterson) told Anna (Doris Belack) about his feelings for her, which went beyond the boundaries of friendship. Meredith (Trish Van Devere) had left...

1974: The first Daytime Emmys ceremony was held in New York.

1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.

1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.

2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne

Cooper episode."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.

1970: On Dark Shadows,...

1978: Ryan's Hope's Pat called Delia on her miscarriage deception.

1987: Days of our Lives' Patch made chili.

2007: All My Children's Zoe performed.

2009: Drew Garrett debuted as Michael on Gh."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1959: NBC Radio soap The Woman in My House aired its final episode after an eight year run. One Man's Family creator Carlton E. Morse produced Wimh about the Carter family of Miami.

1983: All My Children's Verla Grubbs told Phoebe about her father.

1985: Todd arrived in Salem. on Days of our Lives.

1990: Bo Brady returned to Days of our Lives.

1991: Another World's Kathleen unintentionally interrupted

Cass & Frankie's wedding."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."

― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Peyton Place, Ann Howard (Susan Oliver) hired Steven Cord (James Douglas) to investigate Chris's fall from the bluff years earlier, convinced she...

1973: CBS aired the final episodes of daytime soap operas

Where the Heart Is and Love is a Many Splendored Thing.

1987: The Bold and the Beautiful premiered on CBS.

2004: All My Children and One Life to Live came together for

a baby switch storyline."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1955: On Valiant Lady, Mickey wanted an explanation from Bonny.

1979: One Life to Live's Karen Wolek confessed her past on the

witness stand in one of the most memorable scenes in soap opera

history."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1927: William J. Bell, iconic soap opera writer and producer who co-created The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful, was born. He died...

1954: A daytime TV version of One Man's Family premiered.

1984: Knots Landing's Cathy screamed as Gary was "murdered".

1988: John Ingle played Gh's State Commissioner of Police.

1996: Another World used its popular "You Take Me

Away To (Another World)" theme song for the last time."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1954: Daytime soap...

1950: Charita Bauer debuted as Guiding Light's new Bert.

1977: Ryan's Hope's Delia told Pat she was pregnant with his baby.

1986: Days of our Lives' Bo confessed to treason.

1987: Santa Barbara's Richard left a bomb with Cruz."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."

― Machiavelli

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1950: Charita Bauer assumed the role of Bert Bauer on The...

Barney Miller alum Max Gail has joined the cast of ABC soap opera General Hospital. He is taking on the role of Sonny Corinthos’ father, Mike Corbin. According to TVLine, he will first air on Monday, February 5, and is sticking around for an extended arc.

Ryan's Hope star Ron Hale originally played Sonny’s estranged, gambling addict dad from 1995 until 2010, at which point Mike got checked into rehab and Hale retired (announced exclusively in a We Love Soaps interview).

In addition to his run as Barney Miller‘s Det. Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz — for which he earned two Emmy nominations — Gail’s TV credits include the CBS sitcom Normal Life, the teen hackers drama Whiz Kids, Days of our Lives (as an old hippie named Merle), Gary Unmarried and Review. Most recently, he has guested on episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and Scorpion.

ABC’s General Hospital is bringing back a familiar character, with a new-but-familiar face.

Barney Miller vet Max Gail is taking on the role of Sonny Corinthos’ father, Mike Corbin, first airing Monday, Feb. 5 and sticking around for an extended arc, TVLine has learned. Get an exclusive first look above.

RELATEDGenie Francis Off Contract at General Hospital

Ron Hale (Ryan’s Hope) originally played Sonny’s estranged, gambling addict dad from 1995 until 2010, at which point Hale retired and Mike got checked into rehab.

In addition to his run as Barney Miller‘s Det. Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz — for which he earned...

1984: One Life to Live's Estelle was full of herself. 1985: Cruz

found Eden unconscious and tried to save her on Santa Barbara.

1986: Days of our Lives' Mike met Robin Jacobs.

1989: Delia and Roger were married on Ryan's Hope."History is a vast early warning system."

― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1958: On The Edge of Night, Virginia (Cathleen Cordell) bumped into John H. Phillips (House Jameson) and identified him as "Mr. X". Phillips told Virginia he wanted to keep his identity confidential to avoid making enemies with any of his clients. He wanted to remain politically neutral in their eyes.

1968: On Another World,...

1980: Edge of Night's Calvin and Star were married.

1983: General Hospital's Luke was found after an avalanche.

1984: One Life to Live's Asa was not happy with Clint.

2006: Days' Bo and Hope said goodbye to Zack."History is a vast early warning system."

― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1968: On Dark Shadows, angered and frightened by Angelique Bouchard (Lara Parker), Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) attempted to meet Josette duPres (Kathryn Leigh Scot). Angelique sent a bat to spy on him.

1972: On The Doctors, Dr. Hendryx insisted that he could not find a physical problem for the issues facing Dr. Maggie Powers (Lydia Bruce), leaving her husband,...

1968: Angelique's bat continued to spy on Dark Shdows' Barnabas.

1974: Y&R's Chris and Snapper were married.

1980: Atwt's Barbara remembered a past mystery man.

2005: Gh's Jason and Sam made love for the first time."History is a vast early warning system."

― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1966: On Peyton Place, Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) testified in court. After the hearing, Julie Anderson (Kasey Rogers) worried Elliot Carson (Tim O'Connor) would print articles in the newspaper which portrayed her in a negative way, but Constance Mackenzie (Dorothy Malone, who returned to the show after a medical leave) assured her that would not happen.

1968: On Dark Shadows,...

1982: The Doctors' Kit and Mike were stranded during a snow storm.

1985: Lujack's spirit visited Beth on Guiding Light. 1996: All

My Children's Adam and Liza were married. 2007: General

Hospital Dillon returned and found out about Georgie's death."History is a vast early warning system."

― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Bebe Spode (Renne Jarrett) came back home and told her father, Martin Spode (Eric Dressler), how much she loved him.

1965: On Peyton Place, Betty Anderson (Barbara Parkins) met Martin Peyton (George Macready).

1968: On The Doctors, Phillip Townsend III (Ralph Purdum) continued to hold Liz Wilson captive.

1971: On The Doctors,...

Poor Mike Corinthos on General Hospital is returning to rehab this week for his never ending gambling problem.  But his portrayer, Ron Hale, is ready to start an exciting new phase of his life! In case you missed it, here is the complete interview from July 2010 with the beloved daytime legend Ron Hale.  

Part One - Hale discussed his pre-Ryan's Hope career, including hanging out with Robert Redford.  For what role did he have to gain 40 pounds? Find out here.

Part Two - He shared his experience getting hired on Ryan's Hope, and the ingredients that made the show so magical for its cast, crew, and audience.

Part Three - Hale shared what led to the decline of Ryan's Hope, and how his "six month" role on General Hospital turned into a fifteen year legacy.

Part Four - We discussed his role as perpetually broken Mike Corbin on General Hospital,...

According to the Internet Movie DataBase (IMDb.com): "The STARmeter rankings provide a snapshot of who's popular based on the searches of millions of IMDb users. Updated weekly, these rankings also graph the popularity of people over time and determine which events affect public awareness."  Here is a listing of some present and past soap stars and their current ranking, as well as some public figures.  Do you agree with the list? Is Lisa Rinna really more popular than President Obama? Weigh in below.   1. Darren Criss (Glee) 3. Leonardo DiCaprio (ex-santa Barbara)4. Johnny Depp (star of Dark Shadows movie)9. Dot Jones (Glee, Venice) 11. Jill Clayburgh (ex-sft)19. Brad Pitt (ex-aw)28. Amber Tamblyn (ex-gh)54. James Franco (ex-gh) 101. Parker Posey (ex-atwt)

119. Jessica Lowndes (90210) 121. Amanda Seyfried (ex-atwt)125. Demi Moore (ex-gh)134. Lyndsy Fonseca (ex Dh, ex-y&R)144. Courtney Thorne-Smith (ex-Melrose Place)157. Morgan Freeman (ex-aw)189. Josh Duhamel (ex-amc)200. Julianne Moore (ex-atwt)208. Paul Wesley (ex-gl)236. Lindsay Lohan...