Ronald Hale Thigpen, professionally known as Ron Hale portrayed the role of Mike Corbin, father of mobster Sonny Corinthos in ABC's long-running soap opera, General Hospital from 1995 to 2010 and in the spin-off series Port Charles from 1997 to 2000. The actor died on August 27, as per an obituary, however, a cause of death hasn't been revealed.
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After news of his death went viral, tributes from his co-stars on the soap opera poured in with General Hospital publishing a statement on X.
"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."
Ron also played Frankie Brady on Days of Our Lives, and alum Billy Warlock took to X on October 2, remembering him:
"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 even better friend. I will miss you."
Hale was most popular for his role as Dr. Roger Coleridge on Ryan's Hope from 1975 to 1989. Hale also played Watergate burglar Frant Sturgis in the 1976 film All the President's Men.
Ron Hale on leaving General Hospital
In 2010, Ron Hale spoke to We Love Soaps about his exit from General Hospital to pursue other ventures. He mentioned that it had been 45 years since he moved to New York City, and was looking forward to leaving the soap world behind:
"I'm not saying I'm burnt out, it's just time to move on. The years are getting by, and I still have a tremendous amount of energy. I love to trabel, I love to play golf, I'd love to get out on a small tractor and clear up half an acre of land and plant it and watch stuff grow. It's very idyllic, but I can make it happen."
In 2018, when fans wondered if the actor would make a comeback, Ron Hale mentioned that he often felt that the show failed to take advantage of Sonny's father in his life. "Who has the unique ability to push Sonny's buttons like Mike?" the actor remarked. "Nobody else could say those things to Sonny and live!"
As per his obituary, the actor is survived by his nieces and nephews, Lori Brown, Max Brabham, Erin Wilson, and Marc Brown.
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