GENERAL Hospital actor Doug Sheehan has died, leaving fans to mourn the sudden loss of a TV legend.
Doug played Joe Kelly on the iconic soap series and was 75 years old.
7
The General Hospital star “passed away peacefully” at her home in Big Horn, Wyoming on June 29, 2024.
His death was announced by Kane Funeral Home through his website.
Doug died “with his loving wife [Cate Abert] by your side,” according to the funeral home.
No other details have been released at this time and the cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Read more General Hospital
‘LOVED HIM’
Fans flooded social media to mourn the actor after the tragic news broke a week later.
“Very sad news,” wrote one user via X on Monday, July 8.
“I loved him as Joe. Ben and Val had some nice moments, but I always wanted Gary and Val. We’re losing too many soap veterans,” wrote another.
“My prayers and condolences go out to Doug Sheehan’s family. He played Joe Kelly on General Hospital from 1979 to 1982. I’m so sad to hear this. We will miss you,” wrote a third.
“Sorry to see that General Hospital and Knots Landing alum #DougSheehan has passed away,” a fourth wrote. “I met him at a press event many years ago and remember him being as friendly as his on-screen persona suggested he was.”
“Oh no, another wonderful @GeneralHospital actor has passed away. The funny, charming and very talented Doug Sheehan. Played Joe Kelly. He did a lot of other work too, like in Knot’s Landing and more. May he rest in peace,” he wrote a fifth.
Doug was beloved for his roles on General Hospital and Knots Landing, appearing in over 100 episodes of each TV show.
7
7
LIFE MADE FOR TV
Born in Santa Monica, California in 1949, Doug’s career began when he appeared in a 1978 episode of Charlie’s Angels.
After that, he was a series regular as lawyer Joe Kelly on General Hospital.
Regular may be putting it lightly, as he appeared in an impressive 205 episodes from 1979 to 1982.
This role earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series.
He went on to find many other TV roles, joining the CBS Dallas spinoff Knots Landing.
He played reporter Ben Gibson from 1983 to 88 and left the series in season 8 when his character went to South America.
In a 1989 episode of The Arsenio Hall Show, Doug reflected on TV fame and the challenges of breaking into the mainstream.
“Hollywood, as we all know, is not run by producers, it is run by casting directors. Casting directors never watch what you’re on…so I spent all my time breaking barriers with daytime, late-night and half-hour comedies. They still don’t know if I can do a full hour comedy, so I have to step up.”
Doug’s career saw him achieve success mainly on the small screen, never managing to take on major film roles.
He appeared on the big screen in three films: 10 in 1979, Victor/Victoria in 1982 and Cops n Roberts in 1995.
In the 1990s, he played Cher’s father in the TV series Clueless based on the iconic film.
He also starred in the Gary David Goldberg comedy Day by Day on NBC from 1988 to 1989, and made minor appearances in Cheers, Columbo, MacGyver and Diagnosis Murder.
His last roles on screen were in 2003, in What I Like About You and in Sabrina The Teenage Witch, playing Sabrina’s (Melissa Joan Hart) father.
Doug was married to Cate Abert from 1981 until his death and they had no children.
7
7
7
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
