What happened to the original Mike Corbin on General Hospital? Explained

One of the longest-running soap operas on television, General Hospital captivated viewers from its 1963 premiere. Among its many unforgettable characters, Mike Corbin stands out as the father of gangster Sonny Corinthos, giving the show's plot complexity and richness.

Per an online obituary, Ron Hale, who played Mike Corbin in General Hospital and Dr. Rodger Coleridge in Ryan's Hope, died on August 27, 2024, at his home in St. George, South Carolina.

Ron Hale's portrayal of Mike Corbin stayed with General Hospital viewers. Within the show's dramatic terrain, he portrayed Mike as a kind-hearted but imperfect man negotiating the complexity of family and criminality.

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What happened to the original Mike Corbin on General Hospital?

Ron Hale debuted as Mike Corbin on October 20, 1995. He portrayed this major character in the series from 1995 until 2010, covering over 15 years and hundreds of episodes.

The late actor gave the character a unique appeal that made the daily soap family love him. Ron appeared in more than 250 episodes until 2010 when he retired. The daily soap family expressed their grief upon his passing at 78.

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An overview of the original Mike Corbin at

General Hospital

From his entrance, Mike Corbin's character changed significantly. Originally shown as a failing businessman, Mike became increasingly important in mob-related narratives, frequently torn between his family's criminal past and his desire for a quiet existence. Over 15 years and 1,200 episodes, his path featured unforgettable arcs, including fighting Alzheimer's disease in his senior years.

As Mike's character handled the fallout from Sonny's actions in episode 9,925, broadcast on February 19, 2010, he encountered major difficulties. Throughout the daily soap, Hale explored forgiveness and atonement while capturing the core of a parent struggling with his son's decisions.

His well-received performance led to Daytime Emmy nominations in 1979 and 1980. Mike's interactions with other characters, including his romance with the beloved character of Ava Jerome, added layers of complexity and highlighted Hale's ability to perform every part subtly.

Fans have been remembering Hale's performance of Mike Corbin after his death, pointing out their favorite scenes and valuing the kindness and humanity he brought to the character.

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A closer look at Ron Hale’s career over the years

Hale began his acting career on N.Y.P.D. in 1968, and the following year, he played Walt Driscol on Search for Tomorrow. He then portrayed Dr. Jim Abbott in Love Is a Many Splendored Thing. However, his most memorable role came in 1975, when he was cast as Dr. Roger Coleridge in Ryan's Hope, a role he held until 1989.

After that, he played Mike Corbin on General Hospital from 1995 until 2010. Hale also appeared on shows such as Matlock and MacGyver. In 2017, he appeared alongside Maurice Benard in the film The Ghost and the Whale.

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As Mike Corbin on General Hospital, Ron Hale's legacy is evidence of his extraordinary talent. Over 15 years and many emotional arcs, his performance of a multifarious character has had a lasting impression on the show. Even if he retired from the daily soap, colleagues and admirers still found huge resonance in the memories and stories he helped produce.