A sad day for General Hospital fans! It’s always tragic when we lose our favorite actors who brought our beloved characters to life. Their performances often feel like a personal connection, making their passing even more touching. Today, we remember actor Doug Sheehan who passed away at 75. He was popular among fans for playing Joe Kelly on the ABC soap. Please continue reading to know all about it!
TV Veteran and GH Star Doug Sheehan Dies at 75
The late General Hospital star died peacefully at his home on the morning of June 29. According to an announcement from Kane Funeral Home in Big Horn, Doug had his wife, Cate Abert, by his side. Sadly, the cause of death didn’t come to light. However, those who cherished his work and presence can deeply feel the loss.
As for his career, Doug began his career with appearances in popular shows like Charlie’s Angels and Kaz. Additionally, his role in the Blake Edwards film ten also gained him popularity. However, his big break came in 1979 when he joined the cast of General Hospital as Joe Kelly. His character was a detective-turned-lawyer.
Anyway, Doug’s portrayal of Joe Kelly earned him a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Supporting Actor in 1982. Sheehan’s work on GH left a lasting impact on daytime television and sealed his place in soap opera history. After leaving ABC soap in 1982, Sheehan continued to build his television career. The late star appeared in episodes of popular series like Cheers and Alice.
Then, he landed the role of Ben Gibson on Knots Landing, where he starred from 1983 to 1988. This role further cemented his status as a versatile and beloved actor in the world of television drama. Sheehan’s talents weren’t confined to soaps. He showcased his comedic chops in Day By Day and TV adaptation of Clueless.
Through his role in Clueless, he brought a familiar character to life for a new generation of viewers. In addition to his series roles, Sheehan appeared in several TV movies. These include Crash: The Mystery of Flight 1501, A Mom for Christmas, and In the Line of Duty. Undoubtedly, his versatility as an actor allowed him to transition between genres seamlessly, making each role memorable.
In 2022, Sheehan briefly returned to daytime television with a cameo as an attorney named Davis on Passions. His final acting role was in 2003, playing Edward Spellman on ABC’s Sabrina the Teenage Witch.