Fans are mourning the unexpected passing of GENERAL HOSPITAL actor Doug Sheehan, who was 75 years old. In the renowned soap opera, Doug portrayed the character Joe Kelly. He “passed away peacefully” at his residence in Big Horn, Wyoming. The Kane Funeral Home announced the news of his death on its website, stating that Doug died “with his loving wife [Cate Abert] by his side.” The cause of death has not yet been disclosed, and no further details have been provided. Following the dissemination of this unfortunate news a week later, fans of the show expressed their sorrow on social media. On July 8, one individual posted on X, “Very sad news.” Another remarked, “Loved him as Joe.” Despite the enjoyable moments shared between Ben and Val, I always preferred Gary and Val. It is disheartening to see so many cherished soap veterans departing,” wrote another fan. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Doug Sheehan and will keep his family in my prayers.”Doug Sheehan portrayed the character Joe Kelly on General Hospital from 1979 to 1982. It is truly disheartening to learn of his passing. One individual remarked, “He will be missed.” Another expressed, “I am saddened to hear that Doug Sheehan, a veteran of General Hospital and Knots Landing, has died.” A further comment noted, “I had the pleasure of meeting him at a press event many years ago, and he was as friendly as his on-screen character suggested.” Another lamented, “Oh no, yet another talented actor from General Hospital has passed away.” Doug Sheehan was a captivating, charming, and exceptionally talented individual, best known for his role as Joe Kelly. In addition to his work on Knots Landing, he had an extensive career in television. One writer mentioned that Doug’s performances on General Hospital and Knots Landing were highly regarded, with him appearing in over 100 episodes of each series. Doug’s television career commenced with an appearance on Charlie’s Angels in 1978. Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1949, he became a fixture on General Hospital, featuring in 205 episodes from 1979 to 1982. He received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series for this role. Following this, he secured numerous other television roles, including a part on CBS’s Dallas spinoff, titled Dresden, where he portrayed reporter Ben Gibson from 1983 to 1988. His character departed the show in Season 8 when he traveled to South America. In a 1989 appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show, Doug discussed the challenges of achieving fame in the industry, stating, “Everyone knows that casting directors, not producers, run Hollywood. They don’t pay attention to what you’re doing… Essentially, I have spent my entire career breaking down barriers across daytime, nighttime, and half-hour comedy.”
He was an amazing actor, we all watched his movies. Unfortunately, he died today at his home.
