Doug Sheehan, ‘General Hospital’ Actor, Dead at 75

Veteran soap opera star Doug Sheehan has died. He was 75.

The actor, best known for his work on General Hospital and Knots Landing, died “peacefully at his home” in Big Horn, Wyoming, according to an announcement released by Kane Funeral Home.

The announcement stated that Sheehan’s wife, Cate Abert, was by his side when he died.

Sheehan is best known for playing Joe Kelly on General Hospital from 1979 to 1982, appearing in over 200 episodes. Sheehan earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for his performance.

In 1983, Sheehan became a series regular on Knots Landing, playing reporter Ben Gibson — the second husband of Valene Ewing, played by Joan Van Ark.

Sheehan went on to star in the short-lived NBC sitcom Day by Day, playing series lead Brian Harper opposite actress Linda Kelsey. The show ran for two seasons and was notably set in the same universe as the popular sitcom Family Ties.

Sheehan’s additional TV credits include Diagnosis: Murder, Clueless, MacGyver, Columbo, and many others. He also played the father of Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart) on two episodes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Sheehan had a few minor film roles during his career, including a role in director Blake Edwards’ 1979 comedy 10 and the classic 1982 musical comedy Victor/Victoria.

His is survived by his wife. According to the announcement released by Kane Funeral Home, funeral service plans are still pending.

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