Veteran soap actor Doug Sheehan, renowned for his iconic roles on “General Hospital” and “Knots Landing,” has passed away at 75. Sheehan died peacefully on June 29 at his home in Big Horn, Wyoming, with his loving wife by his side, according to an announcement from Kane Funeral Home. The cause of death was not disclosed, but his legacy in the entertainment industry is undeniable.
Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1949, Sheehan’s career began with a guest appearance on a 1978 episode of “Charlie’s Angels.” This marked the start of a prolific career that would see him become a beloved figure in American television.
Sheehan’s big break came with his role as lawyer Joe Kelly on the daytime soap “General Hospital.” From 1979 to 1982, Sheehan captivated audiences in 205 episodes, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series. His portrayal of Joe Kelly left an indelible mark on daytime television.
Following his success on “General Hospital,” Sheehan joined the cast of CBS’s “Dallas” spinoff “Knots Landing.” From 1983 to 1988, he played the role of reporter Ben Gibson in over 100 episodes. Sheehan’s character was central to many of the show’s gripping storylines, and his departure in Season 8 was a poignant moment for fans as Ben Gibson ventured to South America and never returned.
In a 1989 interview on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” Sheehan candidly discussed the challenges of Hollywood. “Hollywood, as we all know, is not run by the producers, it’s run by casting directors. Casting directors never watch what you’re on…so I’ve spent my whole time sort of breaking down the walls, with the daytime, the night time, and half hour comedy. They don’t know if I can do full-hour comedy yet, so I have to break through.” His words resonated with many actors facing similar struggles in an industry often resistant to typecasting.
While Sheehan’s career was primarily on television, he also made notable appearances on the big screen, including roles in “10” (1979), “Victor/Victoria” (1982), and “Cops n Roberts” (1995). In the 1990s, he portrayed Cher’s father in the “Clueless” television series based on the popular movie.
Sheehan continued to demonstrate his versatility, starring in the comedy “Day by Day,” created by Andy Borowitz and Gary David Goldberg, which aired for two seasons on NBC from 1988 to 1989. He also made memorable appearances in beloved shows such as “Cheers,” “Columbo,” “MacGyver,” and “Diagnosis Murder.”
His final screen roles were in 2003, with appearances in “What I Like About You” and “Sabrina The Teenage Witch,” where he played Sabrina’s father, Edward Gibson.
Throughout his career, Sheehan remained a steadfast figure in the conservative entertainment community. His roles often reflected the values of hard work, integrity, and resilience that he embodied in real life. Married to Cate Abert from 1981 until his death, Sheehan’s personal life was a testament to the enduring strength of traditional family values.
Doug Sheehan’s passing marks the end of an era for his fans and the entertainment industry. His contributions to television and film, coupled with his unwavering commitment to his values, leave a lasting legacy. As we remember Doug Sheehan, we celebrate a career that broke barriers and a life that exemplified dedication and integrity.