General Hospital
General Hospital Daytime Emmy Winner, Peter Hansen Dead At 95
Courtesy/AP
One of the most respected actors in the General Hospital family has died. News spread on Tuesday that Peter Hansen (Ex-Lee Baldwin) had passed away at age 95.
According to his family, Hansen died unexpectedly on Sunday in Santa Clarita, California.
Peter first joined General Hospital in the role of lawyer, Lee Baldwin from 1965-1976, followed by a return between 1977 and 1986. He re-joined the show briefly in 1990, and then again from 1992-2004.
Pertr’s work in Lee’s alcoholism storyline earned him the first ever Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Award at the Daytime Emmys in 1979. Hansen also appeared in the GH spinoff Port Charles, as well.
When social media learned of Hansen’s death, several touching tweets and posts began to emerge including one from GH itself. In a tweet the show said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Peter Hansen’s family and friends. He will forever be a part of the #GH legacy. #RIP”
Kin Shriner who for years has played Scott Baldwin, Lee’s son, tweeted: “RIP Peter Hansen. I will miss our talks, but me and @GeneralHospital fans have so many great memory’s of u.” Shriner later sent out a tweet that said, “Peter guided me through thousands of General Hospital father son scenes. Will miss him .”
Share your remembrances of Peter Hansen in the comment section below!
I have really missed having Lee on canvas and hope GH pays him an appropriate rememberance
It would be nice if TPTB wrote his death in, and had Scotty have a flashback montage-the long-time viewers love flashback scenes!
There is no end. For the soul there is never birth, nor death. Nor, having once been, does it ever cease to be. It is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, imperishable and timeless…
wow he went to 95 a century of life ..
R.I.P. Peter Hansen..I watched you for years and years. .Peter and Gail forever! !
Meant to say Lee and Gal.
Gail..sorry
Great actor. Total pro, it appeared. Memorable character. My sympathies.
Well said, Nancy. Peter was a great actor and the role of Lee Baldwin represented one of fine character and integrity. A tribute to him on GH is well-deserved and I hope if it’s done, it’s done with class.
Peter Hansen was such a wonderful and versatile actor.
Rest In Peace.
Amen.
I am hoping Peter’s death will be written into the storyline so Scotty has something to do and we can also say goodbye to Lee too. I always liked Peter and his character Lee. Let’s give this man something to smile about from Heaven!!!
Even if they just show Scott returning from the funeral. A scene of him, Laura and Monica adding Lee’s photo to the memorial wall in the GH lobby would be appropriate.
After Rachel Ames (Audrey), Peter Hansen currently has the most longevity (not counting breaks) as one actor in a single GH role. That’s about to be passed by Genie Francis, Jackie Zeaman, Kin Shriner and Leslie Charleson.
Great idea, Steve. Wouldn’t it be great to bring back Gail Baldwin for a cameo?!
I was hoping that too..
Oh yes ! Great post! Mr Valentini has so much respect for soap viewers he will get it in there.
Good idea James.
It would be so very nice if they did.
One of the best and most missed actors in daytime…sad news…also, On March 1, Micheal M. Ryan who played Att. John Randolph on Another World from 1964 to 1979 had died at the age of 88…he also appeared on Edge Of Night and Another Life and was in the movie Tootsie…killing him off on AW was a big mistake back then just like when GH killed off Stuart Damon as Alan!!!
Scotty Baldwin is a little less today without his father. Peter was so good on GH. Rest Peter!
Clearly, Mr. Hansen lived a long life. Yet I am sad to hear of his passing. And his death has spurred memories of GH days gone by. Here is the cast I enjoyed originally, including Mr. Hansen, and truly value:
John Beradino (Steve Hardy)
Emily McLaughlin (Jessie Brewer)
Rachel Ames (Audrey Hardy)
Valerie Starrett (Diana Maynard Taylor) — as mentioned, my absolute all-time favorite.
Craig Huebing (Peter Taylor)
Lucille Wall (Lucille March)
Martin West (Phil Brewer)
Mr. Hansen was indeed a great actor. I remember countless storylines involving the character of Lee Baldwin:
Long-running alcoholism
Volatile relationship with son Scotty Baldwin (Kin Shriner)
Early relationship with Meg Bentley (Elizabeth MacRae)
Scandalous affair with Brook Bentley (Indus Arthur)
Friendships with Jessie and Audrey, among others
Love story with Gail Adamson Baldwin (Susan Brown)
Work as addiction counselor/mayor
Through the decades, the character of Lee Baldwin was a steady presence on the GH canvass. Probably the most enduring (if not endearing) aspect was his relationship with son Scotty. Mr. Hansen brought class and gravitas to the role. His work on GH ended long ago, but he is a vital part of the rich GH history. His passing gives fans, even those who weren’t around in the early days or those who may never have seen him on screen, a reason to celebrate and respect his legacy. The man and the actor are truly missed…
I left out Lee Baldwin’s work as an attorney and his numerous, dramatic courtroom scenes.
Nicely said…
Thanks, Jim!
James…Brother…as always, your knowledge about the history of GH IS SO SPOT ON!!!!! TOTALLY!!!!!
LATER, GATOR!!!!!
Peace.
Thanks, Jay!
Jamesj75….your post brought back a lot of fond GH memories. ….also included for me were Tom Baldwin (Lee’s brother)Howie and Jane Dawson &mother and Sharon Pinkham and AL Weeks (Lucille’s bf-husband)….sorry don’t remember their “real” name.Have been a watcher of GH since ’70…sister since April 2,1963.
Thanks, vinman! I started watching in 1969, close to the time you started. You and I are rarities, and your sister even more so! I LOVED the 70s, particularly the first half. I am so glad you mentioned some of the other characters who were on at that time. I didn’t mean to exclude them as I enjoyed them, too. I should also add Sharon Pinkham’s husband Henry as well as Dr. Jim Hobart (James B. Sikking) who later went on to star in Hill Street Blues.
It was indeed a quirky group of characters, and the action centered around the Hospital! Particularly the 7th floor nurses’ station. THOSE were the days! Take care, Friend!
Hi there Mr. James!
What a memory you have! Thank you for jogging so many of my memories of the great GH and those great characters. Diana Taylor ! Fabulous ! Her story line was one of the best ~EVER!
Patricio, you have made my day! You are most welcome! And thank you! So glad you were also a fan of Diana Taylor! I mentioned in other threads a while back how enamoured I was with Valerie Starrett as Diana Taylor (on GH, 1969-1977). I could go on and on (and I have) discussing my fondness for her and the storyline of Peter and Diana Taylor. But that storyline drew me in, I remember it vividly, even certain dialogue, and I will never forget it. To me, everything else on GH has paled in comparison.
The 1970s were a formative time in my life. Even the other GH characters from that time were so enjoyable. Music was vitally important to me — it still is. And I was an enthusiastic viewer of GH, with its long scenes, organ music, and all the various looks exchanged at the 7th floor nurses’ station. I can still remember the seductive music they played when Augusta McLeod (Judith McConnell) was in a scene.
Take care, Friend!
I didn’t realize he had been alive all these years; just assumed he was gone because he never reprised his role. Shame…what a GH icon.
Happy to hear he lived a long life; sorry to hear of his passing. RIP.
I loved Peter Hansen. I was in my early teens when he took over the role of Lee from another fine supporting actor, the late Ross Elliott. In no time, Peter made Lee uniquely his. I loved watching him through the years. I remember Lee’s drinking days and his struggle to maintain his sobriety. Peter always played Lee with such honesty and compassion. The scenes between Lee and his often troubled adopted son Scott are priceless. And I loved the beautiful relationship between Lee and Gail.
Thank you Mr. Hansen for decades of wonderful entertainment. You did an excellent job. May you rest in peace. Please say hello to our beloved Emily McLaughlin, John Beradino, Lucille Wall, Patricia Breslin, Anna Lee, David Lewis and John Engel.
I recall well Mr. Hansen and his work as Lee Baldwin on GH. Class act. Loved the relationship between he and Gail and their middle-aged love and partnership. And the stories about difficulties with son Scotty. Loved how this character was written into the Port Charles fabric so seamlessly whether plots were front burner for him or he supported stories. Handsome. Great voice. Understated but with power. No tricks or theatrics. They don’t make them like that anymore!
Thank you Ialos for bringing my memory of that great relationship with Gail.
He was a gorgeous silver fox!!!! Love him on GH and on that episode of golden girls he did!
Oh, I remember them well. “Those were the days”! 🙂
how sad, but it looks like he lived a long life, 95yo is not something everyone can achieve, nevertheless, i’m sure his family miss him, so my condolences, and to us GH fan, we will miss him…
Wow, what a great actor, R.I.P.
So sorry to hear of Peter Hansen’s passing. His Attorney Lee Baldwin was the epitome of the classy gentleman that was once such a soap opera staple….mannerly, dignified and oh-so-ever-handsome! (They just don’t make them like that anymore!) His courtroom demeanor and décorum were impeccable….nothing resembling the shameless shenanigans of today’s laughable legal eagles, sadly including those of his own “son!” (I always wondered what this character would have to say about those trademark cringeworthy antics for which Scotty has become increasingly famous during recent years…) Lee’s marriage with that lovely lady doctor, Gail, was a perfect pairing of two mature, well-heeled professionals…they made for a most elegant couple, a union of true adults with a moral center that provided old-fashioned gravitas in their collective role as the go-to couple for guidance and support amongst the younger generation. Alas, their kind are no longer found in Port Charles, where the parental figures are now often just as messed up as their offspring…if not more! As for Lee’s alcoholism storyline, what little I saw of it seemed to be very authentic, poignant and deserving of acting accolades….it honestly broached the subject and was done with unflinching realism and unapologetic candor in showing the unwelcome consequences of his unacceptable drinking habit, again, rather different from the more sensational modern interpretations we currently encounter. Lastly, I vividly recall when I first laid eyes on the characters of Lee and Scotty, I thought they looked like a real father and son! Peter’s silver fox Lee was extremely attractive and Kin’s Scotty was a dreamy blond law school student who seemed to be the younger physical–though not temperamental—embodiment of him….Oddly enough, I later discovered to my amazement that the elder Baldwin had adopted little Scotty when he married the child’s bio-mom, so the remarkable resemblance was simply pure coincidence, as there were no genuine blood ties there. Like others on this thread, I join in the hope that the unforgettable Mr. Hansen—and the always fondly-recalled and well-regarded Lee Baldwin—are given a proper goodbye/salute on GH….There are thankfully just enough remaining legacy characters on the canvas who had meaningful relationships with both Lee and Gail to provide the necessary emotion to the situation, including, of course, Scotty, as well as Laura and Monica….even Bobbie from her days at the old nurses’ station!!!!….Farewell, Mr. Hansen….you will be missed!
Hello Shay! Such a nice tribute you’ve given to the actor and character! I like the way you compare Lee’s parenting with what goes for parenting in today’s characters. I also appreciate your attention to these details:
Lee and Gail’s relationship
Often-forgotten plot point that Lee wasn’t Scotty’s biological father, a great and “true” father nonetheless
Need for a proper send-off of this legacy character
It’s so comforting to share these remembrances of this classy actor and great character. Take care, Friend!
Thank you for your generous comments, “Gentleman James!” Despite the fact I was a very tender age when I first encountered this esteemed actor and GH was but an occasional treat, and not the daily habit it later became in the “Luke and Laura-laced” ’80’s, I always felt a natural affinity for the characters of Lee and Gail because they were so much like the adults—i.e., immediate/extended family and friends of my parents/grandparents—in my own life. All profoundly decent, dependable, honorable people who faced life’s challenges and vicissitudes with a sense of dignity and maturity unseen today…..no matter what happened, they just “got on with it,” and I suppose that is why so many were/are deservedly referred to as being part of “the greatest generation.” Hence, by association, it never fails to sadden me when one of them leaves us….and why I was compelled to commemorate the considerable contributions of both Mr. Hansen and Susan Brown in their roles as “Lee and Gail” on this once-formidable show. Along with others on this thread, I would be most delighted should the aforementioned actress be able to grace Port Charles with a guest appearance for that highly-requested salute to the character of Lee Baldwin, so it is my sincere hope she would be available to do so were the offer extended. Also, I just wanted to mention that the only reason I was so well-versed on the true nature of Scotty and Lee’s relationship is because one day whilst viewing the soap over summer break at the home of a friend, I was remarking to her about the striking resemblance between the two actors who portrayed the Baldwins, and her great aunt—who was present at the time—explained how the characters really weren’t related at all and further apprised me of their interesting history….therefore, that notion has stuck in my mind forever. What can I say? Just another fine example of the things both great and small that my much respected elders have taught me. Thanks again for your greatly appreciated compliments, “Kind Sir,” and here’s wishing you (and your loved ones…) a most joyous and blessed Easter! Later, my friend!
Shay, please forgive me for not replying sooner. I want you to know that I appreciate your further comments and explanation of your tribute to Peter Hansen. Again, your thoughtful and respectful analysis is spot on! I like the lovely, lilting, legitimate “Luke and Laura-laced 80’s” line, being a fan of alliteration myself!
But to a larger sense, your nod to the maturity and honor of the Lee and Gail characters is so true and apt. We need these moral centers in our shows. Yes, you can have the villains and sometimes give them shades of gray (50 anyone?), but even in real life (as you experienced with your elders), there are still honest, decent people who always try to do the right thing. That type of character can exist on a soap, and it doesn’t have to be boring. Take care, Friend!
“Gentleman James”….You need never apologize for failing to make a “rapid response!” We all have “real lives” to lead…and this little slice of “soap heaven” is but a guilty pleasure that most of us must take in necessarily small doses! However, having said that, what a lovely man you are! I always appreciate your gracious and thoughtful remarks…for me, they are highly reminiscent of those I would frequently receive from one of my all-time favorite English teachers…very elegantly put and extremely exacting in their expression. I would certainly not be surprised were you to have a similar profession, although it could also be that you simply share my love of and respect for the written word! Regardless, I consider your comments both treats and treasures…please keep up the fine work of gracing these threads with your wonderful recollections from daytime dramas past and charming convictions that characters with “moral centers” are not a passe’ concept. Once again, thank you for (all of) your generous sentiments….take care, my friend!
P.S. As for your most complimentary observation regarding my use of “alliteration,” I do plead guilty to loving that particular literary device…sometimes to the extreme, I must admit! (But thank you, James, for noticing our mutual affection for it….) I’m also quite fond of “assonance” and prone to the occasional overuse of “onomatopoeia,” as well!!!
Shay, thanks a million for your generous and kind words… You are extremely classy and benevolent. Isn’t it great how you can make someone’s day even by making online comments to someone you’ve never met? You’ve done that for me, Shay… Thanks! My long-term occupation is editor/writer, so your hunch was correct. 🙂
I feel that I don’t have much to add to most of these discussions as my soap viewing is minimal at best… But I don’t mind sharing an occasional observation of “daytime dramas past,” as such memories are happy and cathartic for me.
As always, I appreciate your terrific insights and analysis! I hope to check in more often to enjoy your contributions.
PS: I had to look up both “assonance” and “onomatopoeia.” Thanks for the education, and take care, Friend!
Rest In Peace my sweet friend when actors were truly actors
General Hospital
Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn
Some very intriguing casting news out of General Hospital. The ABC daytime drama has cast former Santa Barbara favorite, Lane Davies (ex-Mason Capwell), in the role of Fergus Byrne, an attorney who crosses paths with Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn).
According to TV Insider, Davies will make debut the week of May 22nd. As soap fans know, together with the aforementioned Grahn, they created the Santa Barbara supercouple of Mason and Julia Wainwright. Davies portrayed Mason Capwell family from 1984 through 1989.
Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time in Port Charles for Lane. From 2002-2004 he played Dr. Cameron Lewis and also shared on-screen story with Grahn. At that time Davies, played Xander Smith’s father.
Photo: NBC
GH fans are wondering about the last name of Davies new character, “Bryne”. If you recall, Alexis got herself involved with therapist Dr. Neil Bryne, who died when Harmony broke into Alexis‘ house and killed Neil by injecting him with opioids.
Photo:
Taking to her Instagram, Grahn shared her excitement at the upcoming on-screen reunion with Davies, “It never gets old. We do 😂…. but it doesn’t 😍. Lookin’ forward to another romp.”
So, what do you think about Lane Davies returning to GH to play an attorney in Alexis’ orbit? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nikolas Gets an Earful from Ava About Sonny and His Meds; Nina and Drew Can’t Seem to Resist Each Other
Ava (Maura West) seems to feel she has a confidante in a jailed Nikolas (Adam Huss) on the Monday, April 29th episode of General Hospital. In story, Ava heads to Pentonville to visit her ex-husband before he is set to get transferred out of state.
When discussing her living relationship with Sonny (Maurice Benard), which Nikolas already knew about, Ava says she is happy about how her relationship with Sonny has been evolving, Nikolas ask if she’s in love with Sonny. Ava denies it, but goes on to say how great it is for her daughter, Avery to be living with both her parents, who are on the same side and not at odds.
Nikolas believes that Ava loves being in Sonny’s inner sanctum and the power that comes with it. Ava fires back that she spent years looking in from the outside and that everyone despised her. When Nikolas brings up Nina (Cynthia Watros), she says Nina never really could understand the true type of man that Sonny is.
Courtesy/ABC
Then, Ava launches in on Carly (Laura Wright), and how she would love to stick it to her, for all the times she blocked Ava from seeing her child and Carly’s attitude towards her. Then, Ava admits to Nikolas that she knows that Sonny has a watered-down version of his bipolar medication, which is making him more vulnerable and she’s capitalizing on it for her own gain. She says she needs to figure out who is responsible, but Nikolas voices concern for Ava’s plan and that if Sonny ever found out she knew about it and did nothing, he would be on the warpath against her. Ava promises she knows what she’s doing. When she says goodbye to Nikolas, he looks upset and sad, as he still seemingly cares for Ava.
Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile in Drew’s (Cameron Mathison) office, Nina walks in complaining about Carly giving her a hard time about maintenance in her office. Nina wants payback for Jason (Steve Burton) buying Carly the hotel, but Drew is not up for playing games with her. She says they both want revenge on Jason and Carly, which Drew denies. Next thing you know, Nina grabs Drew and kisses him. Although, it seems he might walk out the door and away from her, he locks it, and the two proceed to have round 2 of their hate-sex.
Courtesy/ABC
Elsewhere, Anna tells Jason about her shooting Charlotte and her concern about Valentin’s (James Patrick Stuart) involvement with Pikeman. Meanwhile, Valentin visits Jack Brennan (Charles Mesure) in Pentonville, where threats are laid out to make Sonny look like the guilty party in eliminating Jason, while Anna is the line of fire, if she doesn’t keep her nose out of Pikeman business, which worries Valentin, who doesn’t want Anna getting hurt in any of this.
So, what do you think about Ava’s plans? Did you like seeing Nikolas back on the canvas? Are you all for a Drew/Nina continued affair? Will Anna get caught in the crossfire only to be saved by Valentin? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
Breaking News
Haley Pullos Receives 90-Day Jail Sentence Following DUI Charge And Wrong-Way Car Crash
Former General Hospital actress, Haley Pullos (ex-Molly Lansing-Davis) is going to be doing time in jail, exactly one-year after her arrest from a hit and run wrong-way car collision.
The crash resulted in bodily harm and damages to the other driver, and now Pullos who pleaded “no contest” to the charges and will serve 90 days in jail. She was taken in custody on Monday, April 29th, after the ruling.
According to Haley’s attorney, Mark Daniel Melnick, the 25-year-old actress struck a plea deal and after her three months in jail will be sentenced on July 29th. As part of that sentencing, she must serve five years probation, 200 hours of community service and pay $8,260 in restitution to Courteney Wilder, the other driver in the crash and her driver’s license is revoked for a year.
Courtesy/ABC
According to TMZ, the plea deal for Pullos has the “no contest” to one DUI, while the judge dropped the felony DUI causing bodily injury and misdemeanor hit and run charges.
Melnick said in a statement to PEOPLE, “Haley is very grateful to the court for a minimum sentence and for recognizing her remorse and the strides she has made in her sobriety.”
Pullos had played the daughter of Alexis Davis (played by Nancy Lee Grahn) on the ABC soap opera since 2009, but after her car crash and DUI she was replaced by three different actresses until the show finally settled on the current Molly, Kristen Vaganos.
Photo: Pasadena PD
Back in April 29 of 2023, and at the scene of the crash, the police found edibles and mini-bottles of tequila in Pullos’ vehicle and that she was intoxicated. As it turned out, this was to be the second hit and run in the evening for Pullos who had an earlier collision with another car.
The courts decision follows a year-long legal battle with Haley’s pleas changing throughout it, ranging from “not guilty” to “no contest”. She sought treatment for her drinking at a rehab following the crash.
Nancy Lee Grahn, who portrayed Pullos’ on-screen mom took to X on Monday night, April 29th and shared on the sentence and the specific jail, Haley will be serving time: “As Haley’s TV mom I can tell some truths about her as I’ve loved her since she was little girl. She made a HUGE mistake, knows it, owns it & has spent the last yr doing EVERYTHING imaginable to take responsibility 4 it. It’s not that I oppose jail. It’s that I oppose this jail.” The jail in question by Grahn is the L.A. county jail.
So, what do you think about Haley Pullos serving a 90-days jail sentence, and the other rulings that will be part of her sentencing? Comment below.
Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’
Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn
Christopher Cousins Makes His Y&R Debut: What Were Your First Impressions of Alan Laurent?
The Bold and the Beautiful Celebrates 12 Daytime Emmy Nominations (Photos)
One Life to Live Alum Jonathan Groff Receives 2024 Tony Award Nomination for Leading Actor in a Musical
Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
GH’s Laura Wright Previews How Carly Gets Clued-In to Sonny’s Behavior: “All the Questions That Anybody Would Have, We Hit on Them”
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: EJ is on the Warpath After Finding Out Sloan’s Baby Is Not Hers!
Serena Scott Thomas to Days of our Lives, But What Role Will She Play?
Lane Davies Joins the Cast of General Hospital Setting up a ‘Santa Barbara’ Reunion with Nancy Lee Grahn
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Deacon and Finn Make a Shocking Discovery and Find Sheila
GH’s Laura Wright Previews How Carly Gets Clued-In to Sonny’s Behavior: “All the Questions That Anybody Would Have, We Hit on Them”
(INTERVIEW) Y&R’s Eric Braeden Chats on His First Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination in 20 Years, Why He Entered the Race After Voting Reform, and His Enduring Legacy as Victor Newman
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: EJ is on the Warpath After Finding Out Sloan’s Baby Is Not Hers!
(INTERVIEW) B&B’s Scott Clifton Chats On His Lead Actor Emmy-Nominated Scenes, Reluctance to Submit for Several Years, and the Honor to be Named with His Co-Stars
-
As The World TurnsApril 27, 2024Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
-
General HospitalApril 29, 2024GH’s Laura Wright Previews How Carly Gets Clued-In to Sonny’s Behavior: “All the Questions That Anybody Would Have, We Hit on Them”
-
General HospitalApril 22, 2024Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
-
Breaking NewsApril 25, 2024REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 28, 2024DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: EJ is on the Warpath After Finding Out Sloan’s Baby Is Not Hers!
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 27, 2024Serena Scott Thomas to Days of our Lives, But What Role Will She Play?