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General Hospital Daytime Emmy Winner, Peter Hansen Dead At 95

By Michael Fairman

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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  legacy. 

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!

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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

Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)

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Maura West and Kelly Sullivan

It was just over 13 years ago on General Hospital when Ava Jerome (Maura West) shot and killed Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri (Kelly Sullivan) in an effort to keep her quiet from revealing that Derek Wells was actually Ava’s back-from-the-dead brother, Julian Jerome (William deVry). It’s a crime that somehow Ava never has quite paid for either.

The episode back aired on August 13, 2013 and viewers had to say goodbye to Kelly Sullivan who played Kate and her alter, Connie. In the story, just before she died, Kate/Connie scrawled the letters AJ in her own blood, initially making the PCPD and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) think that it was AJ Quatermaine (Sean Kanan) who did the deed.

Now, Sullivan recalled sharing scenes with the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning West, during a live conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Kelly was the special guest talking about her recent return to the soaps in her new role as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Darcy Dylan.

Photo: JPI

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MAURA WEST

Speaking of her final GH scenes and working with Maura West, Sullivan gave her then GH co-star major props. “If you’re going to be shot by somebody (on the soaps), you want to be shot by Maura West, c’mon!”

Maura West debuted back in May 2013 as Ava, and Sullivan remembered when the As the World Turns favorite began on GH. “I remember when Maura West first arrived at GH. She walked in with this cute little bob (hairdo) and she’s just delicious,” shared Sullivan.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Kelly revealed more about Maura, adding “I think she’s amazing! I remember right before I left the show, someone suggested, and I would still love to do this with her, if she ever want to, but someone suggested that they wanted to direct the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire with Maura and I, where I would play Stella and she would play Blanche! Wouldn’t that be great?”

Speaking of the Ava/Connie showdown scenes, Sullivan expressed, “On television and on General Hospital specifically, Maura West is able to play a character who does the most horrendous things and you still care about her and that’s the mark of a really great actor. In other words, you’re able to be liked in the midst of the most horrendous things, and as a performer not shying away from that, and to just have the courage to do what’s on the page (in the script).”

Photo: JPI

KELLY SULLIVAN PARTING THOUGHTS AS SHE LEFT GENERAL HOSPITAL

Kelly also shared her sentiments when she walked off the set of General Hospital after her run back in August of 2013. “I really was honored. Every day I would go to work and I would say a little prayer, which is I want to do justice for my character, explained Kelly. “It’s between me and my character. I get to walk this path with her and to leave the show on that note, which is, I left every out there. I just gave it my all and again what an honor it was to play Kate/Connie.”

You can catch the full conversation with Kelly where she talks about her time on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless where she played Sage Warner and now The Bold and the Beautiful below.

So, do you remember the Ava and Connie scenes where Ava shot and killed her? What did you think of Kelly Sullivan’s sentiments about Maura West? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, watch the reveal where Ava recalls murdering Connie below!

 

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General Hospital

Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’

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Steve Burton

The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.

TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.

That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.

Steve Burton

Photo: ABC

STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES

GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.

Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).

Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.

GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS

Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.

Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.

Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.

So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?

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Jason and Britt

On the Friday, September 11 episode of General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship becomes strained to potentially the point of no return.

Things take a turn when an unglued Britt having been traumatized by almost being killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Jason to back her up with the PCPD when she reports Anna for attempted murder.

However, Jason told Britt, he can’t. Jason shares that he does not believe Anna would have gone through with shooting her. Therefore, Britt was not in any real imminent danger. Britt is flabbergasted and hurt that Jason is refusing to tell the police what he actually witnessed for himself on Mount Emerson.

Britt

Courtesy/ABC

BRITT WANTS BACK UP FROM JASON

Jason counters that he can’t believe that Britt would want Anna punished. or sent to prison, or a mental facility after the trauma she endured while being locked up and mentally tortured while at Wyndemere.

He asks Britt, “How could you even say that you want her locked up or prosecuted for what she did when you knew she was being held prisoner and you did nothing to save her?” Britt is stunned by Jason’s response.

Coming up, official General Hospital spoilers share that on the upcoming Monday, September 14 episode, Jason confides in Carly (Laura Wright), while Britt is stung. In the video preview that aired at the end of the Friday, September 11 episode for this coming Monday, Britt says to Jason, “You don’t believe me. Do you?”

General Hospital head scribes, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte previously teased in their fall preview of the soap, “Britt and Jason have come a long way and fought a lot of enemies to be together. But the most stubborn obstacle to their happiness isn’t without, it’s within. Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”

So, what do you think will happen? Will Jason and Britt break-up over Britt’s lies and Jason’s unwillingness to report Anna’s crime against her? Do you want Jason and Britt to go their separate ways? If they do, will Britt become romantically involved with Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) ? If so, who do you pair Jason with? Anyone? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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