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
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Have Their Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
On General Hospital, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) both were treated to Bachelorette and Bachelor parties to shake off any of those pre-wedding jitters. At The Savoy, the ladies have a touching and fun time with Brook Lynn.
The bride-to-be gives a speech to thank everyone for coming, while Lois lets everyone know to try the signature cocktail the “Brooklynn Chaser”, which gets everybody eventually and mostly, drunk.
When Tracy (Jane Elliot) questions Lois (Rena Sofer) as to why there is no music for the party, Lois realizes she forgot, and somehow, who does she call to the rescue? Spinelli (Bradford Anderson)! Saving the day, he winds up playing some tunes and later gets on the dance floor to ‘shake it off’ with the gals.
Photo: ABC
Lois makes a speech as the mother of the bride, and shares how proud she is of the woman Brook Lynn has become. Wedding games begin, including one of “hot potato” with a wedding bouquet.
When it’s time for the “Silly Poses” section of the party, Spinelli has now morphed from DJ to staff photographer taking memorable photos of the ladies to remember the evening by.
Photo: ABC
The best part of the event, was when Brook Lynn tries to get her grandmother Tracy out on the dance floor, which, at first, she refuses. After several of the guests bust a move, a tipsy Tracy joins the dance party after Joss mentions that if her grandmother Bobbie was here, she would dance. Tracy says “she agrees” and begins to cut a rug on the floor, much to the delight of the other women.
Photo: ABC
In the final moments, a tipsy Joss and Kristina (Kate Mansi) have a confrontation about Sonny, and Joss lets Kristina in more on Sonny’s behavior, which looks to have clued in Kristina a bit more as to how something is way off about her dad.
Photo: ABC
Across town at the Hatchett Bar, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and the men with the exception of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), all attend Chase’s Bachelor Party where throwing hatchets into a dart board for supremacy is the order of the day. Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ned (Wally Kurth) get into some words over ELQ, while Dante makes a toast to his police partner, Chase.
Photo: ABC
Suddenly Dex (Evan Hofer) shows up. Chase thanks Dex for coming, but Dex gets some dirty looks from other cops on the force. Dante gives Chase his present, which is a signed baseball by the Boston Red Sox.
Ned (Wally Kurth) makes a speech that although no one is good enough for his daughter, Brook Lynn, Chase has come closer than anyone has, so welcome to the family. Running in at the end is Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez), who just left Brook Lynn’s party, and she toasts her singing partner, Chase, and to the great man that he is.
Photo: ABC
What did you think of Brook Lynn and Chase’s pre-wedding celebrations? What was your favorite moment? Comment below.
General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
As previously reported, Cameron Mathison (Drew, General Hospital) will be seen doing double duty this summer when he premieres in June as the host of Game Show Network’s Beat The Bridge.
Now, while Cameron will be the host with the most, that doesn’t mean he will stop playing GH’s Drew. In fact, Mathison taped the game show in 2023, so it will now air for the first time in 2024.
Taking to his Instagram this week, Cameron shared his enthusiasm and some new hosting snaps, sharing, “Our newest game show host reporting for duty😎 Head over to the Game Show Network YouTube channel for your first look at the show and don’t miss Beat The Bridge premiering this June! I can’t wait for you guys to see this!”
Photo: GSN
In Beat The Bridge, an enormous interactive bridge dares players to cross by stepping on the right answers to challenging trivia questions. As they play, each steps forward and puts money in their team’s bank, with bonus money for each successful crossing. Here’s the catch: the team gets to keep the money only if it can “beat the bridge” by returning one of its players back across before time expires.
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, on GH, Drew and Nina (Cynthia Watros) recently had hate-sex. Do you think its a one-time deal? Where will Drew’s story take him next under new head writers, Patrick Mulcahey and Elizabeth Korte? Stay tuned.
Now below, check out the first promo for Beat The Bridge from the Game Show Network with you host, Cameron Mathison. Then, let us know, will you be checking out the game this summer? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
View this post on Instagram
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
Looks like Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Ava (Maura West) are back to be each other’s sworn enemy number one. By the end of the Monday, April 22nd episode of General Hospital, the women know where they stand with each other after Nina goes in on Ava accusing her of wanting Sonny (Maurice Benard) all to herself, while her marriage has been on the rocks.
In story, at Nina’s office, Ava shows up to see Nina and says she is sorry about what happened with Sonny and that he reacted the way he did, acknowledging that is was over the top, even for Sonny. Ava says she’ll smooth things over, but Nina says she now understands how manipulative and transparent Ava really is.
Given their horrible history, Nina goes in on Ava and how she should never have trusted her. Nina wants to know how long has Ava had this agenda dating all the way back to telling Nina to turn Carly (Laura Wright) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) into the SEC. Ava says she never told her do to that, but Nina wants to know how long Ava has been playing her for a fool.
Courtesy/ABC
Ava says she moved in with Sonny to keep Avery safe and she wants to be on good terms with Avery’s father, Sonny. Nina thinks she likes being in Sonny’s inner circle. Ava tells Nina if she goes to him about her advising Nina to call the SEC on Carly and Drew, it won’t work. Sonny still considers Nina a traitor and he will think she’s lying because she’s so desperate to win him back. Ava says if Nina would stop blaming everyone else that maybe Sonny would respect her. Nina says “like he does you?” Ava says Sonny not only respects her, but he also counts on her.
From there, Ava launches into why she and Sonny understand each other, after all, Sonny is a powerful, turbulent, and sometimes violent man. She goes so far to say if Nina wanted someone to just sit by the fire with and play with their grandchildren, she’s got the wrong guy. Ava then talks about Mike from Nixon Falls (Sonny with amnesia) and how Sonny hid the darkest parts of himself from Nina back then, whereas with Ava they are the same similar creatures, so he doesn’t have to hide anything.
Courtesy/ABC
Nina wants to know just what Ava wants with Sonny? What is her end game? Ava responds that they understand each other, in ways she can’t with Sonny. Nina tells Ava she can go ahead and have it all and signs Sonny’s divorce papers. Ava walks out with the documents, while Nina in tears at her desk, takes off her wedding rings and has her assistant come in so she can messenger the rings back to Sonny’s address.
The episode and these scenes featured great performances by Cynthia Watros and Maura West. You can check some of the scenes below.
Now, let us know, what is Ava’s next move? Is she going to become Mrs. Sonny Corinthos? Do you like Ava and Nina as enemies? Comment below.
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