General Hospital

General Hospital Daytime Emmy Winner, Peter Hansen Dead At 95

April 11, 2017

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!

Related Topics:daytime emmys death General Hospital Kin Shriner Lee Baldwin Peter Hansen

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Guest

Tay

I have really missed having Lee on canvas and hope GH pays him an appropriate rememberance

Guest

dmr

It would be nice if TPTB wrote his death in, and had Scotty have a flashback montage-the long-time viewers love flashback scenes!

Guest

su0000

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 ..

Guest

davlestev1

R.I.P. Peter Hansen..I watched you for years and years. .Peter and Gail forever! !

Guest

davlestev1

Meant to say Lee and Gal.

Guest

davlestev1

Gail..sorry

Guest

nancy dillingham

Great actor. Total pro, it appeared. Memorable character. My sympathies.

Guest

Max Daddee

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.

Guest

jaybird369

Peter Hansen was such a wonderful and versatile actor.

Rest In Peace.

Amen.

Guest

James R. Poissant

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!!!

Guest

Steve

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.

Guest

Charday

Great idea, Steve. Wouldn’t it be great to bring back Gail Baldwin for a cameo?!

Guest

dmr

I was hoping that too..

Guest

Patricio

Oh yes ! Great post! Mr Valentini has so much respect for soap viewers he will get it in there.

Guest

Timmm

Good idea James.

Guest

Michelle

It would be so very nice if they did.

Guest

Jimh(leave it to beaver)

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!!!

Guest

Timmm

Scotty Baldwin is a little less today without his father. Peter was so good on GH. Rest Peter!

Guest

Jamesj75

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… Read more »

Guest

Jamesj75

I left out Lee Baldwin’s work as an attorney and his numerous, dramatic courtroom scenes.

Guest

Jimh(leave it to beaver)

Nicely said…

Guest

Jamesj75

Thanks, Jim!

Guest

jaybird369

James…Brother…as always, your knowledge about the history of GH IS SO SPOT ON!!!!! TOTALLY!!!!!

LATER, GATOR!!!!!

Peace.

Guest

Jamesj75

Thanks, Jay!

Guest

vinman

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.

Guest

Jamesj75

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… Read more »

Guest

Patricio

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!

Guest

Jamesj75

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… Read more »

Guest

rebecca1

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.

Guest

Llanviewer717

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.… Read more »

Guest

Iakovos

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!

Guest

Patricio

Thank you Ialos for bringing my memory of that great relationship with Gail.

Guest

mark

He was a gorgeous silver fox!!!! Love him on GH and on that episode of golden girls he did!

Guest

nancy dillingham

Oh, I remember them well. “Those were the days”! 🙂

Guest

aria

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…

Guest

Nik

Wow, what a great actor, R.I.P.

Guest

Shay

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… Read more »

Guest

Jamesj75

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!

Guest

Shay

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,… Read more »

Guest

Jamesj75

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… Read more »

Guest

Shay

“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… Read more »

Guest

Shay

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!!!

Guest

Jamesj75

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… Read more »

Guest

k/kay

Rest In Peace my sweet friend when actors were truly actors

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July 19, 2021

Joseph Behar was heavyweight director in daytime drama having worked on both Days of our Lives and General Hospital and now comes word of his passing. Behar passed away on June 26th at the age of 94.

According to his obit, he died at his home in Manhattan Beach, California.

Joe spent the the bulk of his career directing Days of Our Lives and General Hospital. He actually directed the pilot episode of General Hospital back in 1963, then came back the ABC daytime drama series 30 years later to direct it for more than 10 more years,.

Along the way, he won 5 Daytime Emmys for his work on GH, and had won six overall throughout his career. He continued directing until his retirement back in 2005.

Behar’s career started on the Ernie Kovacs Show and he also directed Let’s Make a Deal. and more.

Photo: JPI

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn and his sons, Jeffrey, Steven and Greg Behar and his grandchildren, Alex, Mallory, Niko and Lydia.

Watch an interview with Joe via the TV Academy on his career including working with Frances Reid (Ex-Alice, DAYS), the pace of directing in daytime and more below.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Joe and his family in the comment section.

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Photo: japastuTwitter

Fans of General Hospital, always love when James performs at the Nurses Ball’ but now here, Stuart delivers several original songs with his unique vocal style that make it unmistakable JPS.

Check out a preview of the album below.

Now, let us know if you will be adding “Clean Slate” to your playlists and more via the comment section below.

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For weeks, Austin has seemed to be fixated on Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) and the Q’s and now with this cliffhanger of a reveal we know why.

At a key family business meeting at the Q’s, Scott (Kin Shriner) who now seems in cahoots with Austin for a piece of the Quartermaine pie, brings Austin to the gathering.

When Austin arrives, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) looks none-to-pleased! She clearly knows the guy. When Michael struts up to Austin asking who he is and what is he doing here … Austin introduced himself as Austin Gaitlin-Holt. Michael and everyone else look a bit perplexed as we fade to black.

However, GH history buffs know that Jimmy Lee Holt was the son of Edward Quartermaine and his mistress Beatrice LeSuer. Jimmy Lee did some pretty reprehensible things while he was in Port Charles. When he left he married Charity Gaitlin. Upon the death of Edward Q. back in 2012, Jimmy Lee was left out of his inheritance. Therein must lie some of the story…. and now Roger Howarth fans eagerly await to see how this new doctor in town and Quartermaine turns out to be. Will he be a bad boy, or a misunderstood good guy? We shall see.

So, what did you think of Austin being revealed to be Austin Gaitlin-Holt? Share your thoughts in the comment section, and also cast your vote in our poll on Roger’s new character below.