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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

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Hesitate to Sign Divorce Papers, Elizabeth Reveals Aiden’s Leaving For Paris, Willow Flashes Back to Her Crimes

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Brook Lynn and Chase

As the week came to a conclusion on the Friday, October 23 episode of General Hospital, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) wrestled with becoming an empty-nester, while Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Monet (Blythe Howard) conspired to keep Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Ric (Rick Hearst) at legal bay, and Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) frozen relationship thawed, but how much?

Let’s take a look! First, in a moment that was written to bring Liz and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) closer, the GH head nurse is wistful over the fact that she just learned that her talented bakery chef son, Aiden, secretly earned his GED and got into a prestigious pastry school in France and to top it off received a scholarship to attend the school.

Liz is concerned that allowing him to go wasn’t the smartest move because of his young age. Dante suggested that maybe it’s her fear of being alone that is causing her to feel hesitant for Aiden to go abroad. He shared a story about the support her received from Olivia when he moved away from home for the first time; that he understood mothers and sons are close, but she needed to let him go build his own life.

Elizabeth

Courtesy/ABC

After coming to terms with it, she revealed that Aiden is leaving in four days and had to make cupcakes for the Halloween party, Dante offered to help her do the baking. They smile. So, what this means to GH fans? All of Liz sons: Cameron, Jake, Aiden are all now officially off the canvas!

WILLOW VS. LULU

At Miller & Davis, Willow strolls in to meet Monet to go over their strategy in their meeting with Ric and Lulu. While discussing their next move, Willow flashes back to the night she shot Drew (Cameron Mathison) twice in the back, and then later, how she first stuck a needle in his neck to use the paralytic drug that kept him in a locked-in state for months.

Willow

Courtesy/ABC

When Ric and Lulu arrive, the four end up in a stalemate. Willow refused to drop the lawsuit, and Lulu refused to retract the story on her. Willow’s stance is that Lulu had been manipulated by the Quartermaines, who wanted to take her children away, so Michael can have sole custody of them. Lulu fired back that she was doing her job as an investigative reporter to expose crimes perpetrated by a congresswoman.

Now at an impasse, Ric and Lulu tell Monet and Willow they will see them in court as now a judge will hear the case. Not what Ric wanted that to happen, but now he tells Lulu, they will figure out a way to bring Willow down.

DIVORCE BLUES?

Finally, Chase and Brook Lynn head to the Dominican Republic to get a quickie divorce after how their lawyers dredged up awful things about both of them in Port Charles. While on the plane, the two discuss that they still want each other to be happy.

Once in front of the judge in the Dominican Republic, he asked if the two were mutually consenting to this divorce, but instead, the two sang each others praises.

This left the judge to ask if the two wanted to go through with ending their marriage and he left the room. Later, when he returned with the divorce documents to sign, Chase and Brook Lynn stared at each other hesitating to sign on the dotted line.

So, what do you think will happen next? Will Brook Lynn and Chase end their marriage, or decide to try to make it a go? Is it upsetting to you that all of Elizabeth’s sons are off the canvas? Should the soap recast them all, like they did with Alexis’ daughters and restart the story of these young men? Do you think now will be the time that Willow’s crimes will be publicly exposed, and she will lose her kids and her seat in a congress? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS

In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year,  A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.

The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).

The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”

Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.

So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.

The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.

Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC

WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?

Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.

So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?

Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.

Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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