Doug Sheehan, the beloved actor known for his iconic roles on “General Hospital” and “Knots Landing,” has passed away at the age of 75. Sheehan died peacefully on June 29 at his home in Big Horn, Wyoming, with his wife by his side, as announced by Kane Funeral Home. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born on April 27, 1949, in Santa Monica, California, Sheehan’s journey into the world of acting began with a 1978 appearance on “Charlie’s Angels.” However, it was his role as lawyer Joe Kelly on the daytime soap opera “General Hospital” that catapulted him to fame. Sheehan joined the cast in 1979 and appeared in 205 episodes until 1982. His portrayal of Joe Kelly earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series.
Following his success on “General Hospital,” Sheehan transitioned to the role of reporter Ben Gibson on the CBS soap opera “Knots Landing,” a spinoff of “Dallas.” He appeared in 115 episodes from 1983 to 1988, becoming a fan favorite. His character, Ben Gibson, was the second husband of Valene Ewing, played by Joan Van Ark. Sheehan’s departure from the show in 1988 left a lasting impact on fans, as his character’s storyline took him to South America, never to return.
In addition to his work on soap operas, Sheehan starred in the NBC sitcom “Day by Day” from 1988 to 1989. The show, created by Andy Borowitz and Gary David Goldberg, featured Sheehan as Brian Harper, a stockbroker who, along with his wife Kate (played by Linda Kelsey), runs a daycare center. The series also starred Christopher Daniel Barnes as their teenage son, Ross.
Sheehan’s versatility as an actor was evident in his portrayal of Mel Horowitz, Cher’s father, on the UPN sitcom “Clueless,” based on the popular movie. He took over the role from Michael Lerner after the first season, bringing his unique charm to the character.
Throughout his career, Sheehan made guest appearances on numerous television shows, including “Cheers,” “Columbo,” “MacGyver,” and “Diagnosis Murder.” His final screen roles were in 2003, where he appeared as Sabrina’s father, Edward Gibson, in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and in a guest role on “What I Like About You.”
Sheehan also had a presence on the big screen, appearing in three films: “10” (1979) starring Bo Derek and Dudley Moore, “Victor/Victoria” (1982), and “Cops n Roberts” (1995).
Doug Sheehan’s death has been mourned by fans and colleagues alike. Social media was flooded with tributes, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) noting, “He hadn’t been on #GH in 42 years, and the fans never forgot him and never stopped asking for his return. Not only is it impressive, but a testament to Doug Sheehan.”
Another fan wrote, “Very sad to hear that actor Doug Sheehan, whom I enjoyed very much on Knots Landing and who was also on General Hospital, has died. He was 75 years old. #ripdougsheehan.”
Sheehan’s career was marked by his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres and roles, from daytime dramas to primetime sitcoms. His talent and dedication to his craft left an indelible mark on the television industry.
In a 1989 interview on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” Sheehan reflected on his career, saying, “Hollywood, as we all know, is not run by the producers, it’s run by casting directors. Casting directors never watch what you’re on…so I’ve spent my whole time sort of breaking down the walls, with the daytime, the night time, and half-hour comedy. They don’t know if I can do full-hour comedy yet, so I have to break through.”
Doug Sheehan’s legacy extends beyond his on-screen performances. He was a US military veteran, having served in the US Army, as noted by the online encyclopedia aggregator Encyclopedia.com.
Sheehan is survived by his wife, Cate Abert, whom he married in 1981. The couple shared a deep bond, and Cate was by his side until the end.
Doug Sheehan’s contributions to the world of television will be remembered by fans and colleagues for years to come. His ability to bring characters to life with authenticity and charm made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. As fans continue to celebrate his work, Doug Sheehan’s legacy will live on through the memorable roles he portrayed and the impact he had on the world of television.
Source: Kane Funeral Home, Encyclopedia.com, X (formerly Twitter)
