Legendary Actor Passes Away at His Home in Big Horn, Wyoming

Doug Sheehan, known for his role as Joe Kelly on the renowned soap opera “General Hospital,” died suddenly at the age of 75. Fans are mourning the loss of this TV legend.

The star “passed away peacefully” at his home in Big Horn, Wyoming, according to an announcement from the Kane Funeral Home on its website. The funeral home noted that Doug died “with his loving wife, Cate Abert, at his side.”

No further details have been provided, and the cause of death is currently unknown.

Fans of the beloved actor took to social media to mourn his death a week after the sad news spread.

One person wrote on X on July 8: “Very sad news.”

“I loved him as Joe. There were some sweet times between Ben and Val, but I always wanted Gary and Val. Too many beloved soap vets are leaving us,” wrote another.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Doug Sheehan’s family during this sad time. From 1979 to 1982, he played Joe Kelly on General Hospital. It makes me so sad to hear this. I will miss him,” said a third.

“Sorry to see that General Hospital and Knots Landing alum Doug Sheehan has passed,” added a fourth. “I met him at a press event many years ago, and I recall him being just as amiable as his on-screen persona suggested he was.”

“Oh no, another great actor from General Hospital has died. The funny, nice, and very skilled Doug Sheehan. Served as Joe Kelly. Besides Knots Landing, he did a lot of other work as well. May he rest in peace,” wrote another.

Doug Sheehan, renowned for his roles on *General Hospital* and *Knots Landing*, appeared in over 100 episodes of each series.

A Life Made for TV

Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1949, Doug’s acting career began with a guest appearance on *Charlie’s Angels* in 1978. He quickly became a fixture on *General Hospital*, portraying lawyer Joe Kelly in an impressive 205 episodes from 1979 to 1982. His performance earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series.

Doug’s career continued to flourish with numerous TV roles, including a notable part on CBS’s *Dallas* spinoff *Knots Landing*. He played reporter Ben Gibson from 1983 to 1988. His character’s departure to South America in Season 8 marked the end of his tenure on the show.

Doug Sheehan discussed the challenges of TV fame and breaking into the mainstream during an appearance on *The Arsenio Hall Show* in 1989. He noted, “No one in Hollywood is in charge of making movies; casting directors are in charge. People who do casting never look at what you’re doing… In the daytime, at night, and on the half-hour, I’ve spent my whole time breaking down walls. They aren’t sure if I can do funny shows for an hour yet, so I need to make a name for myself.”

While Doug’s acting career predominantly flourished on television, he never quite transitioned to a major movie role. His film credits include *10* (1979), *Victor/Victoria* (1982), and *Cops n Roberts* (1995).

In the 1990s, Doug appeared as Cher’s dad in the TV adaptation of *Clueless*, a role that extended his connection to the beloved movie of the same name.

Doug Sheehan was also known for his lead role as Gary David Goldberg in the NBC comedy *Day by Day* from 1988 to 1989. His television appearances extended to guest roles on *Cheers*, *Columbo*, *MacGyver*, and *Diagnosis Murder*.

In his later career, Doug appeared in *What I Like About You* and *Sabrina the Teenage Witch*, where he played Sabrina’s (Melissa Joan Hart) father.

Doug was married to Cate Abert at the time of his passing. The couple did not have any children together.