Doug Sheehan, known for his role in General Hospital, passed away suddenly at 75, leaving fans mourning the loss of a TV legend. Doug portrayed Joe Kelly on the iconic soap opera and “passed away peacefully” at his home in Big Horn, Wyoming, with his loving wife Cate Abert by his side, according to Kane Funeral Home. Fans expressed their grief on social media following the announcement. One person wrote, “Very sad news,” while another shared, “I loved him as Joe.” A third fan noted, “
Too many beloved soap vets are leaving us,” and a fourth person reflected on meeting Doug at a press event, recalling his amiable nature. Another lamented, “The funny, nice, and very skilled Doug Sheehan served as Joe Kelly.”
Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1949, Doug’s acting career began with an episode of Charlie’s Angels in 1978. He then became a regular on General Hospital, appearing in 205 episodes from 1979 to 1982 and earning a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series. Doug also starred in CBS’s Dallas spinoff Knots Landing, playing reporter Ben Gibson from 1983 to 1988. Despite a successful TV career, Doug never broke into the mainstream film industry, with minor roles in movies like 10 (1979), Victor/Victoria (1982), and Cops n Roberts (1995).
In a 1989 episode of The Arsenio Hall Show, Doug discussed the challenges of transitioning from TV to film, noting that casting directors often overlook TV actors. He emphasized his continuous effort to prove his versatility across different genres. In the 1990s, Doug played Cher’s father in the TV series Clueless and had roles in Cheers, Columbo, MacGyver, and Diagnosis Murder. His final acting roles included appearances in What I Like About You and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, where he played Sabrina’s father.
Doug’s personal life included his marriage to Cate Abert, with whom he had no children. His legacy in television and his impact on fans and colleagues will be remembered fondly
