Gina Heslop
Legendary actor Doug Sheehan passed away at the age of 75 in his home in Big Horn, Wyoming. Known for his role as Joe Kelly on the famous soap opera “General Hospital,” Doug’s sudden death has left fans mourning the loss of a television icon. The news of his passing was shared by Kane Funeral Home, which noted that Doug died “peacefully” with his loving wife, Cate Abert, by his side. As of now, no further details have been provided about the cause of his death.
Doug Sheehan was cherished by fans for his memorable performances on “General Hospital” and the CBS drama “Knots Landing.” On “General Hospital,” Doug played the character Joe Kelly from 1979 to 1982, appearing in an impressive 205 episodes. His portrayal of Joe Kelly earned him a nomination for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series. Later, he joined the cast of “Knots Landing” as reporter Ben Gibson, a role he held from 1983 to 1988.
Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1949, Doug’s acting career began with a guest appearance on “Charlie’s Angels” in 1978. This marked the start of a prolific television career that spanned several decades. In addition to his roles on “General Hospital” and “Knots Landing,” Doug appeared on various TV shows, including “Cheers,” “Columbo,” “MacGyver,” “Diagnosis Murder,” and “The Arsenio Hall Show,” where he discussed the challenges of breaking into mainstream Hollywood.
Doug’s film career was less prominent, with notable appearances in “10” (1979), “Victor/Victoria” (1982), and “Cops n Roberts” (1995). He also played Cher’s dad in the TV adaptation of “Clueless” in the 1990s and starred in the NBC comedy “Day by Day” from 1988 to 1989. His final roles included appearances on “What I Like About You” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” where he played Sabrina’s father.
Fans took to social media to express their grief and fond memories of Doug Sheehan. Many recalled his warm personality and the lasting impact of his performances. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on July 8, “Very sad news. I loved him as Joe.” Another fan shared, “My thoughts and prayers are with Doug Sheehan’s family during this sad time. He will be missed.”
